Don Stewart: An Educator's Enduring Legacy
Don Stewart was an educator whose influence spanned decades and touched countless lives. From his leadership roles in higher education to his commitment to mentoring and philanthropy, Stewart dedicated his life to expanding opportunities for others and promoting the importance of education. This article explores the multifaceted career and lasting impact of this remarkable individual.
A Life Dedicated to Education and Service
Don Stewart's career was marked by a deep commitment to education and service. He held several prominent positions, including president of Spelman College, head of the College Board, a director of the New York Times, and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust. These roles provided him with platforms to influence education policy, support institutions, and uplift communities.
Championing Spelman College
Stewart's tenure as president of Spelman College was transformative. Following Dr. Albert Manley and a succession of White women leaders, Stewart became the second Black male president of Spelman. During his time at Spelman, he spearheaded significant advancements in STEM fields, including the establishment of the chemistry and computer science departments, as well as a computer literacy requirement. He also established the school’s honors program and the Women’s Research and Resource Center-the first of its kind for a Black college. His leadership resulted in a surge in the college's commitment to STEM, setting the stage for Spelman students' excellence. Under his leadership, Spelman's robotics team made history in 2005 as the first all-female, all Black undergraduate team to qualify and compete in the International RoboCup four-legged robot soccer competition. He also greatly expanded Spelman’s fundraising and endowment to help ensure its success for the future.
His wife, Isabel Carter Stewart, was an invaluable copartner throughout his tenure at Spelman. Together, they brought new youthful energy to Spelman’s campus and their family’s involvement in Atlanta life brought great visibility to the college throughout the city.
Impact on College Access and Preparation
As head of the College Board, Stewart played a crucial role in shaping college access and preparation for students across the United States. He was responsible for revamping the SAT and launching initiatives to increase minority preparation for it. His work in this area had a direct impact on the educational trajectories of countless students, including those from underserved communities.
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Mentoring and Supporting Urban Prep Academies
Even with his demanding professional responsibilities, Stewart remained deeply committed to mentoring and supporting young people. He was a dedicated supporter of Urban Prep Academies, a network of all-male charter public schools in Chicago. He not only donated personally to Urban Prep but also raised money for the organization, notably through an annual campaign with his fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi (The Boulé).
Stewart initiated a mentoring program at Urban Prep, bringing successful African-American men from various fields to share their life stories and offer guidance to students. These "Success Sessions" became incredibly popular, providing students with invaluable insights and inspiration. He also mentored the founder and CEO of Urban Prep, offering guidance and support.
A Quiet Force for Justice
Stewart's contributions often went unnoticed by the broader public, but his impact was profound. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create opportunities for others and promote equity in education. While he may not be a household name, his legacy as a champion of education and justice will endure.
Educating Our World: Sharing Biblical Truths
Beyond his work in traditional education settings, Don Stewart was also committed to sharing his faith and providing access to religious resources. He led Educating Our World, a ministry focused on educating people about biblical Christianity. The ministry offers free access to 65 books written by Don Stewart, covering a range of subjects related to the Bible, theology, and Christian living.
The books are available in PDF format, allowing them to be easily downloaded, shared, and printed. The ministry's goal is to provide these resources to as many people as possible, free of charge. The subjects these books cover include: The Bible, God, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, The Unseen World (Angels,Satan, Demons), The Bible and Science, The Church, Humanity, Sin, Salvation, The Afterlife, Bible Prophecy, and Christian Living.
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