Uncrowned Community Builders

Robbie Jean Steward is the daughter of retired CMSgt. Herman Roberts and Mrs. Monetta L. Quarles. She is the step-daughter of retired E-7 Climon Quarles. Robbie is a native of Altus, Oklahoma and graduated from that cityââ?¬â?¢s Altus High School with honors. As an Altus student, Robbie was a member of the Altus Band, winning accolades for her performances as a soloist and ensemble member with saxophone and piano. She spent two years in Paris, France where she began her band career. She also was the first black student to serve as a delegate to Oklahoma Girls State.

She received her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Oklahoma and a masterââ?¬â?¢s of education, in counseling psychology from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. She returned to the University of Oklahoma, where she completed studies for her Ph.D. in counseling psychology in 1984.

Dr. Steward has an impressive list of professional accomplishments. She has worked as a counselor, providing individual and group counseling sessions; supervisor, guidance and counseling practicum; and college professor. She has progressed in her academic career, becoming a full professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology and Special Education at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan since 2003. Dr. Steward is a researcher and prolific author, who has written numerous journal articles, book chapters and monographs. She is a sought-after speaker.

Among the numerous special honors sheââ?¬â?¢s received; Dr. Steward was given the Outstanding Contributor Award for the Struggle of Black Americans; was a faculty fellow at the University of Texas; received the University at Kansas NASPA Award for new professional and was nominated for the national NASPA Award; received a $500 research award from the Brown Federation for Educational Equity, Excellence & Research; was awarded $2,000 as the Michigan State University Faculty Excellence in Diversity Award Recipient; awarded ââ?¬Å?Fellowââ?¬ status of the American Psychological Association Division 45. In 2004 Dr. Steward was appointed to the Michigan Board of Counseling by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. At the time of her appointment, the Governor said that she was ââ?¬Å?appointed to represent individuals engaged primarily in teaching, training, or research in counselingââ?¬¦ââ?¬

Dr. Stewardââ?¬â?¢s professional affiliations include: the American Psychological Association; American College Personnel Association; American Counseling Association; National Career Development Association; Michigan Counseling Association; and the Lansing Area Counseling Association.

Dr. Steward is married to Robert Lee Steward III, a regional consultant for General Motors Divisions. The Stewards have one daughter, Astin Devine Steward.