Eunice Stephens is Chief of Staff to the School of Dentistry.

Here's what Eunice's nominator had to say about her:

"Eunice has been with UCSF for nearly 25 years! She has held an array of various leadership roles over the years. She is an amazing role model, mentor and colleague to many at UCSF. Eunice is extremely accomplished and well-respected by the clinicians and researchers alike. What I appreciate about her the most is, probably, the fact that she is extremely down-to-earth and very approachable. I think this is one of the many reasons for many of Eunice's colleagues, especially women, come to her for her advice, guidance and support."

- Tatiana Urisman, Unit Director 8 South/12 South Surgical Transitional Care Units

Eunice's Bio:

Eunice Stephens is the Chief of Staff for the School of Dentistry.  In her role she provides strategic guidance, advising, and decision making in support of Dean Mike Reddy.  Her role spans strategic academic and resource planning, short and long range policy development, communications and high level program development and execution.

She has been at UCSF for 25 years in a number of roles and has won both the UCSF Great People Award in 2013 and the Chancellor’s Award for Exceptional University Management in 2016.  Prior to her current role, she served as Executive Director of Clinical Research Operations and Administration for UCSF Health and Executive Director of the Office of Clinical Research, which supports UCSF’s porfolio of approximately 3500 clinical trials and the many thousands of patients who are associated with them. 

Her earlier work at UCSF was in various departments including the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), the Marilyn Reed Lucia Child Care Study Center, Department of Anthropology, History & Social Medicine, and Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, and the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS).  Throughout all of her roles her mission has been to provide high quality, efficient, reliable, and effective operational and strategic support that supports excellence in administration, enables faculty and staff to thrive, and improves patient’s lives.

She prefers to keep her office as cold as possible, with windows open even in winter, and can be found listening to jazz or yacht rock when working at her desk.  Her colleagues know she has the best selection of teas around and is always willing to brew visitors a cup.  Following her passion, Eunice leads a biweekly knitting circle open to experts and novices alike.

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career? To a woman entering your field today?

Anything is possible. Sometimes the path not travelled is the most rewarding and fulfilling.  Careers do not follow a script - be open to opportunities. 

How do you think the role of women in the workforce has changed throughout your career?

Women are more of a recognized force today. They have always been working behind the scenes and driving positive change, but today there is a culture of recognition and empowerment where women can have a seat at the table. Just look at the amazing female leaders and colleagues at UCSF Health for an example of this.

Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?

There have been a number of positive female role models and supporters over the years, but I want to call out and recognize Sheila Antrum as an outstanding mentor.  Her strength, resolve, and effectiveness in her role are a continual source of inspiration to me and others (although they are sometimes a little terrifying!).  Support doesn’t just mean telling someone they are doing a good job.  Real support means someone is pushing your growth, and challenging your actions so that you can grow and improve. 

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go? 

Someplace vast, open, and beautiful, with no people, like Mongolia.  Living in the middle of San Francisco, there’s a desire to go to a remote, less traveled location to reconnect.