Since Spring 2024, Dr. Alex Stewart, Ph.D., has served as a Faculty in Residence at LeTourneau University, stepping into a role designed to strengthen the connection between students and faculty. The Faculty In Residence position exists to create a bridge between academic life and student life, offering mentorship, hospitality, and personal investment beyond the classroom. Through consistent presence and intentional relationships, Dr. Stewart has become a familiar and trusted figure for many students navigating college life.
At its core, the Faculty in Residence role emphasizes personal development, spiritual growth, and meaningful mentorship. Dr. Stewart lives out this mission by opening his home and his schedule to students. Sharing meals, hosting conversations, and inviting students into everyday life are key components of his approach. These moments create space for students to feel known, supported, and valued in ways that go beyond academic advising.
Connection is central to Dr. Stewart’s work. He regularly attends student life events across campus, meeting students where they already are and engaging with them in relaxed, informal settings. Whether he is supporting campus activities, participating in creative outlets such as pottery, or speaking in residence halls, Dr. Stewart prioritizes visibility and accessibility. Each semester, he intentionally mentors five to seven students, both male and female, through one on one relationships. These meetings often include book studies, prayer, and conversations about current life events, allowing students to process their experiences in a supportive and faith centered environment.
Students have responded positively to Dr. Stewart’s presence on campus. Feedback consistently highlights his encouragement and openness, with one recurring sentiment expressed simply as, “Dr. Stewart is approachable.” This approachability has been especially meaningful for students who may feel out of place or disconnected. One female student shared that she often felt like the odd one out on campus, both socially and politically. Through her relationship with Dr. Stewart, she found a space where her perspective was heard and respected, helping her feel less isolated and more confident in her place within the campus community.
Beyond individual relationships, Dr. Stewart’s role also supports broader student engagement. Socially, he encourages students to spend time outside of their dorm rooms and to resist the isolation that can quietly develop during college. He urges students to try intramural sports, join clubs, attend YAC events, and lean into friendships. His guidance reinforces the idea that community is essential to well being and that students do not have to navigate loneliness on their own.
Academically, Dr. Stewart serves as a supportive presence who understands the pressures students face. While his role is not focused on coursework alone, his mentorship helps students develop healthy rhythms, balance responsibilities, and approach their studies with purpose. By connecting academic life with personal and spiritual growth, he models an integrated approach to education that aligns with LeTourneau’s mission.
For Dr. Stewart, the most fulfilling aspect of serving as Faculty in Residence is one on one mentoring. He finds deep reward in witnessing students grow in their identity in Christ. This includes seeing men develop maturity and leadership, as well as walking alongside women as they heal from church hurt or past spiritual challenges. These moments of growth affirm the value of intentional presence and long term investment in students’ lives.
Looking ahead, there is hope to expand the Faculty in Residence model at LeTourneau University. The vision includes offering more opportunities for faculty to live in community with students, further strengthening relationships across campus. The idea of “faculty in community” reflects a commitment to holistic education where learning, faith, and daily life intersect.
Dr. Stewart’s work as Faculty in Residence demonstrates the impact of faculty who are willing to step beyond traditional roles and invest personally in students. Through hospitality, mentorship, and genuine care, he continues to help students feel connected, supported, and encouraged as they grow academically, socially, and spiritually at LeTourneau University.
