Stephen BennettStaff

Stephen Bennett completed his undergraduate studies at Saint John's University, Collegeville, MN, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and a minor in Coaching. Upon graduation in 1989, he accepted a position at Benilde St. Margaret's Junior High School as a 7th grade teacher, campus minister, and coach. During that time, he completed his Master of Arts Degree in Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Mary's University, MN. He was hired as a family therapist and case manager at HealthEast Divine Redeemer Hosptial on the Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Unit. Soon after, he began his doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology at the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. He completed his APA approved pre-doctoral internship in the Counseling Center at Towson University, Maryland. In additon to his clincial training, supervising graduate students, and teaching responsibilities, Stephen developed an extensive consulting relationship with the Towson Athletic Department, working with NCAA Division I athletes, coaches, and teams to enhance mental wellbeing and optimize performance. Upon completing his doctoral training in 1997, Stephen moved back to Minnesota and accepted a position as a Staff Psychologist in the Gustavus Adolphus College Counseling Center. Stephen worked in the Counseling Center for 10-years and was promoted to Assistant Director in 1999 and Director of Counseling in 2002. In 2006, Stephen accepted a position as Assistant Dean of Students, and in 2011 he was promoted to Associate Dean of Students. In his role as Dean, Stephen provided case managemet services for students, coordinated the student assistance and bias response teams, chaired the student conduct board, served as deputy Title IX coordinator, and provided on-call crisis response and intervention services for students. Stephen had the honor of supervising the Counseling Center, Health Service, Alcohol and Drug Education/Peer Assistants, Diversity Center, Campus Activities/Greek Life, and Community-Based Service Learning. He partnered with the Gustavus Health Service to develop the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). As a former Division III soccer player, Stephen developed a passion for college athletics that has fueled his long standing commitment to working with Gustavus student athletes, coaches, and teams to this day.

After 21-years of work in the Student Life Division, Stephen accepted an opportunity to support the mission of Gustavus in a new capacity. In 2018, he joined the Gustavus Advancement team as a Gift Planner. In his current role, Stephen connects the passions and interests of alumni, parents, and friends of Gustavus with opportunities to shape its future through philanthropic support.

Stephen is a licensed psychologist in the State of Minnesota. He is a trained mediator, and also holds a certificate in Educational Management from Harvard University. Stephen completed additional leadership development training through the Whidbey Institute in Clinton, WA and the Thrivent Fellows Program. 

Stephen has been married for 34-years to Sarah. They have three adult children: Samuel, William, and John. His interests include spending time with family, motorcycle riding, playing hockey, relaxing at the family cabin in Hayward Wisconsin, and exploring the beautiful Minnesota North Shore and the BWCA. 

Courses Taught