Dr. Richard A. Stephens

“Exceptional in every way”

April 13, 1925 - June 6, 2017

Dr. Richard Alan Stephens, chairman emeritus of Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California, passed away at his home in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 6, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 92. For those who knew Dr. Stephens, they found him to be a man of great integrity, a beacon of light for his wife Susanne and his children, Elisa and Scott, and a visionary dedicated to making Academy of Art University the top art school in the country. Born in 1925 at St. Luke’s Hospital in San Francisco, Dr. Stephens lived in Paris with his family during which time his father studied art at the Académie Julian. Returning to San Francisco in 1929, Richard Stephens Sr. and his wife Clara founded the Académie of Advertising Art, which would evolve to become the Academy of Art University. Dr. Stephens attended McKinley Grammar School, Burlingame High School and Menlo College before joining the United States Navy in World War II. He served for three years. Following the war, he attended Stanford University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949 and a Master of Arts in education in 1951. That same year, he was appointed president of the Academy. Under Dr. Stephens’ leadership, the curriculum was expanded to include photography, illustration, fine art, graphic design, industrial design, fashion, interior architecture and design, animation, motion pictures and television and acting. Enrollment blossomed from 35 students to 18,000. In 1966, the school became the Academy of Art College. Dr. Stephens’ mantra was “truth in education.” He strongly believed in equal opportunity for all through open access to education. The many lives he touched will be remembered by those whom he mentored. The Academy community expressed their appreciation for his support and leadership over the years — describing him as “an original,” “an inspiration,” and “an honest leader.” In 1988, Dr. Elisa Stephens worked together with her father and succeeded him as president in 1992. When speaking of this time, she said, “He was a wonderful educator and mentor to me.” Dr. Richard A. Stephens retired in 1995 to Woodside, California, after spending 36 years (1959-1995) in Hillsborough. Upon his retirement as president of the Academy, he became chairman of the board and was later named chairman emeritus. A man of social graces and great sense of humor, Dr. Richard A. Stephens was a member of the Carlton Club in London, England, the Pebble Beach - Beach & Tennis Club and the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco. Because of his love for classic cars, the Academy of Art University’s Auto Museum was built in San Francisco to share great car design with the public, as well as educate the school’s auto design students in the classics. Proceeds from the museum benefit the San Francisco Boys & Girls Club. Scott Stephens currently works in the Academy Auto Museum. He previously worked at the Academy from 1981 to 1988. Dr. Richard A. Stephens lived his life selflessly and was tirelessly dedicated to his country, his family and friends. His commitment to the Academy of Art University, its growth and the success of its students was paramount to his thinking. His 92 years were “exceptional in every way.” In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations may be made to Academy of Art University Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. A scholarship fund has been set up in Dr. Richard Alan Stephens’ name. Please contact Carey Nerad at 415.618.6416 for information.