Pierce College's Director of Student Services Wins State Multiculturalism Award

Agnes Steward, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom’s director of Student Development, has been awarded the Rhonda Coates Award for Excellence by the state Multicultural Student Services Directors’ Council.

The announcement was made in April at the 2011 Students of Color Conference. The Rhonda Coates Award is a prestigious annual award that recognizes individuals working in Washington state community and technical colleges who have made a significant difference in Multicultural Student Services.

“To receive this award is an affirmation to me that my work in higher education has not be in vain,” Steward said of her selection.  “This award also reminds me that my work isn’t finished.  I’ve been challenged to continue to work and serve not only students of color, but all students.” 

Steward has worked almost 20 years at Pierce, starting as the program assistant for Multicultural Student Services and later becoming the director of the program. She is currently the director of Student Development at Pierce Fort Steilacoom. She provides leadership for the college’s Welcome Center, which includes customer service, advising, Running Start, and Access and Disabilities Services. Starting July 1, Steward will transition to a district role, managing student services at both Pierce Fort Steilacoom and Pierce Puyallup.

She is a past secretary, vice-president, and president of the Multicultural Student Services Council.