The Word of the Day: "When in the Storm" - Paperback

Dr. Shana Stoddard gave her life to God in 1990 at the age of six, during Vacation Bible School, when she publicly confessed her hope in Jesus Christ. That defining moment marked the start of her lifelong walk of faith. She believes her God-given purpose is "to draw out each person's potential," which she lives out through her gifts in teaching, mentoring, encouragement, and leadership. With a talent for chemistry and a calling to serve youth, young adults, and people in crisis, Dr. Stoddard uses every platform to inspire and uplift others.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she later lived in Texas before moving to Mississippi in 2008. She is the president, founder, and CEO of Learning Concepts Institute(r) (LCI), president and founder of the L & Leola Educational Advancement Foundation, and an associate professor of chemistry at Rhodes College.

Through LCI (www.LearningConceptsInstitute.com), Dr. Stoddard provides consulting, mentoring, tutoring, professional development, and educational advocacy, helping students at all levels and faculty across higher education. In 2023, she launched the L & Leola Educational Advancement Foundation (www.LandLeaf.org) to expand opportunities for nontraditional and underserved students. Its flagship program, The STEM Cohort(r), empowers PEER (persons excluded because of ethnicity or race) students in STEM fields, achieving a 98.7 percent graduation rate and helping many scholars pursue graduate and professional programs.

As a scientist, Dr. Stoddard directs the Molecular Immunotherapeutics Research Lab, which bridges computational and experimental methods to advance treatments for cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurological diseases, and viral infections. She has mentored over 450 students, published 13 peer-reviewed articles with 60 student coauthors, and filed patents related to therapeutics and bio-tools.

Her excellence has earned her numerous awards, including the Henry C. McBay Outstanding Teaching Award, the Silvia Ronco Innovative Mentor Award, the Ruth Kirschstein Diversity in Science Award, and recognition as a 2025 American Chemical Society Trailblazer chemist with a disability.

Dr. Stoddard, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated(r), holds a PhD in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of Mississippi, a master's in education from Freed-Hardeman University, and a BS from Prairie View A&M University. Above all, she remains devoted to faith, mentorship, and using her platforms to open doors for others.