Life has come full circle for Laquietta Stewart. The former standout basketball player and homecoming queen at Williams Baptist University has returned to WBU to serve as dean of students.

“I feel like I’ve come back home,” Stewart said. “This institution literally changed my life for the better and I am so glad God chose to bring me back to Williams to serve in a position where I can work directly with students and do my best to make an impact on their lives forever.”

Stewart spent 27 years in the public schools, working mostly as a counselor in the Marion, Paragould and Jonesboro school districts. She retired from Jonesboro High School in December and began her role at Williams with the new year.

She is a native of Lake City, Ark., and a graduate of Riverside High School. She graduated from Williams in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She still holds the record for career rebounds with WBU’s Lady Eagles, and she was chosen by her classmates as homecoming queen her senior year.

Stewart also has a master’s in education from Arkansas State University.

As dean of students at WBU, her job is to provide leadership, oversight and strategic planning for the Office of Student Affairs.  She will also oversee the departments of campus health, campus recreation, residence life and student activities.

“We are delighted that Laquietta Stewart is returning to Williams to serve as our dean of students,” said Dr. Marvin Schoenecke, executive vice president for student life.  “She brings vast experience to this position, given her years of experience in education.  She relates very well to the students and we look forward to her making a difference in the lives of WBU students.”