Warren Stephens

April 13, 2021 |

The American Studies Institute Distinguished Lecture Series featured Warren Stephens, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Stephens Inc., a privately-owned diversified financial services firm headquartered in Little Rock, for its final event of the year. Stephens discussed his role as chairman, president and CEO of Stephens Inc. as well as the extensive renovations at the Arkansas Arts Center, now known as the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. The event was open to the public.

Capitalism, pure and simple, that’s what makes it work. That’s what has always made it work. That is what makes our country so great, our community so great, and the ability to do things like this to help so, so many people.

Warren Stephens

Stephens, a native of Arkansas, graduated from Washington and Lee University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in economics and his MBA from Wake Forest University. Stephens has been vocal in his belief that banks should remain modestly leveraged, pointing to his own company’s ability to weather the economic downturn of 2008 without government assistance. He is equally vocal in his support of capitalism, frequently speaking around the country about capitalism’s unmatched power to lift people out of poverty, create jobs and stabilize communities.

Active in the community, Stephens serves on boards for the Central Arkansas Boys and Girls Club, Episcopal Collegiate School Foundation, Capital Campaign to renovate the current Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, including its foundation and capital campaign.