Stephen L. Caviness, Ph.D.

 Stephen Lewis Caviness is an educational leader currently advancing student success at the University of Virginia through teaching and advising. With a Ph.D. in Teaching and Curriculum from Syracuse University, Stephen combines deep pedagogical knowledge with a student-centered approach to academic advising and instruction. He believes that education is fundamentally about relationships.

Stephen’s education career spans across the K-12 sector to higher education. He served as a middle school mathematics teacher for six years, earning National Board Certification for demonstrating excellence in the classroom. Since transitioning to academia, Stephen has expanded his scope to include undergraduate advising, supervising preservice teachers, curriculum and assessment design, and conducting empirical research.

His administrative and scholarly interests focus on student belonging, experiential learning, and data-informed approaches to support diverse learners. Whether leading Youth Participatory Action Research or advising undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences, Stephen is dedicated to improving educational equity through data-driven and relational leadership.

Outside of the university, Stephen is an active community builder. He enjoys woodworking, leading music at his local church, and exploring the neighborhood with his wife and two daughters.