UM-Flint Honors Sherri Stephens

UM-Flint’s School of Management names Sherri Stephens as 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient

Sherri Stephens’ journey began in Flint, as the eldest of six children raised by two devoted educators. Her parents were her first mentors, instilling in her the values of education, integrity and service to others. Those values would guide her through a lifetime of impact.

As a full-time student at the University of Michigan-Flint, Stephens also worked 40 hours per week assisting Flint financial advisor John Winton of Raymond James. Little did she know that this college job would change her life.

“Growing up, I always planned to follow in my parents’ footsteps by majoring in education,” Stephens said. “But a high school internship for John Winton, set me on the path I am on today.”

Encouraged by Winton, Stephens pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at UM-Flint, graduating in 1980. Thanks to her studies and mentor support, Stephens fell in love with the world of finance, especially the way it empowered families and transformed lives.

“John taught me how rewarding it is to mentor others, to use my financial aptitude to benefit the community, and that I can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Stephens.

She took over leadership of the firm in 1994 following Winton’s passing. Today, she serves as president, CEO and lead wealth advisor of Stephens Wealth Management Group, a nationally recognized, woman-led registered investment advisory firm. Under her leadership, SWMG has quadrupled in size, built a culture rooted in integrity and helped countless clients—from multigenerational families to business owners—navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence.

Her impact extends far beyond the office. A longtime trustee and past chair of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Stephens helped guide the organization through the 2008 financial crisis. She also served for 15 years on the board of McLaren Hospital and remains an active member of the UM-Flint School of Management Advisory Board. A fierce advocate for women in finance, she co-founded the Women’s Leadership Alliance and launched the Advancement in Wealth Management Scholarship at UM-Flint to support future generations in the field.

Stephens believes success without values is hollow and she leads with integrity in every aspect of her life. She lives in Michigan with her husband and is the proud mother of four sons and grandmother of 11. “Whether mentoring young professionals, advising clients or championing education, Sherri’s legacy is clear,” said Yener Kandogan, interim SOM dean. “When you lead with purpose and give generously, you leave every place better than you found it.”

UM-Flint Honors Sherri Stephens

*The 2025 Outstanding Alumni Award from University of Michigan – Flint School of Management was awarded on 04/23/25. Neither Stephens Wealth Management Group nor Ms. Sherri Stephens paid any compensation to be considered for this award.

Back to the Newsletter


IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION

*Please remember that past performance is no guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Stephens Wealth Management Group [“SWMG”]), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this blog will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions.

Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this blog serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from SWMG. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to their individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. Neither SWMG’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if SWMG is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. SWMG is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the blog content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of the SWMG’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available for review upon request or at https://stephenswmg.com/.

Please Note: SWMG does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to SWMG’s web site or blog or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility for any such content. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly.

Please Remember: If you are a SWMG client, please contact SWMG, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services. Unless, and until, you notify us, in writing, to the contrary, we shall continue to provide services as we do currently. Please Also Remember to advise us if you have not been receiving account statements (at least quarterly) from the account custodian.

Browse by Category

MENU