Board of Trustees

Neika Stephens brings a deep personal and spiritual legacy to Stephens Christian Trust as the widow of its founder, William “Bill” Stephens. A Nashville native born into a family steeped in the heritage of Lipscomb University and the Churches of Christ, Neika is the youngest of seven children and the only daughter in a family shaped by Christian education and ministry.

Before marrying, Neika built a successful career in advertising and television programming administration from 1956 until 1977. Her professional discipline and communication skills have served her well in stewarding the philanthropic and spiritual legacy of her late husband. Since Bill’s passing in 2015, Neika has remained devoted to advancing the mission they shared, particularly through the strategic stewardship of the Stephens farmland and through her continued leadership on the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees.

Her commitment to service is grounded in enduring relationships—with her family, her church community, and her broad circle of friends. Neika is a steady and passionate advocate for Christian education and servant leadership.

Rhonda Lowry serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Stephens Christian Trust, bringing more than 30 years of experience in Christian education, ministry, and nonprofit leadership. She was invited to join the Trust in 2012 by Bill and Neika Stephens, whose legacy continues to shape her vision for the future of the Trust.

A graduate of Pepperdine University, Rhonda began her career as an elementary school teacher before entering higher education development and theological training. After earning a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary, she served as adjunct professor there before joining Lipscomb University in 2005. For sixteen years, she played a dual role as Assistant Professor of Bible and Spiritual Formation and as Presidential Spouse, helping shape the spiritual life of the university.

Rhonda currently leads as President of the Christian Scholars’ Foundation and serves on the boards of the Gospel Music Association Foundation and Rochester Christian University. Her service reflects a commitment to equipping emerging Christian leaders and strengthening institutions that prepare them.

Her leadership at Stephens Christian Trust reflects a deep calling to steward resources and opportunities in ways that honor Christ and the life of faithful service modeled by Bill and Neika Stephens.

Ernest Clevenger brings a wealth of leadership, healthcare expertise, and nonprofit board service to Stephens Christian Trust. A graduate of Lipscomb University (B.A. in Mathematics) and Vanderbilt University (MBA), Ernest has built a distinguished career at the intersection of healthcare innovation and organizational leadership.

He co-founded CareHere, a national provider of onsite health services, and served as its president until its acquisition by Premise Health. As Publisher of MyHealthGuide, he has remained a thought leader in the self-funded healthcare space. His board roles have included the Health Care Administrators Association, the Self-Insurance Institute of America, NationsUniversity, and Lodge Manufacturing, among others.

Ernest is also known for his contributions as an expert witness, public speaker, and legislative advisor, including testimony before the U.S. Congress on healthcare reform. He holds a black belt in Taekwondo and remains active in Christian causes through his service to Great Cities Missions, Faith Family Medical Clinic, and Lipscomb University.

Ernest’s dedication to Christian education and service aligns deeply with the vision of Bill Stephens and strengthens the Trust’s efforts to make a lasting impact.

D.J. Farris is a lifelong Tennessean and respected real estate professional with a passion for civic service and Christian values. Raised in Lebanon, D.J. earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Lipscomb University and later completed his MBA at Middle Tennessee State University. He became a licensed Realtor at the age of 20 and has built a thriving career as a Broker with Pilkerton Realtors in Nashville.

Appointed by Governor Bill Lee in 2020, D.J. serves on the Tennessee Real Estate Commission. That same year, he chaired the Tennessee Prayer Breakfast, a reflection of his deep commitment to faith in the public square. A lover of Tennessee history, he is also a Trustee of the Andrew Jackson Foundation.

D.J. lives in Oak Hill with his wife, Kella, and their two children. The family worships at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ. His work on Stephens Christian Trust board draws from his professional acumen, public leadership, and belief in the power of faith-based philanthropy to shape lives and communities.

Greg Hardeman brings four decades of legal experience and steadfast dedication to his role as the longest-serving member of Stephens Christian Trust. A native of Mayfield, Kentucky, Greg earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Lipscomb University before completing his Juris Doctor at Vanderbilt University School of Law.

Since being admitted to the Tennessee Bar, Greg has cultivated a respected legal career focused on estate planning, probate, and real property transactions. His thoughtful counsel and deep understanding of generational stewardship have made him a valued advisor to families and institutions alike.

Greg has served on the Trust Committee of Stephens Christian Trust for more than 40 years, providing continuity, wisdom, and legal expertise from the earliest days of its founding. His long-standing relationship with Bill Stephens and his unwavering support for the Trust’s mission reflect both professional commitment and personal conviction.

Greg and his wife, Linda, live in Brentwood, Tennessee. They are the proud parents of four children and are active members of the Harpeth Hills Church of Christ. Through his legal career and service to the Trust, Greg continues to invest in causes that strengthen families, promote faith, and honor Christian values across generations.

Walt Leaver is a lifelong minister in Churches of Christ and respected leader in both church and university life. A native of Nashville, Walt began preaching as a teenager and served as minister for three congregations in the area, including Antioch Church of Christ and Brentwood Hills Church of Christ, where he has preached since 1997.

Walt’s professional life also includes 26 years as Vice President for University Relations at Lipscomb University, where he built strong connections with donors, alumni, and Christian leaders across the country. He has been honored as Nashville Christian Leader of the Year in 2025 and continues to influence the next generation of Christian servant leaders.

Walt first met Bill Stephens as a young preacher, and their families developed a deep and enduring friendship. Walt became a member of Stephens Christian Trust and has played a pivotal role in carrying forward its vision of faithful stewardship and Christian education.

He and his wife, Carol, also a Lipscomb alumna, have four daughters and a growing number of grandchildren. They remain active in their community and congregation, guided by a shared commitment to faith, family, and service.

Kate Rosenthal is an experienced attorney and devoted community leader with over two decades of expertise in real estate law. A native of Nashville and alumna of Goodpasture Christian School, Kate earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lipscomb University and her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine School of Law.

Following her legal studies, Kate clerked for Judge Muriel Robinson in Davidson County and later served as Staff Attorney for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. She subsequently built a respected practice in real estate law, focusing on contracts, property transactions, and title services across Middle Tennessee. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and client-centered approach have made her a trusted voice in her field.

Kate lives in Forest Hills with her husband, Brandon, and their children. The family worships at Otter Creek Church. As a member of the board of Stephens Christian Trust, Kate offers legal insight and practical experience that support the Trust’s mission of empowering Christian service and education.