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Alumna Tyra Steverson.
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125 Anniversary Celebration: Tyra Steverson

May 23, 2025

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Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB, IL - - Alumna Tyra Steverson views Western Illinois University as more than just a university—it's an institution that has shaped her journey and inspired her to build a future with purpose.

"When I think about WIU, I think about the foundation I built in every aspect of my life. My lifelong career, eternal friendships, financial future and educational exploration all started at WIU," Steverson said. "WIU was more than a campus; it was the soil where I planted seeds of purpose, identity and ambition. It gave me room to question, grow, lead and heal. Everything I am building now traces back to what was first sparked at WIU."

To Steverson, being a Leatherneck represents an identity—it's a lifelong commitment to resilience in the face of adversity, adaptability to the unknown and support for those around you.

"To me, being a Leatherneck means resiliency, ambition and family. It means refusing to fold under pressure, staying committed to your goals and lifting as you climb," Steverson said. "Leathernecks know how to adapt, lead and show up for one another. It's a spirit that stays with you long after you leave campus—it becomes part of who you are."

Steverson's favorite Leatherneck memories are the times spent at the University Union and the moments shared with her sorority sisters.

"My favorite Leatherneck memory is being in the Union, strolling through a party with my Zeta Iota Sorors, heads and pinkies high," Steverson said. "The energy was unmatched—full of Black joy, sisterhood and pride. It was more than just a moment; it was a legacy in motion."

After graduating from WIU, Steverson earned a master's degree from Northwestern University and became a licensed therapist. Committed to giving back to the community that shaped her, she returned to WIU as a counselor before opening 290 Therapy, her own private practice.

"WIU prepared me by challenging me," Steverson said. "The rigor of the Psychology department, the support I found in the Multicultural Center and the leadership I developed through Zeta Iota and campus involvement taught me how to think critically, advocate for others and believe in myself even when the path wasn't clear. WIU didn't just prepare me for a career—it prepared me to lead."

During her time as a student, Steverson was deeply involved on campus. She served as treasurer of Heritage Ensemble, secretary of the Student Government Association and was a member of the Zeta Iota Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Black Student Association and Women of Western.

To prospective students, Steverson's advice is to take advantage of the opportunities WIU offers, invest time in connecting with the community and take care of their mental health while navigating college.

"WIU is full of opportunities to grow, but you have to be willing to step into them. Don't overlook the power of connection—whether it's through student organizations, leadership roles or meaningful friendships," Steverson said. "Utilize the services at the University Counseling Center. They are well-trained, ethical and compassionate mental health professionals who helped shape me early in my career. Your mental health matters and WIU has people ready to support you—take advantage of that."

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

To learn more about the WIU Psychology programs, visit wiu.edu/cas/psychology/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing