Standing Firm in Faith: Stella Howard Carries Carter School of Business Values Forward

From University Hill to national campaigns, Dallas Baptist University alumna Stella Howard '21 is putting her marketing degree from the Don and Linda Carter School of Business to work in an impactful way.

As a DBU Patriot, Stella made the most of her college experience, serving as Vice President of the Student Government Association, President of Alpha Delta Kappa, and with the Women's Auxiliary Board. She was also a member of two honor societies, Alpha Sigma Omega and Omicron Delta Kappa, and part of DBU's Hispanic Student Union.

Through the opportunities Stella had as a student, she found mentors, friendships, and opportunities that helped shape the way she approaches both her career and her calling today.

Stella highlights how her most memorable mentorship experiences were made while serving with the Women's Auxiliary Board and the Office of Advancement. She served alongside women like Skyla Teat, who showed her that she could pursue multiple paths in life. "They were living proof that women could faithfully pursue every part of their calling—as believers, as wives, and as professionals," she shares.

After graduating from DBU with her bachelor's degree in marketing with minors in English and Spanish, Stella continued her education from Southern Methodist University, completing her master's degree in advertising at the Temerlin Advertising Institute.

Throughout her career, Stella has been able to use the skills and knowledge she learned from the Don and Linda Carter School of Business (CSB) in her professional, personal, and spiritual life. From the idea of pursuing excellence to building her foundation on the Lord, Stella has held onto the values the CSB has instilled in her.

Stella credits her classes, especially those with Assistant Provost and Professor of Management Dr. Justin Gandy, with teaching her to stay curious, think holistically, and ask the questions that others might overlook.

Today, Stella serves as an Account and Strategy Supervisor at WorkInProgress, where she leads integrated marketing campaigns for Domino's Pizza and has played an integral role in shaping national advertising campaigns for the brand's latest rebrand.

Stella married her husband, Braxton, a fellow DBU alum in the Fall of 2023 after meeting through a mutual connection at DBU after graduation. Now, the couple lives in Denver, Colorado and is grateful as they look back at the friendships, mentors, and community that DBU has given them, along with the professional foundation they developed as students.

Offering advice to current and incoming students, Stella shares, "Stand firm in your faith and love fiercely. Lead with humility and heart. Serve well, serve faithfully, and pursue what is good, even when it isn't the easiest or most celebrated path."

Looking ahead, Stella hopes to continue leading with faith, curiosity, and purpose in every aspect of her life—while carrying forward the lessons, relationships, and values that began on University Hill.