Stephanie Cost

2025 Women with Heart Honoree

Stephanie Cost

Jacksonville University

Stephanie Cost serves as the First Lady of Jacksonville University. In her role as an ambassador, Stephanie leads initiatives to improve student life, enhance campus facilities, and increase community collaboration. She is a member of the Advisory Boards of the Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Cost Honors College Executive Council, and Career Management. She speaks regularly on campus to student and staff groups regarding timely professional development topics.

In addition to her University responsibilities, Stephanie is a Legacy member of Women’s Giving Alliance and is a member of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2015. She is an advocate for Jacksonville’s nonprofit community and is a sponsor of the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Women’s Board Florida Forum, and is a supporter of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, the Museum of Science and History, The Women’s Center of Jacksonville, and Volunteers in Medicine. Stephanie also serves on the Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville board of directors.

Prior to moving to Jacksonville, Stephanie was a business owner and philanthropic leader in Philadelphia, where she formed and chaired a philanthropic women’s group which sponsored fundraising events for local organizations. She was a board member and volunteer at Wings for Success, an organization which empowers women reentering the workforce.

Stephanie’s previous professional experience includes positions at FORTUNE 500 companies as well as founding her own interior decorating business. She graduated summa cum laude from Immaculata University (PA) with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Stephanie enjoys her family – especially the gift of grandchildren – as well as golf, piano, photography, reading and traveling.