Dr. Chris Stone joined WashU as Director of Disability Resources (DR) in May 2020. Dr. Stone leads Disability Resources in its efforts to assist disabled students in meeting their academic and personal development goals, and supports the University community in the broader mission of inclusivity and opportunity for disabled students at Washington University.
He and his colleagues believe in the value of establishing an institution and culture that allows for the full participation and engagement of disabled students at Washington University—whether inside or outside the classroom— and that the creation of such a landscape is a responsibility shared by the DR, the University, and the WashU community (including disabled students). Chris advocates situating disability within the broader context of diversity, and recognizing the ways in which the intersectionality of disability and other identities can impact students’ equitable inclusion, access, and sense of place within a community.
Chris previously served as Director-at-Large on the board of Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), and held positions of Treasurer and President with the North Carolina affiliate of AHEAD (NCAHEAD). Currently, Dr. Stone is President of Missouri AHEAD. Recognized as a national leader in the field, he has enjoyed opportunities to engage nationally and internationally, facilitating the AHEAD Master Class (for advanced professionals), AHEAD Start (for new professionals), and AHEAD Pre-conference symposia. Chris had the privilege of providing the keynote address at the Inaugural Inclusion School conference in Guayaquil, Ecuador (2020), and more recently the NCAHEAD Fall Conference in October 2024.
Following graduation from Central College (Pella, IA), Chris taught 7-12 Literature and Language Arts and coached track and cross-country before attending St. Ambrose University (Davenport, IA) and earning his M Ed: Post-Secondary Disabilities Services. Chris completed his Ed D from George Washington University, in Washington, DC. On weekends, Chris and his wife can often be found with their St. Bernard, Annie, walking St. Louis’ parks and WashU’s public (outside!) areas.