Stephen joined UT CTAS in January 2003 after serving as an assistant attorney general for Tennessee and as a judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He retired as a major after 23 years. He holds a law degree from the University of Memphis (1989) and a B.A. from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (1986).