William/Bill W. Stevens earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science both in Social Sciences from Northern Illinois University, the dates of both are unknown. He also studied at Reed College, University of Rochester, and the University of Illinois Urban-Champaign the dates of those are also unknown. Prior to joining Sangamon State University (SSU) in 1978 he was the associate director of the Social Studies Education Consortium, Inc., in Boulder Colorado as well as being a high school teacher. He also taught at the University of Colorado and Perdue University.

While he was at SSU from 1978-1992, he was the Associate Professor of Child, Family, and Community Services and Public Affairs, as well as being the Vice President for Academic Affairs and in his later years at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) was a Professor of Teacher Education. While he was on SSU campus he was extremely interested in feminism and a big advocate for women’s rights on and off campus. His time after SSU is unknown.