Professional Career Accomplishments
Dr. Rachelle (Karstens) Keck (CHS Class of 1988) serves as Grand View University’s 14th and first female president, Dr. Rachelle Keck graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Wartburg College, after which she earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law. One of nine children, she is proud to be a first-generation college student, going on to earn a Ph.D. in Education from Drake University.
Dr. Keck began her career as a prosecutor before establishing her own law firm. After two decades practicing law, she pivoted to a career in higher education, leading to philanthropic roles at the University of Iowa Foundation and Indian Hills Community College. Dr. Keck was then hired as the Chief of Staff and University Counsel for Briar Cliff University, and, in 2018, was selected as Briar Cliff’s 11th President. She has served as Grand View’s president since 2022.
At the national level, Dr. Keck serves on the Board for the National Association of Independent Colleges, and the Network for ELCA Colleges and Universities. An international speaker and author, Dr. Keck has been invited to speak on a variety of topics, including higher education and the future of work, law, philanthropy, and leadership. She most recently served as the 2024 American Keynote Speaker for Denmark’s annual 4th of July celebration, Rebildfesten.