President Rachelle Keck
Welcome to Grand View University!
I am honored and humbled to lead Grand View University as its 14th president and first female leader, and am delighted to welcome you here.
What are we all about at Grand View? Our vibrant University shines as a visionary leader dedicated to the holistic education of students – in mind, in body, and in spirit – developing graduates prepared to lead and serve in our diverse and ever-changing global world. Our entrepreneurial mindset, our critical location in the largest and fastest-growing city in Iowa, our prolific internship and experiential learning opportunities, as well as the notable acumen and dedication of our faculty and staff are vital elements of Grand View University’s success and bright future.
As a first-generation college student and lifelong learner, education has long been a passion of mine. The positive impact education has had on my life is immeasurable. As one of nine children and the mother of two recent college graduates, I understand the sacrifices and investment families and students make to achieve their college dream. I recognize how students are impacted as they begin their college career and enter a new world of academics, scholarship, connections, learning, and growth. I am committed to ensuring every student feels they belong at Grand View and has the resources and support they need to succeed here and beyond. My favorite day of the year is watching our students graduate and start becoming their next best selves.
In addition to equipping our students for success, here are a few other things that matter to me as GV’s new president:
- A commitment to innovation and excellence
- A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging
- A commitment to data-informed, evidence-based decision-making
- A commitment to learning for life – helping each other create their best life, the one God has planned for each of us
Grand View University is blessed with exemplary faculty, staff, and leadership who collaborate tirelessly to advance the University’s mission of engaging, equipping, and empowering students to fulfill their individual potential and serve society.
A personal mantra of mine is “Make every day an adventure!”. I’m now blessed to tweak that mantra as follows: “Make every day a GRAND adventure!”
Thank you for stopping by!
Warmly,
Rachelle K. Keck, PhD, JD (she/her/hers)
President
| Bio of President Rachelle Keck |
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An Iowa native, Dr. Rachelle Keck is proud to be a first-generation college student, graduating from Wartburg College with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, after which she earned her juris doctorate from the University of Iowa and her doctor of philosophy degree in education from Drake University. Dr. Keck began her career as a prosecutor before establishing her own law firm. She also served on the Wartburg College Board of Regents where she developed a passion for higher education that led her to philanthropy roles at the University of Iowa Foundation as their Director of Planned Giving, and then to Indian Hills Community College as their Executive Director for Philanthropy and Alumni Relations before joining Briar Cliff in 2017. At Briar Cliff, Dr. Keck led the expansion of academic programs and developed a comprehensive campus master plan. She also led several key fundraising initiatives centered around academics, athletics and campus beautification. In addition, the use of technology both in and out of the classroom expanded, the endowment grew, enrollment increased and grant dollars applied for and awarded increased during her tenure. Dr. Keck also brings extensive strategic budgeting and organizational leadership experience to Grand View.
A committed volunteer, she is also the President of Leadership Siouxland and is on the boards of UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Girls Inc. of Sioux City and Iowa Sister States. In addition, she is an executive board member for the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Tax Policy Committee.
Dr. Keck and her husband, Jim, have four children, three of whom live in the Des Moines metro.
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View President Keck's CV