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

Dr. Rachelle Keck serves as the 14th President of Grand View University’s - and is the first woman to hold the role in the institution’s history. She began her tenure in 2022.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Dr. Keck graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Wartburg College, her Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law, and her PhD in Education from Drake University.

Dr. Keck began her career as a prosecutor before founding her own law firm. In 2014, she transitioned into higher education, taking on philanthropic leadership roles at the University of Iowa Foundation and Indian Hills Community College. She later served as President of Briar Cliff University prior to joining Grand View University.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Keck has delivered addresses on leadership, philanthropy, and the future of education and work – both nationally and internationally. In 2024, she was honored to serve as the American keynote speaker at Denmark’s Rebildfesten, joining a historic list of speakers including Ronald Reagan, Dionne Warwick, Janet Reno, and Richard Nixon.

Nationally, Dr. Keck serves on the Executive Boards for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the National Association for ELCA Colleges & Universities (NECU,) and the SEED Coalition. She is also a member of EAB’s National President’s Advisory Council. In Iowa, she serves as Vice Chair for the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (IAICU) Board, Vice President of the Iowa College Foundation (ICF), and as a Governor-appointed board member of the Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation.

Locally, Dr. Keck is engaged in numerous civic efforts. She serves on the board of Banker’s Trust Community Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, Downtown DSM, and The Embassy Club (Vice Chair), and is a member of the Terrace Hill Gala Committee.

Her leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including:

  • 2024 Pioneering President (Council for Independent Colleges)
  • 2024 Woman of Influence (Des Moines Business Record)
  • 2024 Woman on Fire (FuseDSM Breaking Barriers)
  • 2023 Woman of Vision (Altoona Chamber of Commerce)
  • 2023 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes speaker (Des Moines Business Record)
  • 2020 Inspiring Advocate for Women (Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa)

She is currently writing a book entitled SelfQ™ The Intelligence of You - Personalized Intelligence to Power Your Potential, slated for publication in late 2025.

Dr. Keck and her husband, Jim, are the proud parents of four children.

View President Keck's CV