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

As Grand View University’s 14th and first female president, Dr. Rachelle Keck is a proven leader with a background in higher education, law, and fundraising.

Dr. 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. Dr. Keck is proud to be a first-generation college student, going on to earn a PhD in Education from Drake University.

Dr. Keck began her career as a prosecutor before establishing her own law firm. In 2014, Dr. Keck pivoted to a career in higher education, leading to philanthropy roles at the University of Iowa Foundation and Indian Hills Community College. Prior to the Grand View presidency, Dr. Keck served as president of Briar Cliff University. To date, Dr. Keck has served in the CEO role for six organizations throughout her professional career.

Dr. Keck has been invited to speak around the world, highlighting a variety of topics including higher education and the future of work and education, philanthropy, and leadership.

Dr. Keck also serves as a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) Board, Vice Chair for the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (IAICU) Board, Vice President of the Iowa College Foundation (ICF), and a member of the Executive Committee for both the National Association for ELCA Colleges & Universities (NECU) and the SEED Coalition for higher education. Locally, she serves as a member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa Board, Banker’s Trust Community Board, Downtown DSM Board, and The Embassy Club Board.

Across the Des Moines Metro region, Dr. Keck has been recognized as a 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), and 2020 Inspiring Advocate for Women (Girls Scouts of Greater Des Moines).

Dr. Keck and her husband, Jim, have four children, two of whom live in the Des Moines metro. 

View President Keck's CV