Dr. Rachelle Keck

Dr. Rachelle Keck serves as President of Grand View University, America’s only Danish-founded university, and is the first woman to lead the institution. A proud first-generation college graduate, she earned her B.A. from Wartburg College, her J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law, and her Ph.D. in Education from Drake University. Her career began in law, where she practiced for nearly two decades before transitioning into philanthropy and higher education leadership. She has held philanthropy roles at the University of Iowa Foundation and Indian Hills Community College, and served as President of Briar Cliff University prior to joining Grand View. Dr. Keck serves on the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board, the Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation Board, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership Board, bringing the voice of higher education into statewide and regional strategy. Nationally, she serves on several boards and advisory councils focused on the future of higher education, including serving as the Chair of the Tax Policy Committee for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and Vice Chair of the Network for ELCA Colleges and Universities. A sought-after speaker, she is known for her dynamic and practical insights on leadership and impact. In 2024, she delivered the American keynote address at Denmark’s historic Rebild celebration. Her leadership has been highlighted with many awards and recognitions, including Pioneering President (Council for Independent Colleges), Woman of Influence (Des Moines Business Record), Woman on Fire (FuseDSM), Woman of Vision (Altoona Chamber of Commerce), and Inspiring Advocate for Women (Girls Scouts of Greater Iowa—Inspiring Women of Iowa). She and her husband, Jim, are the proud parents of four children and two brand-new granddaughters.