CECI News
Karyn Rabourn appointed as new CECI Associate Dean
September 09, 2026
Dr. Karyn Rabourn has been appointed as the new Associate Dean of the College of Education and Community Innovation! Dr. Rabourn is an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Counseling and has been a member of the GVSU community since 2015. She brings extensive experience in academic leadership, faculty governance, program development, and university service, as well as a strong commitment to collaborative and transparent leadership.
Most recently, Dr. Rabourn has served as Strategic Lead in the Office of the Provost and previously as a Presidential Fellow, where she designed and facilitated professional development for academic unit heads. Her leadership at GVSU has also included serving as Co-Chair of the CECI Faculty Council, a member of the Executive Committee of the Senate and University Academic Senate, and Graduate Program Director for the M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. Across these roles, Dr. Rabourn has built a strong record of working across units, developing partnerships, supporting academic leaders, and advancing initiatives related to shared governance, faculty development, equity, and institutional priorities.
As Associate Dean, Dr. Rabourn will work closely with faculty,
staff, unit leaders, students, and community partners to support
CECI’s academic programs and strategic priorities. Her experience in
program and curriculum development, assessment, leadership
development, and community engagement will be particularly valuable as
CECI continues to strengthen our programs and partnerships and advance
the College’s mission.
Dr. Rabourn earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student
Affairs from Indiana University, with a minor in Public Finance, as
well as a Certificate in Public Budgeting and Financial Management.
She also holds an M.A. in Student Affairs Administration and a B.A. in
Elementary Education from Michigan State University.