For the first time in its 125-year history, Grand View University’s president will be a woman.

Rachelle Keck, currently president of Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, was announced today as the 14th president of the Des Moines liberal arts college. She was selected from among four finalists named last month by Grand View’s board of trustees.

The announcement brought cheers and a standing ovation from a packed auditorium of students, faculty and administrators inside Grand View’s Student Center at noon today. Keck will succeed Kent Henning, who announced his retirement last year, effective July 1. 

Keck, 52, is an Iowa native and has been president of Briar Cliff since July 2018. Before that position, she was executive vice president and university counsel. She was previously the executive director of philanthropy and alumni relations at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, and director of planned giving at the University of Iowa Foundation.

At Briar Cliff, Keck led the expansion of academic programs and developed a comprehensive campus master plan. She also led several key fundraising initiatives centered on academics, athletics and campus beautification. In addition, the use of technology both in and out of the classroom has expanded, the endowment has grown, enrollment has increased and grant dollars applied for and awarded have increased during her tenure. She also brings extensive strategic budgeting and organizational leadership experience to Grand View.

“Rachelle is a proven leader with a collaborative, entrepreneurial and transparent leadership style that will serve Grand View well,” said Chris Littlefield, chair of the board of trustees. “The board was impressed with her demonstrated ability to effectuate constructive institutional change while improving student success, enhancing communication and shared governance, cultivating strong relationships, advocating for higher education, and fundraising for institutional needs. The board unanimously agreed that Rachelle was the best candidate to serve as Grand View’s next president and to lead Grand View through its next exciting phase.”

Keck graduated 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. 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

Keck said she is deeply rooted in lifelong learning, and being named Grand View’s president is “absolutely a dream come true … with much gratitude to my Heavenly Father.”

Grand View University shines as a visionary leader in the field, she said.

“Our entrepreneurial mindset, our critical location in the largest and fastest-growing city in the state, our connection to business and government, as well as the notable acumen and dedication of our faculty, staff, alumni and board have and will continue to be vital elements of Grand View University’s ongoing success.”

Keck said she is committed to innovation and excellence as well as diversity, equity and inclusion, and shared governance. She said she is eager to meet and to listen to the faculty, students and more than 21,000 alumni of the university, and to work together to develop shared goals.

In describing her leadership goals, she quoted the Old Testament prophet Nehemiah, whose passion to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem enabled it to be done in just 52 days. “But he did not do it alone,” she said. “I hope to lead like Nehemiah … and each of you have a part to play and a brick to lay.”

Keck will continue to serve as Briar Cliff’s president and secretary of its board of trustees through June, according to a press release from Briar Cliff University.

“Dr. Rachelle Keck has an opportunity to once again be located close to her loved ones and return to the area her career first began,” wrote Mark Ward, Briar Cliff board chair. “On behalf of the board and Briar Cliff University community, we want to thank Dr. Keck for her years of service, visionary leadership, and the impact she has made during her tenure. We wish her the very best.”

Correction: This article clarifies that Kent Henning announced his retirement last year and that Rachelle Keck will succeed him as president on July 1.