Karen Eley Sanders
"Why COLLEGE ACCESS? Because educated communities are stronger communities. For example, higher levels of education are correlated with better health, lower unemployment rates and civic engagement. Educational attainment is a proven strategy to lift individuals and families out of poverty. Education literally pays, transforms lives and uplifts communities."
- Karen Eley Sanders
Karen Eley Sanders has worked in higher education as a counselor, administrator, and faculty member for nearly three decades and currently serves as Associate Vice Provost for College Access at Virginia Tech. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses; coordinated recruitment, new student orientation and academic enrichment programs; served as an academic advisor; developed and directed undergraduate advising and academic support units; collaborated with colleagues to develop scholarship programs; and provided campus-wide leadership in the areas of student success, retention and diversity.
Sanders has a gubernatorial appointment to the Commonwealth of Virginia Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Awards Committee, and has served for three consecutive Virginia governors. She earned a B.S. and M.S. in Psychology from Virginia State University and a doctorate in Adult and Developmental Education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She also earned a certified developmental education specialist degree through the Kellogg Institute at Appalachian State University.