Lore Konopka

Dr. Lorelei (Lore) Konopka is the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Glendale Community College in Arizona, where she leads academic programs and support services to advance student success, institutional effectiveness, and innovative teaching and learning. Dr. Konopka practices authentic, transformational leadership grounded in intentional and sustained organizational change. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, she works through a shared governance approach, partnering with faculty and staff to strengthen academic quality and drive institutional priorities.

In her current role, Dr. Konopka has partnered with faculty to develop and launch GCC’s first bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education, expanding transfer and workforce pathways for students. She previously served as Senior Associate Vice President, Interim Dean of Academic Affairs, and Accreditation Liaison Officer, leading efforts in strategic planning, accreditation, grant-funded initiatives, and institutional assessment.

Dr. Konopka began her career as a faculty member, earning national recognition for excellence in teaching and online learning, including the NISOD Excellence Award. She holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University, a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver, a certification in Online Instruction from the University of Illinois Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago.