Karen Stills

2023-24 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Karen Stills is an equity-minded leader whose career is dedicated to illuminating education as a vehicle for hope and opportunity to the communities she serves. Dr. Stills currently serves as the inaugural Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success at Dallas College, providing leadership for success coaching/academic advising, career and transfer services, pathway success, degree audit, student services centered professional development, virtual services and strategic initiatives focusing on student persistence, completion, transfer, and career development.

As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Stills is passionate about ensuring success for all students, particularly for those who have been historically marginalized and underserved. Dr. Stills’ previous experience includes serving as the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Resources for Dallas College and 18 years of incremental leadership growth at El Centro College including the roles of Vice-President of Student Services and Enrollment Management and Dean of Student Support Services. In addition to leadership in Student Services, Dr. Stills also served as the Executive Dean of Educational Partnerships where she was able to bridge support services and instruction to advance dual credit, P-Tech, and Early College High School programming.

Dr. Stills earned a Bachelor’s in business management from the University of New Orleans, an MBA from Amberton University, and a doctorate from San Diego State University’s Community College Leadership program. Karen is a proud mom to four beautiful children. She enjoys traveling, rooting for the New Orleans Saints, and serving the community through her beloved sisterhood, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.