Karen Riley, 18th President of SRU

President Riley Portrait

For more than 130 years, Slippery Rock University has embraced the same hard-working, tenacious personality espoused by the people of western Pennsylvania. As a lifelong educator and the 18th president in the history of SRU, I am proud to become part of that history and build on the University’s tradition of engaged scholarship and thought leadership.

While we are shaped by our past, I’m most excited about all the great things happening on campus and what that means for our future. At SRU, we are preparing students to live, work and contribute to their communities, benefitting themselves and future generations.

Our more than 150 academic programs provide students with experiences they need to succeed in their careers and life endeavors. The faculty, staff and administration at SRU are dedicated to facilitating and supporting the growth of every student. Our goal is to help students create their own foundation of knowledge and skills –– a foundation that is both exciting to create and necessary for future growth.

I am driven by our mission to provide access to a high-quality, affordable education to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status. A diverse campus community is a critical foundation for creating an exemplary learning environment that supports the success of all students.

Higher education will need to continue to evolve in response to our rapidly changing society. We are uniquely positioned at SRU to lead that conversation. New programs, new partnerships and new approaches will allow SRU to build on its impressive history and to thrive for the next 133 years.

Please familiarize yourself with all SRU has to offer both virtually and when you visit campus. I hope you will agree that The Rock is a special place that is centered on student success. That’s why I am here. Come join us.

If I can provide any assistance or answer questions, email me at president@sru.edu, or call me at 724.738.2000.

Dr. Karen Riley
President, SRU

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Karen Riley's Biography

Karen Riley joined Slippery Rock University as its 18th president on July 1, 2023. As the University’s top executive administrator, Riley is continuing the legacy of keeping SRU as one of the leading public institutions in Pennsylvania. During Riley’s presidency, she will create a new strategic plan and oversee the next era of the University. From its heritage as a teachers college more than 130 years ago, to today offering more than 150 academic programs and credentials across five colleges, SRU will continue to evolve to support its students.

Riley was previously provost and chief academic officer at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, from 2021-23. While there, she developed and launched an academic plan focused on excellence in teaching, research and student thriving.

Before joining Regis University, Riley was dean of the College of Education at the University of Denver from 2014-21. During that time, Riley increased scholarly productivity across the college, raised over $27 million dollars, increased the number of students, faculty and staff and launched a Center for Professional Development to provide certificates and stackable credentials.

Riley began her career at the University of Denver in 2001 as a project coordinator and rose through the faculty ranks as an assistant (2004-10) and associate (2010-17) professor of child, family and school psychology. She became chair of the Educational Research Policy and Practice Department in 2011, before becoming interim dean of the College of Education in 2013.

An expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, Riley has researched approaches to addressing societal issues and improving the lives of those affected by Fragile X syndrome and Down syndrome. She spent the first decade of her career as an early childhood specialist and special education coordinator in public schools.

Riley earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at Colorado State University and a master's degree in early childhood special education and a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Denver.

Office of the President

Office of the President

Karen Riley, 18th President of SRU

Office of the President

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