Karen Isble joined Kalamazoo College in September 2020 as Vice President for College Advancement, where she guides the College’s fundraising, alumni engagement, and marketing and communications efforts. The College publicly launched its comprehensive Brighter Light Campaign in October 2021. Karen previously served as Associate Vice Chancellor and Campaign Director for the University of California, Irvine, leading the planning and execution of the university’s $2 billion comprehensive campaign, Brilliant Future, which launched in 2019. Prior to UC Irvine, Karen served as Assistant Vice President for Development at the University of Michigan where she oversaw prospect development, gift administration and the information and technology infrastructure, covering 3 campuses, 36 schools, colleges, units, and the academic medical center.  
 
Karen began her career in arts administration in roles with the Chamber Music Society of Detroit, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Goodman Theatre. She currently serves on the board of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. She is a former board member and president of Apra. She has been a speaker and author, regionally and nationally, with Apra, CASE and AFP, among others. Karen holds a bachelor's degree from Harvard University and a master's degree from the University of Michigan.