Karen R. Moranski

Karen Moranski is the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Sonoma State University (CA). With a career spanning over two decades at the University of Illinois Springfield, she played a pivotal role in transforming the institution into a vibrant part of the University of Illinois system. At Sonoma State University, she has led efforts to increase graduation rates and reduce equity gaps. Beyond her administrative role, Moranski, a scholar in both medieval studies and higher education, holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in medieval English literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Moranski’s research spans medieval political prophecy and contemporary issues of gender, race, and unconscious racial bias. Raised in Texas and Louisiana, she remains committed to the power of access to higher education and the California State University’s mission, taking pride in her role as provost at Sonoma State. As an advocate for inclusivity and mindful community engagement, she navigates the university through its challenges, always embracing diverse experiences and perspectives that define Sonoma State as a vibrant, thriving academic community.