Karen Andrews

Karen Andrews is the Executive Director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC). With over 15 years of experience in higher education and more than a decade in K-12 special education as both a teacher and administrator, Karen brings a deep wealth of expertise and commitment to ensuring access and support for students with disabilities.

Karen has led disability services offices at large and small institutions, public and private, always with a focus on improving systems, advancing access, and supporting student success. Her background includes hands-on accommodations work as well as high-level strategic leadership. 

Karen most recently served as the Director of Student Accessibility Services at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and has previously held leadership positions at the University of California, Irvine, the University of Alaska Anchorage, George Mason University, and Strayer University.

Nationally, Karen has contributed significantly to the field through her service on the Board of the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), including six years as Director-at-Large. She continues to serve as AHEAD’s Board liaison to the Knowledge and Practice Communities and has been a longtime leader in AHEAD’s Race, Ethnicity and Disability Community of Practice and was recently recognized with the Duraese Hall Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion. 

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education and a Master of Education in Adult Education and Development. Every day, Karen and her service animal, Dooley, show up to advance the cause of disability rights, promoting wellbeing and belonging for all.