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 is currently serving on the Board as the AHEAD Equity Officer. She served as AHEAD’s Board liaison to the Knowledge and Practice Communities and has been a longtime leader in AHEAD’s Race, Ethnicity, Diversity and Disability (REDD) Community of Practice. Karen is the 2026 recipient of the Ronald E. Blosser Dedicated Service Award.
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.
What do you love most about your work at U of A?
The DRC is an amazing team, and I love working with them and the disabled people that we serve everyday
Saguaro cacti give me a sense of joy and wonder. They make me laugh!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Highland Commons and the Bowl
What do you like to do outside of work?
Travel, swim, read, have fun with my granddaughters
Share one piece of advice for current or prospective U of A students.
Life is a marathon, not a sprint so find the joy in it to sustain yourself