A Trusted Leader. a proven advocate.

A Stronger Penn State.

 

Karen Keller

Class of 2000

For Penn State Board of Trustees

Ballot Position #5

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Why I'm Running

Penn State is more than just my alma mater—it’s a defining part of my life. As an alumna, PSU spouse, current Penn State parent, Pennsylvania resident, and dedicated volunteer, I have spent years giving back to the university that shaped me. 

Now, I am ready to take that dedication further. As a lawyer, business owner, and leader, I bring the experience, values, and vision needed to help our beloved university navigate today’s unique challenges and seize tomorrow’s promising opportunities. I will work to ensure that Penn State remains a world-class institution, one that prioritizes students, supports faculty, and leads with innovation while working to address critical global issues. 

  • A Stronger Penn State for Students, Faculty & Alumni 
  • A Leader in Innovation, Research & Global Solutions 
  • A Commitment to Financial Responsibility & Transparency 

 Vote for Karen E. Keller – A Champion for Penn State’s Future! 

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Meet Karen E. Keller - Ballot Position #5

Penn State Class of 2000 | Business Owner | Lawyer | PSU Parent & Volunteer 

A Penn Stater Through and Through

Penn State is in my DNA. I earned my degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology here, and it set me on a path of lifelong learning and leadership. My time at Penn State taught me the value of hard work, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that shaped my career and leadership style.

After graduating, I went on to earn my law degree from Temple University and began my career in corporate law, focusing on mergers, acquisitions, governance, and intellectual property. In 2011, I took a leap of faith and co-founded my own intellectual property and commercial litigation law firm alongside another Penn State alum.

As Managing Partner, I oversee firm finances, human resources, marketing, mentoring, and strategic growth. I’ve built a thriving woman-owned business, and I understand firsthand the challenges of running an organization, making tough decisions, and navigating change with integrity and vision.

I’m also a current Penn State parent, which gives me a unique, real-time perspective on what today’s students face. The challenges of higher education are evolving rapidly, and I see firsthand how issues like mental health, career uncertainty, and financial stress are impacting students and their families.

Beyond my career and family, Penn State has remained a major part of my life. For over a decade, I’ve been deeply engaged in alumni leadership, student mentorship, and governance initiatives

— working tirelessly to support the university, its students, and the greater Penn State community.

My Vision for Penn State

Today’s students face unprecedented pressures—academic uncertainty, career path anxiety, financial burdens, and mental health challenges. The pressure to specialize early and rising tuition costs can limit exploration and personal growth, making students feel trapped in a rigid system. I want to ensure that Penn State helps students thrive, not just academically, but personally and professionally. I will work to: 

  • Advocate for flexible academic pathways that allow students to explore interests without fear of extra debt. 
  •  Expand mental health resources that address career-related stress and the impact of social media. 
  • Strengthen career readiness programs that adequately prepare students for the evolving job market and workforce demands. 

Penn State is a leader in research and innovation, yet faculty burnout, reduced funding, cross-department competition instead of collaboration, and political uncertainty are threatening our ability to attract and retain top educators and threaten our standing as a research powerhouse. I want to empower and support our educators so they can inspire the next generation. I will push for: 

  • Investments in faculty well-being and retention to sustain Penn State’s leadership in education. 
  • Expansions of cross-disciplinary research initiatives to foster innovation. 
  • Support intellectual property and commercialization efforts to bring PSU research to the world. 

Penn State produces more CEOs and industry leaders than any other institution. To continue this legacy, we need to equip our students with the skills and mindset to lead, collaborate, and innovate in an evolving world. I will advocate for: 

  • Expanded interdisciplinary learning opportunities across Penn State’s campuses. 
  • Leadership development workshops that emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and innovative thinking. 
  • Cutting-edge facilities and programs that equip students for success in a rapidly changing world. 

Food insecurity is a growing crisis which impacts communities across the world, including our own students, due to climate change, natural disasters, and economic challenges. Penn State has the agricultural expertise, research capabilities, and statewide presence to be a leader in finding solutions. I want to empower our university to make a global impact. I will work to: 

  • Leverage Penn State’s Ag School and other departments, World Campus, Ag Extension program, and Commonwealth Campuses to drive innovation in food sustainability. 
  • Strengthen partnerships with farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers to create real-world change.  
  • Position Penn State as a global leader in research and innovation efforts to address climate change and other factors affecting food security. 
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Karen's Legacy & Impact

I have spent over a decade serving Penn State in leadership roles, governance, student mentorship, and alumni engagement. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the inner workings of the university and the people who make it great—its students, faculty, alumni, and families. I am committed to listening, advocating, and making informed decisions that reflect the true voice of the entire Penn State community. I am ready to bring your interests before the Board of Trustees and will work tirelessly towards a better future for our university.

Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA) Executive Board & Alumni Council (11 years) 

  • Led a complete revision of the bylaws & strategic planning (Vision 2020: Powered by Pride) 
  • Served on Governance, Development, and Awards Committees 
  • 2018 PSAA Outstanding Alumni Council Member Award recipient 

Eberly College of Science Leadership 

  • Served on the Eberly College Alumni Board & Dean’s Advisory Committee 
  • Co-chaired the Eberly College Millennium Society for 10 years 
  • Dean Search Committee panelist in 2020 

Development Leadership 

  • Member of Corporate Engagement Committee (2016–present) 
  • Worked with Penn State development campaigns & fundraising efforts 
  • Created the Keller Family Endowment for Alumni Experiences in Science 

My most rewarding experiences have come from working directly with students, helping them navigate career paths, make connections, and find confidence in their abilities. 

Guest Lecturer & Career Mentor 

  • Guest lecturer for SC402 (Ethics & Law for Scientists) since 2015 
  • Member of LionLink Career Mentoring & LionsRoar Alumni Admissions Committee 
  • FastStart Mentor (2015, 2016, 2020, 2023, 2024) 

Innovation & Entrepreneurship 

  • Judge for Biotech Boardroom (2021–present) 
  • Invent Penn State Venture & IP Conference committee & entrepreneur coach 

A Voice for Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Families

As a Penn State alumna, spouse, parent, volunteer, business owner, and mentor, I have walked in many of your shoes. I understand the challenges students face as they navigate their education and career paths, the concerns parents have about their children’s futures, the dedication of faculty striving for excellence, and the pride alumni feel in our shared legacy and traditions. These experiences allow me to bring a well-rounded, deeply informed perspective to the Board of Trustees—one that ensures your voices, concerns, and aspirations are heard at the highest level of Penn State’s leadership.

I am the voice of:

I see firsthand the challenges facing students and families. 

I bring governance, finance, and strategic expertise required to successfully and transparently oversee new initiatives. 

I am proud to have served for over a decade with dedication to Penn State students, faculty & alumni. 

Through my roles in numerous professional organizations and associations, I am committed to advancing mentorship, equity, and leadership development opportunities that improve accessibility in our society. 

As an intellectual property attorney and scientist, I understand the power of groundbreaking research, technological advancements, and commercialization to drive progress. 

Join Me in Building a Stronger Penn State

Penn State is more than a university—

It’s a community, a legacy, and a force for change. With your support, I will work tirelessly to ensure it remains a leader in education, research, and innovation. 

  • Vote for Karen Keller — an advocate for students, faculty, and Penn State’s future.
REQUEST YOUR BALLOT AND VOTE FOR KAREN E. KELLER
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Have Questions?

We’ve Got Answers.

Voting in the Penn State Board of Trustees election doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here’s what you need to know:

If you are a Penn State alumnus/alumna, you will receive an email ballot if Penn State has a valid email address on file for you and you have not opted out of communications. The election ballot can be accessed via the email you receive or by visiting PennStateVotes.com. 

Voting opens at 9:00 a.m. (ET) on Monday, April 21, 2025, and closes at 9:00 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, May 8, 2025. 

Candidate materials, listed alphabetically, can be found here: Penn State Trustee Candidate Materials. 

 Karen Keller ’00 is Ballot Position #5. 

For a detailed overview of Karen’s candidacy, you can review her official election documents below: 

The ballot email will be sent from [email protected]. If you don’t receive it: 

  • Check your spam or junk folder. 
  • If you still cannot locate it, contact YesElections at [email protected] or call 855-224-0832 for assistance. 

The election results and 2025 Alumni Trustee Election Demographic Report will be available shortly after voting closes on Thursday, May 8th. In the meantime, the 2024 Alumni Trustee Election Demographic Report is available here: View Report. 

I welcome questions and discussions from alumni! You can contact me at [email protected]. 

Still have questions? We’re Here to Help.

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A Lifetime of Blue and White

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