Karen Vignare, Ph.D., M.B.A., is a strategic innovator dedicated to leveraging emerging technologies to enhance student success in higher education. As the Vice President of Digital Transformation for Student Success at the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), Karen collaborates with a national network of public research universities to improve academic systems’ efficiency, reduce barriers, and support students through innovative technology and change management. At APLU, she focuses on scaling and sustaining effective change.

Karen has spearheaded several multi-million-dollar grants aimed at utilizing personalized and adaptive software to boost student success. She provides thought leadership and support to numerous public four-year universities. Throughout her career, Karen has held various roles, from faculty positions to administrative leadership. Her work and publications focus on innovations in adaptive learning, open educational resources, student success, evidence-based decision making, learning analytics, and business models that foster an innovative culture.