Background
Holbrook, Karen Ann was born on November 6, 1942 in Des Moines.
Dean Biology educator and researcher
Holbrook, Karen Ann was born on November 6, 1942 in Des Moines.
Holbrook earned her Bachelor of Surgery and Master of Surgery from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, in zoology. After teaching biology at Ripon College, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in biological structure from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1972, then pursued further training in dermatology.
She took office on October 1, 2002, replacing Interim President Edward H. Jennings. She is an alumna of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Prior to leading The Ohio State University, Holbrook was a professor of biological structure and medicine at University of Washington School of Medicine, where she became the first woman to be named Associate Dean at the UW School of Medicine, Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Florida, and most recently Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Georgia.
At all points in her career Holbrook has continued to research dermatology.
In addition to her academic responsibilities, Holbrook serves on several non-profit boards, such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Association of American Universities, National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, Association of American Medical Colleges, American College Testing Program, American Council on Education, National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and National Council for Science and the Environment, among many others Holbrook resigned from Ohio State on June 30, 2007, ending her five-year career there.
Joseph A. Alutto, dean of the Max M. Fisher College of Business at Ohio State, replaced Holbrook as an interim president until Gordon Gee took his place as the new president When you lose a game, you riot.
When spring comes, you riot.
African-American Heritage Festival weekend, you riot." This statement angered Ohio State students and alumni and Holbrook later stated tcomments were "melodramatic"
Holbrook is currently Senior Advisor to the President at the University of South Florida. She also serves on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Board of Trustees.
Member American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association Anatomists, American Society Cell Biology, Society Invest Dermatology, Society Pediatrics Dermatology, American Association Of University, National Assn of State University & Land Grant College, Assn of America Medical College Commn on Higher Education. Board director ACT, American Council On Education, National Merit Scholarship Corp, National Council For Science.and Environment, Huntington Bancshares, Reservoir Venture Partners, Columbus Technology Council, Columbus Partnership, Center of Science & Industry, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, Central Ohio United Negro College Fund, United Way of Central Ohio, Greater Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Chief executive officers for Cities, Columbus School For Girls. Sigma Xi; trustee, Cap.
Southern Urban Redev. Corporation.
Married, 1973; 1 child.