Deb Skinner, MEd

Vice President for Enrollment and Strategic Growth

BA, Graceland University
MA, Drake University

Higdon Administration Building

Deb (Knotts) Skinner ’93 graduated from Graceland in 1993, Deb earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, K-12 teaching and coaching. While working at Graceland, Skinner earned a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Drake University in 2000. She brings a wide variety of experience to the role, both inside and outside of the university. She has worked at Graceland in a variety of different roles over the last 20 years, including positions in Athletics, Career Services, Educational Talent Search, Enactus (SIFE), Facility Services and as a residence hall director. Her experiences outside of Graceland include residence hall director and coach for Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and law enforcement officer, detective and forensic artist in New Mexico. After 10 years as Graceland’s director of residence life, Skinner transitioned to the dean of admissions in November of 2019, and after nearly two years was promoted to Vice President for Enrollment & Strategic Growth.

The experiences I have had as a student and employee at Graceland University were powerful influences in my approach to leadership, culture, and innovation throughout my life’s work.  As an enrollment leader, I look forward to bringing our community together to discuss and re-assess enrollment – both recruitment and retention.  I am honored to serve as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Strategic Growth and believe together we can stay true to who our mission calls us to be and look toward the future.

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