Karen Schmaling, Ph.D.

Karen B. Schmaling, Ph.D., is Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at WSU Vancouver. She has primary responsibility for the academic mission of the institution and its related functions. Dr. Schmaling joined WSU Vancouver in August 2010, having served as Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for the previous six years.  She also holds an appointment as Affiliate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine. 

Dr. Schmaling is a clinical psychologist.  She received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Washington in 1988. Her research has focused on the psychology of chronic illnesses, which has resulted in over 110 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and a book.  She has been principal investigator or co-investigator on grants totaling approximately $25M, mostly from the National Institutes of Health.