Karen Terhune

Karen Terhune serves as Manager of the Disability Services Center within Gallaudet University's Division of Belonging & Engagement while concurrently holding an adjunct faculty appointment teaching Government courses. She instructs GOV-351 American Constitutional Law: Powers and Checks and has taught GOV-352 Civil Liberties, contributing to the academic mission of the School of Civic Leadership, Business and Social Change. Employed at Gallaudet since 2005, her dual role bridges administrative leadership in disability access with legal education.

Education:

• J.D., Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America, 1993

Terhune's professional expertise centers on constitutional law and civil rights frameworks, directly informed by her 12-year civil litigation practice (1993-2005) specializing in civil rights, contract law, and child abuse & neglect cases. Her teaching focuses on constitutional powers, checks and balances, and civil liberties—areas critically relevant to disability rights advocacy within Gallaudet's Deaf-centered educational environment. This intersection of legal scholarship and accessibility administration creates unique value for students navigating civil rights protections.

Professional Service:

• Manager, Disability Services Center (2005–present)
• Adjunct Faculty, Government Program