Kathleen King

Kathleen King, PhD, is Associate Professor and Chair of the Education Department at North Central College, specializing in graduate-level leadership development and transformative teacher preparation. She designed the Educational Leadership Masters program and has extensive PK-12 experience as a teacher, principal, and district technology director. She holds a B.A. from Loras College (1987) and an M.Ed. from DePaul University (1997), with credentials including Superintendent/Principal Endorsements and Mental Health First Aid certification.

Her research focuses on integrating Social Emotional Learning, mental wellness, and character development into educational systems. She examines how culturally responsive leadership and self-care practices improve school outcomes and educator retention.

She secured significant grants including a $3.2 million Kern Family Foundation grant for developing 'cultures of character' in schools and contributed to federal SEED/EIR grants impacting 150+ principals. She volunteers as a grant writer for nonprofits supporting youth and seniors.