By the time Dr. Karen Klomparens gained the title of Dean of the Graduate School in 1997, she had already established her reputation at Michigan State University.
Starting her MSU career in 1979 as a professor of Plant Biology and soon after Director of MSU’s Center for Advanced Microscopy, Klomparens published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and three books on the topic of ultrastructural development of sporulating structures in fungi.
From 1989 to 1991, she served on the Council on the Review of Research and Graduate Education. The council’s 1991 report recommended restructuring graduate education at MSU, and the Graduate School was established in 1994. She then served as Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Welfare from 1994 to 1997 and became the Dean of the Graduate School in 1997.
Klomparens applied herself tirelessly to this new role, and her problem-solving skills, foresight, and talent in building relationships helped establish the Graduate School as an essential component of the educational experience of graduate students at MSU.
As the Dean of the Graduate School, she developed resources for career development and mental health and wellness, championed fundraising efforts to build support for students, and led the rehabilitation of Chittenden Hall, which is now the home of the Graduate School.
In 2019, Stephanie and Edward (Ned) Watts established the Karen Klomparens Endowment in Support of Graduate Fellowships to celebrate her legacy. This endowment is awarded annually to students who are enrolled in masters or doctoral programs at MSU in any discipline, including professional degree programs.
The broad scope of this endowment was chosen by its founders to channel Karen’s attitude, who recognized that sometimes even a small amount of money could empower individual students to overcome their obstacles to success.
We at the Graduate School are indebted to Karen and grateful for the tireless effort that she contributed to Michigan State University in her long and storied career.
Spartans who wish to celebrate her work can donate to the endowment at https://givingto.msu.edu/crowdpower/klomparens-graduate-fellowships and can share a memory or tribute to her using this form.
