LIVONIA, MICH. – Members of the Madonna University community will be celebrating Dean Karen Obsniuk's commitment to excellence in education and her servant leadership over the next few weeks.
After a career as a teacher and while serving as principal of an elementary school in the area, Dr. Obsniuk began her relationship with Madonna University as an adjunct faculty member. While teaching an 8 a.m. class to police officers and first responders, Dr. Obsniuk was known to bring coffee to the class. She went on to become a full-time faculty member and coordinator of directed teaching for Madonna's College of Education. Before becoming dean of what is now the College of Education and Human Development, she served as acting dean and chair of teacher education.
In August 2023, Dr. Obsniuk was recognized by Crain's Detroit Business as one of 26 Notable Leaders in Higher Education. Highlights from her nomination for the honor include: Focused on service, Dr. Obsniuk dedicates her energy to educational change, K-12 student behavior, literacy intervention with at-risk students, and quality of work-life issues for teachers. She actively engages in the field of education at the state and local levels, working closely with the Michigan Department of Education and as a board member of the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE). She works to remove obstacles from the paths of teachers, staff, or other administrators while still maintaining high standards.
Dr. Obsniuk serves as chair of the academic subcommittee on the board of Public School Academies of Detroit, chair of the strategic planning committee on the board of Living and Learning Enrichment Center, member of the Livonia Chapter of the Lions Club, and member of the West Oak Civitan Club - Literacy Outreach.
About her work, Dr. Obsniuk said, "The students, staff, and faculty are important in my life. We have shared challenges and triumphs. It is immeasurably gratifying to see students become teachers and administrators who will make a positive difference in the lives of others."
