Karina Kline-Gabel earned her M.A. in Spanish Literature from the University of Virginia and her B.A. in International Affairs and Modern Foreign Languages from James Madison University. Her current advocacy work focuses on building connections with the local community on a campus, local and state level. Her teaching focuses on cultural competency and creating spaces for JMU students to work with local agencies and civic engagement opportunities on and off campus.

As Assistant Dean, Karina works with students, faculty and leadership to establish, seek and consolidate best practices for recruitment and retention.