Karen Middleton

Hon. Karen Middleton      Adams State University

Karen has led Cobalt, a statewide reproductive rights organization, since 2013.  She has also been adjunct faculty at both Metropolitan State University of Denver and University of Colorado's School of Public Affairs.

Karen previously served as the president of Emerge America, a national organization that trains women to run for elected office. She was in elected office for six years as a Colorado state legislator, serving on the Education Committee; and on Colorado’s State Board of Education. 

Karen is a member of the Adams State University Board of Trustees.  She received the 2023 University Distinguished Service Award by University of Colorado Board of Regents for her contributions to Colorado communities as a legislator, nonprofit leader, and advocate of education and public service. Karen was also named a Top 25 Women in Business by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce.

Karen holds a BA degree from Mount Holyoke College in Women's Studies and Politics, an MA in Political Science from the University of Colorado at Denver, and an MA in Higher Education Governance from the University of Denver. 

Karen lives in Aurora with her husband, Christian Overbey, and daughter, Zoe Middleton (16).