Karen Hokanson

Sister Karen Hokanson, SNDdeN, entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1967 and professed her first vows in 1970.

Sister Karen earned a Bachelor of Science from Salem State College, a Master of Education from Boston University, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Her doctoral research focused on helping schools effectively plan for technological change.

Throughout her ministry, Sister Karen has served as a teacher, principal, college professor and educational leader. Since 1998, she has been part of the Emmanuel College community, serving as a faculty member, Chair of the Department of Education, and Dean of the School of Education. In 2026, she was named Faculty Emerita. She currently serves as director of the Carolyn A. Lynch Institute, co-chair of the Catholic School Advisory Council, and continues as an adjunct faculty member.

Sister Karen has presented on educational technology and collaborative leadership to educators and organizations in the United States and abroad. She also supports the Notre Dame Virtual School, founded by her sister, Sister Kristin Hokanson, SNDdeN, which promotes online learning for schools sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

Throughout her ministry, Sister Karen has sought to support educators, encourage innovation and advance the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to “educate for life.”

Updated in 2026