Get to Know Jennie Doke-Kerns

Get to know Jennie Doke-Kerns

Dr. Jennie Doke-Kerns is a life-long resident of the greater Des Moines area. As a first-generation college student from the southwest side of Des Moines, Jennie began her college education at DMACC and later went on to receive a bachelor’s in Secondary Education and English at Grand View University. She completed a MS in Effective Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Drake in 2004, and a MA in English from Iowa State University in 2008. In 2016, Jennie earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Drake University.
 

Jennie has spent more than 25 years in education, teaching at the high school and the college levels, as well as spending four years in administration overseeing college in prison programs and adult education initiatives. Jennie is now an English and Humanities Professor and Academic Support Services Coordinator on DMACC’s West Campus. She has served as chair of the Iowa Organization for Student Success, the chair of the Iowa Consortium for Higher Education in Prison, and a board member of Iowa Prison Industries. Currently Jennie serves as a board member at the Young Women Resource Center, The Taste of the Junction, and the Central Iowa Community Land Trust. She also works on the college’s College Council, Veteran and Military Support Committee, and as a representative for her campus on the Higher Education Association, a Union organization.
 

Jennie lives in the neighborhood around Valley Junction with her husband and younger children; their home near Hillside Elementary has been in the family for more than 25 years. Both her husband and one of her daughters are on active duty in the Army. She is committed to community service and fostering an inclusive West Des Moines that celebrates diversity and enhances belonging for all its residents and guests. Jennie is a team-builder who can bring stakeholders together to get things done.

 

A Record of Service to Iowa

Doke-Kerns has been active in West Des Moines and Polk County politics for several years. She is the previous chair of West Des Moines Democrats. She currently sits on the boards of the Young Women’s Resource Center, Taste of the Junction, and the Central Iowa Community Land Trust. Previously, Doke-Kerns served as Chair of the Iowa Consortium for Higher Education in Prison and on the board of Iowa Prison Industries. Doke-Kerns is a professor of English and Humanities at the community college level, where she has served as chair of the Diversity Commission and as a member of the Veteran and Military Employee and Student Resource Group. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Drake University in 2016, after completing master’s degrees at both Iowa State University and Drake University. 

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Why Jennie wants to serve on the West Des Moines City Council - Ward 1

Ward 1 deserves to be represented by an individual who can bring stakeholders together for the betterment of our community.  She will work hard to grow and foster much-needed relationships between the City Council, the City Manager’s Office, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, and our fantastic West Des Moines schools. Ward 1 needs a council member that understands that our city will be stronger when we work together toward our common goals. Finally, and most important of all, Jennie pledges to show up and represent our community and neighbors. Ward 1 needs to know who their city council person is, and feel confident that they are working for them.

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