Dr. Brendan Kelly has been elected by the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents as the 24th president of Eastern Michigan University, welcoming home a two-time alumnus whose career in higher education leadership, public service and community engagement reflects both the resilience and ambition of EMU’s mission. His appointment also marks a special homecoming with his wife, Dr. Tressa Kelly, herself a two-time EMU alumna and longtime educator. He is set to join the University on March 1, 2026 as president-elect, before beginning official duties as president upon the retirement of President James Smith next spring.

A career of service and innovation

Currently president of the Arkansas State University System and a proud Eastern Michigan University graduate, Kelly has charted a career defined by advocacy, accountability and transformative leadership. His election follows a nationwide search for a successor to EMU’s current president, Dr. James Smith, who announced his plans to retire after nearly a decade of service to the University.

As president of the ASU System since 2024, Kelly has led the multi-institution system through enrollment growth initiatives, strengthened financial stability, and strengthened community ties across Arkansas. Prior to his appointment there, he served as president of the University of West Georgia, where he advanced student success, transitioned UWG Athletics from NCAA Division II to Division I, achieved record-breaking enrollment growth, elevated academic innovation, and expanded partnerships throughout the region and state.

Dr. Kelly was also appointed Interim President of the University of South Carolina in 2019 and, from 2017-2020, as Chancellor of the University of South Carolina Upstate. There, he presided over the creation of a university-wide, integrated brand platform and a robust recruiting campaign that resulted in the highest enrollment levels in the institution’s history, all while holding tuition increases to a minimum, and took NCAA Division I USC Upstate Athletics into the Big South Conference.

Earlier in his career, Kelly spent 14 years at the University of West Florida, first as a Professor in the School of Communication Arts, then as Director of the School of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, and later as Vice President of University Advancement. Most exciting for the Eastern community, before beginning his time in Florida, Dr. Kelly served at EMU as Assistant Director of Forensics and a Lecturer in the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts.

Board of Regents: “Vision, resilience, collaborative”

From Flint to Ypsilanti and onward through national service, President-elect Kelly’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to meaningful service and transformative impact, said EMU Board of Regents Chair Nate Ford. “Dr. Kelly brings vision, resilience and a collaborative spirit. We are confident he will guide Eastern with clarity and courage as higher education navigates one of its most transformative eras.”

In EMU’s 24th president, the Board of Regents has tapped a highly accomplished higher education leader who has a proven track record of success leading large institutions and a clear understanding of the work ahead, Ford said.

“Under President Smith’s leadership, we’ve seen important gains in academics, facilities and community partnerships,” said Ford. “Dr. Kelly will build on that strong foundation, bringing fresh energy and vision to help us expand innovation, elevate student success and deepen our impact across Michigan.”

A personal journey rooted at Eastern

Throughout his career, Kelly has been known for delivering results while staying grounded in mission. Over his tenure as chancellor/president, he improved student outcomes, expanded market share, strengthened financial stability and forged strong relationships with students, faculty, staff and the greater community.

Kelly earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in philosophy and his master’s degree in communication from Eastern Michigan University before completing his Ph.D. in political communication and rhetoric at Wayne State University.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the next president of Eastern Michigan University,” Kelly said. “This work is personal to me. Ypsilanti and EMU are where many of the seeds for success were sown in my life -- not only as a student but later as a scholar and leader. I could not be more honored than to provide the same opportunities to current and future students at EMU.

“I spent my formative years in this state, and I’ve seen first-hand how Eastern Michigan University lifts individuals, families and entire communities,” he said. “That’s why I consider it the greatest honor of my career to serve as Eastern’s chief advocate. I believe deeply in the mission of this university and of the transformative impact of higher education, and I will fight every day to tell our story, elevate and strengthen our impact and continually earn the public’s trust.”

A pivotal moment for higher education

Kelly assumes the presidency at a pivotal time -- for EMU, for Michigan and for the communities higher education serves. As questions about affordability and career readiness intensify, Eastern’s mission of preparing graduates to thrive in careers and the workforce and positively contribute to society and communities has never been more vital. His focus on access, opportunity and innovation aligns directly with EMU’s strengths and future direction.

These are issues Kelly navigated and studied as chancellor and president of previous institutions, as well as through his national service on the Board of Directors of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

Building on EMU’s 176-year legacy

EMU Regent and Presidential Search Advisory Committee Chair Anupam Chugh Sidhu said that as a team-oriented leader and strategic thinker, Kelly brings both clarity and drive to the work of advocating for EMU and advancing public higher education.

“President-elect Kelly combines the heart of a public servant with the vision of a builder. For him, success means opening doors for students and strengthening the communities we serve. Together, we will build on Eastern’s proud 176-year legacy and chart an ambitious future for Michigan and beyond.”