ASU System President Brendan Kelly chosen to lead Eastern Michigan

Dr. Brendan Kelly, president of the Arkansas State University System, has been selected to become president of his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, in Ypsilanti.The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents voted today to elect Kelly as its 24th president, effective March 1, to succeed the retiring James Smith. Kelly has been ASU System president – only the third president in the system’s history – since Sept. 23, 2024.

ASU System Board of Trustees Chair Steve Eddington of Benton said Kelly has given the board notice.

“We appreciate Dr. Kelly’s service and respect his decision to return to his alma mater and home state,” Eddington said. “The Board of Trustees will outline a plan to prepare for a smooth transition for future leadership. We have a strong team of campus and system leaders to carry on the work of service to our students in the interim.”

The ASU System board will meet in regular session on Friday at 10 a.m. at the System Office in Little Rock.

An Eastern Michigan graduate, Kelly arrived at the ASU System after serving as president of the University of West Georgia. He succeeded interim president Dr. Robin Myers and the second system president, Dr. Chuck Welch, who left the system in January after nearly 13 years to become president and CEO of the American Association of State Colleges & Universities (AASCU) in Washington, D.C.

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. His wife, Dr. Tressa Kelly, is also an EMU alumnus.

SPECIAL MEETING SCHEDULED

The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees will meet in special session via Teams videoconference at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10.

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