Dr. Brendan Kelly, a two-time graduate of Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and current president of the Arkansas State University System, has been elected as EMU’s 24th president. The Board of Regents announced his appointment following a national search to replace President James Smith, who will retire after nearly ten years in the role. Dr. Kelly will join as president-elect on March 1, 2026, and officially assume the presidency on May 4, 2026.
Dr. Kelly’s career in higher education includes leadership roles at several institutions. At Arkansas State University System, he focused on enrollment growth and financial stability. Previously, as president of the University of West Georgia, he advanced student success initiatives and oversaw the university’s athletics transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. He also served as interim president at the University of South Carolina in 2019 and chancellor at USC Upstate from 2017 to 2020.
During his earlier tenure at EMU, Dr. Kelly was an assistant director of forensics and lecturer in communication and theatre arts. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations with a minor in philosophy and a master’s degree in communication from EMU, along with a Ph.D. in political communication and rhetoric from Wayne State University.
The Board of Regents expressed confidence in Dr. Kelly’s leadership abilities during what they described as a transformative period for higher education. “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,” said Board Chair Nate Ford.
Ford also recognized outgoing President Smith for his contributions: “Under President Smith’s leadership, we’ve seen important gains in academics, facilities and community partnerships,” Ford said. “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.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr. Kelly stated: “I am deeply honored to serve as the next president of Eastern Michigan University,” adding that Ypsilanti and EMU were formative influences both personally and professionally. “That’s why I consider it the greatest honor of my career to serve as Eastern’s chief advocate.”
Kelly emphasized his commitment to access, opportunity, and innovation—priorities aligned with EMU’s mission—and cited his experience serving on the Board of Directors for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
Regent Anupam Chugh Sidhu highlighted Dr. Kelly’s team-oriented approach: “President-elect Kelly combines the heart of a public servant with the vision of a builder.”
Both Dr. Brendan Kelly and his wife, Dr. Tressa Kelly—a fellow two-time EMU alumna—will return to their alma mater for this new chapter; she is an experienced educator who has taught at multiple institutions over two decades.
A campus reception welcoming Brendan and Tressa Kelly was scheduled for December 10 at EMU’s Student Center.
To facilitate the transition process, Regent Mike Hawks will chair an Ad Hoc Transition Committee whose members will be named later.
Dr. Kelly will begin his presidency under a five-year contract with an annual salary set at $520,000.
His selection was guided by input from both the Presidential Search Committee (composed entirely of Regents) and a Presidential Search Advisory Committee made up of faculty representatives, students, community members including Ypsilanti Mayor Nicole Brown, alumni leaders such as Regent Emeritus Michelle Crumm, staff liaisons like Vicki Reaume (vice president/secretary to the board), among others.
Founded in 1849 Eastern Michigan University is Michigan’s second-oldest public university; it serves over 12,000 students across more than 300 academic programs through its various colleges and offers undergraduate through doctoral degrees. The university is known nationally for applied learning experiences that prepare graduates for careers and emphasizes hands-on training.
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