Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – A little over a year after assuming his role as president of ASU System, Dr. Brenden Kelly returns to his home state of Michigan to serve as president of Eastern Michigan University (EMU).
EMU made the announcement today in a release which read, “The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents today elected Dr. Brendan Kelly 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.”
Kelly added, “I spent my formative years in this state, and I’ve seen firsthand how Eastern Michigan University lifts individuals, families, and entire communities. 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.”
Kelly was confirmed by the ASU System Board of Trustees on June 5, 2024, and began his duties on Sept. 23, 2024. He will join EMU at the beginning of March 2026 and will begin official duties after the retirement of current EMU President James Smith in the spring.
Kelly and his wife, Dr. Tressa Kelly, are both two-time alumni of EMU. The school’s Board of Regents chair, Nate Ford, said in the release, “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.”
Arkansas State University Chancellor Todd Shields issued a statement on Kelly’s departure.
“In my three decades in higher education, I’ve served through multiple System President transitions. Continuity of purpose is of utmost importance, and we are fortunate to have the leadership provided by our Board of Trustees and the hard work of the system staff as we navigate this transition.
As the Trustees identify a new System President, our job is to stay the course and stick to the vital mission of educating tomorrow’s leaders and bridging our four-year and two-year colleges, industry, and workforce needs for the ultimate good of Northeast Arkansas and the entire state. Together, A-State will continue to be one of the country’s best universities,” Shields said.
The chancellor’s full statement can be read here.
After the announcement, the Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees said it will meet in special session today at 5 p.m.
ASU System Board of Trustees Chair Steve Eddington said Kelly’s resignation is effective Feb. 12. According to a release from ASU System, Kelly was only the third president in its history.
“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.”
