Overview
- The Board of Regents elected Kelly as EMU’s 24th president during a special meeting on Dec. 10, 2025.
- Kelly currently leads the Arkansas State University System and previously headed the University of West Georgia, served as chancellor at USC Upstate, and was interim president at the University of South Carolina.
- He is slated to arrive on campus March 1, 2026 and will take on presidential duties after James Smith steps down in June 2026.
- Kelly’s appointment includes a five-year contract with a $520,000 annual salary, according to the university as reported by CBS Detroit.
- Kelly called the role a personal honor tied to his roots in Ypsilanti, and Board Chair Nate Ford cited his vision, resilience and collaborative approach.