US Edition‘Down-to-Earth Guy’: Eastern Michigan University Students Excited for New President
Brendan Kelly will start as Eastern Michigan University president in May 2026 with a $520,000 annual salary on a five-year contract, returning to his alma mater.
- On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the EMU Board of Regents elected Dr. Brendan Kelly as the university's 24th president, who will join as president-elect on March 1, 2026, and assume duties on May 4, 2026, upon President James Smith's retirement.
- Returning to his alma mater, Kelly earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees at Eastern Michigan University, began his teaching career there, and shares this homecoming with his wife, Dr. Tressa Kelly, two-time EMU alumna.
- Kelly brings a record of system leadership at Arkansas State University System, where since 2024 he advanced enrollment growth and financial stability, following roles at University of South Carolina Upstate and University of West Georgia.
- The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees held a special meeting in Little Rock to outline transition plans as Dr. Brendan Kelly prepares to depart, effective in May 2026.
- Serving more than 12,000 students, EMU will have Mike Hawks, Eastern Michigan University Regent and chair of the Ad Hoc Transition Committee, lead a seamless transition, saying it safeguards ongoing work and positions Dr. Kelly effectively.
20 Articles
20 Articles
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 Boa…
Arkansas State University President Brendan Kelly takes post at Eastern Michigan University | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Arkansas State University System President Brendan Kelly is leaving to return to his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University, to be its 24th president.
ASU System President Brendan Kelly Resigns for Same Role at Eastern Michigan
The Arkansas State University System on Wednesday announced that President Brendan Kelly is resigning for the same role at his alma mater, Eastern Michigan University. Kelly has been ASU System president — only the third president in the system’s history — since September 2024. His resignation is effective Feb. 12. The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents voted Wednesday to elect Kelly as the university’s 24th president, effective March …
Mason City Globe Gazette
Coming home: Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents elects two-time alum and Flint native Dr. Brendan Kelly as next president
YPSILANTI, Mich., Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 84% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
