Robert D. Kelly
Robert D. Kelly | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 29, 1972 Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Education | BA, Loyola University Maryland MA, University of Vermont PhD, University of Maryland, College Park |
| Title | President of the University of Portland |
| Predecessor | Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C. |
| Spouse | Bridget Turner Kelly |
| Website | https://www.up.edu/president/index.html |
Robert D. Kelly (born May 29, 1972) is an American higher education administrator and professor serving as president of the University of Portland, a Catholic university in Portland, Oregon, affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross. He is the first layperson and first person of color to hold this position.
Education
Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Loyola University Maryland in 1994.[1] He later received a Master of Arts in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont and a Doctor of Philosophy in education policy, planning, and administration from the University of Maryland, College Park.[2][1]
Career
Kelly has worked at Union College, Loyola University Chicago and Seattle University.[2] He served on the Loyola University Maryland Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2017 and help a position as University Vice President and Special Assistant to the President.[1] He has authored publications on higher education leadership, including Disruptive Transformation: Leading Creative and Innovative Teams in Higher Education.[3]
Kelly serves on several educational boards, including the NCAA Division I Committee on Academics, the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities, the University of St. Thomas, and the Catlin Gabel School.[4][5][6][7]
University of Portland presidency
Kelly became president of the University of Portland in 2022, and is the first Black and non-ordained person to hold the position.[2] In 2025, Kelly signed an open letter from universities "opposing government intrusion".[8]
Personal life
Kelly is Catholic.[2] He is married to Bridget Turner Kelly; they have two children and reside in Portland.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Loyola vice president named president of University of Portland". Catholic Review. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d Jaquiss, Nigel (26 April 2022). "University of Portland Names Robert D. Kelly as Its First Black President". Willamette Week. Retrieved 20 February 2026.
- ^ "Disruptive Transformation". naspa.org. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ "Committees". web1.ncaa.org. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ^ Ridenour, Meg. "University of Portland President Dr. Robert D. Kelly Elected Board Chair of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities – Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities". Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "Board of Trustees". www.stthomas.edu. Archived from the original on 2025-01-16. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "Board of Trustees | Independent PreK-12 School in Portland". www.catlin.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ^ "Read the full letter from universities opposing 'government intrusion'". OPB. 24 April 2025. Retrieved 20 February 2026.