Robert D. Kelly
| Robert D. Kelly | |
|---|---|
 President Robert D. Kelly.jpg | |
| Born | May 29, 1972 Jersey City, New Jersey |
| 🏫 Education | BA, Loyola University Maryland MA, University of Vermont PhD, University of Maryland, College Park |
| 💼 Occupation | |
| Title | President of the University of Portland |
| Predecessor | Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C. |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Bridget Turner Kelly |
| 🌐 Website | https://www.up.edu/president/index.html |
Robert D. Kelly 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.[1]
Education
Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Loyola University Maryland in 1994. 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]
Career
Kelly began his career in higher education administration at Colgate University as Assistant Director of Residential Life. He later held positions at the University of Vermont (2000–2005), Seattle University (2005–2009), and Loyola University Chicago (2009–2014). From 2014 to 2017, he served as Chief of Staff to the President at Union College.[3]
In 2017, Kelly returned to Loyola University Maryland as University Vice President and Special Assistant to the President. He has authored publications on higher education leadership, including Disruptive Transformation: Leading Creative and Innovative Teams in Higher Education.[4]
University of Portland presidency
Kelly became president of the University of Portland in 2022. During his tenure, the university implemented a strategic plan titled Hope, Renewal, Transformation and launched the Moreau Pathway Program, a direct admissions initiative for graduates of Catholic high schools in Oregon and Southwest Washington.[5][6]
Notable gifts received during Kelly's presidency include a $20 million anonymous donation in 2024, a $10 million gift from Darlene Marcos Shiley for the Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation, and an $18 million estate gift from alumnus Jim Berchtold.[7][8][9]
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.[10][11][12][13]
Personal life
Kelly is married to Bridget Turner Kelly, a faculty member at the University of Maryland, College Park. They have two children and reside in Portland.[14]
References
- ↑ "President Robert D. Kelly, PhD | University of Portland". www.up.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ↑ "President Robert D. Kelly, PhD | University of Portland". www.up.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ↑ "President Robert D. Kelly, PhD | University of Portland". www.up.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ↑ "Disruptive Transformation". naspa.org. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ↑ "Strategic Plan 2022-2027: Hope, Renewal, Transformation | University of Portland". www.up.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ↑ "Future Pilots' Pathway: UP Offers Direct Admission to Local Catholic High School Seniors | University of Portland". www.up.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ↑ "University of Portland Announces Transformational $20 Million Gift | University of Portland". www.up.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- ↑ "Noted Philanthropist Darlene Marcos Shiley Makes $10 Million Gift to Establish the Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation on the University of Portland Campus | University of Portland". www.up.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ↑ "Expanding the Dundon-Berchtold 'Ripple Effect' — Multi-Million Dollar Estate Gift Will Fund University of Portland Student Scholarships | University of Portland". www.up.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ↑ "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.
- ↑ "First Lady Dr. Bridget Turner Kelly | University of Portland". www.up.edu. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
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