Dr. Brendan Kelly Begins Tenure as 24th President of EMU, Igniting a New Era

Dr. Brendan Kelly Begins Service as 24th President of EMU

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has officially inaugurated Dr. Brendan B. Kelly as its 24th president, heralding a promising new chapter for the 177-year-old institution. The vote of confidence in Kelly reflects both his rich history with EMU and his broad experience in various educational roles across the United States.

Dr. Kelly is not just an accomplished academic leader; he is also a proud alumnus of EMU, having earned both his bachelor’s degree in public relations and master's degree in communication from the university. His connection to EMU is further entrenched through his earlier roles as a faculty member, giving him unique insights and a strong commitment to the university's future.

His arrival at EMU comes after the retirement of President James Smith, who served for nearly ten years. As he takes on this pivotal role, he emphasizes the urgency and significance of the moment. “Today is not just a beginning; it’s a call to action,” Kelly declared. “We don’t have a minute to waste. Our students are counting on us, our communities are counting on us, and the state of Michigan is counting on us.”

Kelly’s tenure began officially on April 1, 2026. In his speeches, he highlighted that this new role is not merely administrative; it is a chance to continue the evolution of EMU by focusing on student success and educational growth. He articulated an ambitious vision that includes expanding opportunities, fostering student achievements, and addressing the critical needs of the community.