Eastern Names New President with Deep EMU Roots - The Sun Times News

Eastern Names New President with Deep EMU Roots - The Sun Times News

Photo: Eastern Michigan University President-Elect Dr. Brendan Kelly. Courtesy of EMU Eastern Michigan University has selected one of its own to lead the institution into its next chapter. Dr. Brendan Kelly, a two-time EMU graduate with a long career in higher education leadership, has been elected the University’s 24th president. He will return to Ypsilanti on March 1, 2026 as president-elect and officially take over when President James Smith …

EMU Names Alumnus Brendan Kelly as New President

Brendan Kelly Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti has named Brendan Kelly, a two-time EMU alumnus, to be the school’s 24th president, succeeding James Smith when he retires next spring. Kelly currently is president of the Arkansas State University System and will join EMU on March 1, 2026 as president-elect, before beginning official duties as president. As president of the ASU System since 2024, Kelly has led the multi-institution system t…