President Robert D. Kelly, PhD

“I aspire to lead and serve the University of Portland through inclusive vision-setting, intentional collaboration, and a collective commitment to excellence in all that we do.”

Robert D. Kelly, PhD, became the 21st President of the University of Portland on July 1, 2022. He is the first layperson and first person of color to lead UP, a Roman Catholic, Holy Cross institution founded in 1901.

Prior to joining UP, Dr. Kelly served as Vice President, Special Assistant to the President, and Clinical Professor at Loyola University Maryland, with responsibility for mission and identity, intercollegiate athletics, student development, emergency management, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and more. He has held senior administrative and teaching positions at Loyola University Chicago, Seattle University, and Union College, among other institutions.

Dr. Kelly holds a PhD in Philosophy, Education Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Maryland; a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from the University of Vermont; and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Loyola University Maryland.

Dr. Kelly and his wife, Dr. Bridget Turner Kelly, are the parents of two children.