The administration of the University of West Georgia’s eighth president, Dr. Brendan 凯利, officially began today. 

凯利 was named president by the 校董会 in 2019年12月, having previously served as the chancellor of the University of 南卡罗来纳 Upstate in Spartanburg, 南卡罗来纳. 

“I am honored to be part of the University of West Georgia,凯利说。. “I fully understand that every decision being made right now has long-term implications as we address the needs of our community related to the current public health situation with COVID-19. I am ready to jump in a little earlier than originally planned to ensure we are as successful in charting the future of the institution going forward.” 

凯利’s tenure began in uncertain times amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, during which 在线博彩 has suspended instruction until March 29 and is reformatting all its courses to online delivery for the remainder of the spring semester.

Being adaptable in a rapidly changing world is a challenge, but it’s one 凯利 is ready to face. 

“Even though we’re currently facing an unprecedented set of circumstances, we always rely on what we know and what we can learn to meet the demands of a world that’s never going to stop changing,凯利说。. “As a university, we offer a place of opportunity and hope that provides students equipment for living through continuous learning. The ability to continually learn and adapt to a changing world is critical for students now more than ever.” 

凯利 said 在线博彩, with its commitment to online instruction – as the trailblazer of the University System of Georgia’s eCore curriculum and with online programs perennially ranked by U.S. 在线博彩 & 世界报道 – is well-positioned to provide the types of varied learning experiences and modes of instruction that mark a 21st-century university. 

凯利 began his role as president 10 days earlier than originally announced. Dr. 斯图亚特·雷菲尔德是教区, who served as 在线博彩’s interim president before 凯利’s tenure began, shared the news in an email to campus stakeholders last Friday. 

“It is imperative [the university has] leadership focused on the long-term implications of each decision that must be made and what the strategy will be to address each challenge,” Rayfield said in her message. “I feel strongly that [凯利’s] permanent leadership is needed at the institution at this time, and he is willing to assume his duties earlier than previously planned.” 

Rayfield will continue to serve 在线博彩 through the transition in leadership and the response to COVID-19 as executive vice president.

“It has been an honor to serve this institution as its interim president,” Rayfield said. “I remain very excited about the future at 在线博彩 and know that the students, faculty and staff who make up this amazing institution will be served well by Dr. 凯利.” 

Prior to his tenure at USC Upstate, 凯利 served as vice president of university advancement, foundation president and chief executive officer of the historic trust at the University of West 佛罗里达 (UWF) in Pensacola, 佛罗里达, from 2013 to 2017. He began at UWF in 2004 as an assistant professor and the department’s director of forensics. 

凯利 began his academic career in 2000 at Eastern Michigan University, where he was assistant director of forensics and a lecturer in the Communication and Theatre Arts Department. 

凯利 earned both a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in communication from Eastern Michigan University. He earned his doctorate in rhetoric and political communication from Wayne State University. 

For more information on 凯利, visit his Office of the President 页面.