The administration of Dr. Brendan Kelly as president of the University of West Georgia will end in the coming months, as Kelly was recently named president of the Arkansas State University System, providing leadership to a system of seven institutions, including the flagship Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

“Serving as president of the University of West Georgia is one of the greatest privileges of my life and represents some of the best work we can achieve in higher education,” Kelly said in a statement shared with members of UWG’s volunteer service boards, as well as faculty and staff, last week. “Tressa and I wish we could have the opportunity to continue to steward the success of this institution, but the time for our contributions is coming to an end. We have nothing but incredible confidence in and optimism about the future of the University of West Georgia and how it will continue to elevate.”

Kelly’s administration officially began on March 23, 2020, starting as president a week before his planned start date to address the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, Kelly has led the institution with a commitment to curating a first-choice university for the students and communities to which it is in service.

Under Kelly’s leadership, the university has broken records in retention, fundraising and degrees conferred. Other highlights of achievements by the university during his administration include – but are not limited to – elevating to NCAA Division I Athletics, being named Campus of the Year by the Institute for Well-Being and establishing two new colleges and one new school.

Kelly’s start date in Arkansas has not been announced, but it will be no later than Oct. 1. An interim president for UWG has not yet been named.

“We have spent our time at this institution trying to plant seeds, knowing that others would enjoy the shade of the mature trees,” Kelly said. “I am grateful for the students, alumni, volunteer board members, supporters, faculty and staff who have devoted their time, energy and expertise to chasing excellence for the University of West Georgia. UWG is a special place, and there is no doubt in our minds that the institution will continue to create magic in people’s lives and careers for many, many years to come.”