Arkansas State University System President Dr. Brendan Kelly has been selected to become president of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti.

The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents voted Wednesday to elect Kelly as its 24th president, effective March 1. Kelly will succeed the retiring James Smith.

Kelly has been ASU System president since Sept. 23, 2024. He is the third president in the system's history.

ASU System Board of Trustees Chair Steve Eddington said Kelly's resignation is effective Feb. 12.

"We appreciate Dr. Kelly's service and respect his decision to return to his alma mater and home state," Eddington said. "The Board of Trustees will outline a plan to prepare for a smooth transition for future leadership. We have a strong team of campus and system leaders to ca

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