USC Upstate Chancellor Brendan Kelly is the sole finalist to become the new president of the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga.
USC Upstate Chancellor Brendan Kelly is the sole finalist to become the new president of the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga.
Kelly would replace interim UWG President Micheal Crafton, who announced his resignation in November. The Associated Press reported Crafton was stepping down after campus protests over possible faculty layoffs because of budget cuts.
Crafton replaced former University of West Georgia President Kyle Marreo, who last January was named president of Georgia Southern University.
Kelly is scheduled to visit the West Georgia campus before the board makes a final decision on his selection – possibly as early as this weekend. A national search was launched in August, according to reports.
“It is an honor to be considered for the presidency of the University of West Georgia, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” Kelly stated. “West Georgia makes a unique and powerful contribution to the role universities play in enhancing students’ lives, shaping their communities and creating a more successful economy. I look forward to serving alongside its dedicated faculty and staff as we focus on student success and building on the university’s strong foundation.”
UWG is the state’s seventh-largest institution ranked by enrollment, which was 13,733 in 2018.
Kelly was appointed interim president of the University of South Carolina in Columbia in April, preceding the retirement of Dr. Harris Pastides. Days before Kelly’s interim tenure was to begin, the USC Board of Trustees took an about face at the urging of Gov. Henry McMaster.
Bob Caslen was voted President as the University of South Carolina’s 29th president. Caslen is a retired Army lieutenant general and former superintendent and president of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Kelly, as a result, returned to USC Upstate.
“Dr. Kelly’s public university experience and consensus-building leadership make him the right candidate to help West Georgia’s push to be one of the nation’s top comprehensive universities,” University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Steve Wrigley said in a statement. “He is well-versed in fostering strong ties within the community, and has led strategic initiatives to increase student and academic success. I am grateful for the diligent efforts of the institution’s Presidential Search and Screen Committee, and believe Dr. Kelly will serve West Georgia’s students, faculty and staff well.”
Kelly has been with the University of South Carolina Upstate since 2017.