Albany State University has named Dr. Kristene Kelly has Director of Athletics.
“Dr. Kelly presents notable expertise, vision, and passion for athletics and student success which makes her an excellent fit for the university,” said President Marion Ross Fedrick. “With the upcoming athletic season, I look forward to her strategic initiatives that will showcase the excellence at ASU both on the field and in the classroom.”
Originally from St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, Kelly brings a wealth of experience in collegiate sports spanning over 20 years. Most recently, she has served as the Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Affairs/Senior Woman Administrator at Vanderbilt University, a Power 5 institution in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference. In this role, she effectively managed various internal divisions, including sports performance (applied sports science, sports medicine, strength & conditioning, nutrition, mental health), academics, compliance, human resources, and the recreation center.
Kelly, a Johnson C. Smith graduate, boasts a diverse resume working in the CIAA and upper Division I levels.
Kelly twice earned the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Senior Woman Administrator of the Year award (2011, 2013) and at the time was just the second female to be named the CIAA John Holley SID of the Year in 2005. During her two seasons, Keene State had six teams advance to the NCAA postseason, including the 2016-17 men’s basketball team that advanced to the Elite Eight. Nearly 200 student-athletes were recognized as Little East Conference All-Academic performers during her tenure as well. While at Dartmouth College, Kelly was responsible for oversight of all of Dartmouth’s 35 varsity sports at the NCAA Division I level.
Kelly has significant expertise in NCAA compliance, Title IX, athletic fundraising, and managing budgets exceeding $2 million. Notably, she also oversaw a program that achieved a national championship, demonstrating her expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“I am thrilled and honored to be named the new Director of Athletics at Albany State University,” Kelly said in a statement. “Returning to the vibrant atmosphere of Historically Black Colleges and Universities fills me with an exhilarating sense of joy and purpose.”
Courtesy: Albany State Athletics
