Robert D. Kelly (born May 29, 1972) is an American higher education administrator and professor serving as president of the University of Portland, a Catholic university in Portland, Oregon, affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross. He is the first layperson and first person of color to hold this position.
Education Kelly earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Loyola University Maryland in 1994. He later received a Master of Arts in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont and a Doctor of Philosophy in education policy, planning, and administration from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Career Kelly has worked at Union College, Loyola University Chicago and Seattle University. He served on the Loyola University Maryland Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2017 and help a position as University Vice President and Special Assistant to the President. He has authored publications on higher education leadership, including Disruptive Transformation: Leading Creative and Innovative Teams in Higher Education.
Kelly serves on several educational boards, including the NCAA Division I Committee on Academics, the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities, the University of St. Thomas, and the Catlin Gabel School.
University of Portland presidency Kelly became president of the University of Portland in 2022, and is the first Black and non-ordained person to hold the position. In 2025, Kelly signed an open letter from universities "opposing government intrusion".
Personal life Kelly is Catholic. He is married to Bridget Turner Kelly; they have two children and reside in Portland.
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