Staff Writer- Evangelyn Hill

Gustavus will be saying goodbye to a beloved member of the college’s leadership team, Provost Dr. Brenda Kelly, who will be stepping into a position as president of the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. Taking her place as interim provost will be Dr. Pamela Conners, former Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.

“Dr. Kelly exemplifies the best of what a liberal arts institution aims to teach its students—she is curious and always learning… Gustavus’ strength in delivering a transformational student experience is in large part due to Provost Kelly’s leadership,” Connors praised. 

Speaking on Kelly’s move to St. Scholastica, Connors said, “Her move is bittersweet for me. I am thrilled for her because she will be an excellent President for St. Scholastica, but I will miss working alongside her every day.”  

As provost, Kelly had a deep impact on the Gustavus community. Yurie Hong, Classics professor, began tearing up when asked about her thoughts on Dr. Kelly’s leaving. 

“I’ve been so appreciative of her ability to truly understand and appreciate the liberal arts as a whole, and to bring a thoughtfulness and a care that I think is just really rare,” Hong said.

Kelly explained that, as provost, she has overseen the entire student experience.

“A provost oversees the academic program as a whole: the majors, the minors, the graduation requirements, and how that program is being delivered by the faculty to the students, as well as… the registrar’s office, for example.” 

The dean of students and the student life division (which includes the athletic department) also report to Kelly. 

A recurring theme in the comments of those who worked closely with Kelly is her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jerry Nowell has worked closely with Kelly on campus technology, and he praised her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Brenda is incredibly strategic and unflappable… Her routine Q&A sessions rallied the campus community, sharing timely information, and giving everyone a place to express concerns and offer support. It’s difficult to overstate her contributions to campus,” Nowell said.

Sarah Ruble is a professor of religion who has served as a dean in the Provost’s Office. 

“Brenda is, simply, one of the best leaders and one of the best people I know… the kind of leader who thinks not only about preparing Gustavus for the future, but how best she can support the students, faculty, and staff at Gustavus today. That might sound easy, but it is not,” Ruble said.

Another recurring thread was Kelly’s deep care for Gustavus students.

 “Some people are very good at thinking strategically; some people are good at building and maintaining relationships and caring about people. Brenda is extraordinarily good at all of it.” Ruble stated. 

Junior Maren Masters, a member of the Student Senate, has worked with Dr. Kelly on the Strategic Planning Steering Committee.

 “She is always willing to listen and really made me feel heard on the steering committee, especially since I was the only student,” Masters said. 

Junior Laura Sunnarborg echoed what Masters said. As a Student Senate co-president, Sunnarborg meets with Kelly monthly.

 “I really appreciate her poise. She’s always ready to answer any question in a very professional way. And I hope to have that energy to myself someday and that ability to be, I guess, unfazed by new happenings and just be very adaptable… I really appreciate how much she cares about students,” Sunnarborg said.  

Hong said that Kelly’s presence on campus will be deeply missed. 

“We’re really, really lucky to have had her when we did, some really hard times,” Hong explained. “And the thing I was always so impressed by was her ability to never lose her capacity to care about people and their issues and her desire to do right by them even when she couldn’t give them all the things that they might want. She had such integrity even when it came at a cost to her,” Hong said. 

Kelly, while sad to leave Gustavus, is looking forward to becoming St. Scholastica’s president. 

“It’s a little bit scary to be starting something new, but I’m excited about meeting new people and learning about their campus environment, the campus culture… and I’m also excited about the Duluth area as a whole,” She commented. 

However, Kelly acknowledged that she will miss the Gustavus community.

 “I have so many good friends here… our students are wonderful and have been so special to me throughout my entire career, so I will definitely miss a lot of people.” 

Congrats and good luck to Dr. Brenda Kelly on your new position!