Brenda Kelly

Brenda S. Kelly, PhD serves as the Provost and Dean of the College. Since joining the institution in 2002, she has transitioned from a dedicated classroom instructor and researcher to a pivotal administrative leader, overseeing the academic mission and student experience of the college, with oversight of academic affairs, student life, and athletics.

Dr. Kelly obtained a BS in Chemistry at Creighton University in 1995. She later earned her PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Washington, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Her scholarly expertise lies at the intersection of biology and chemistry, with a specific focus on enzymology, protein structure and function. Dr. Kelly and her undergraduate research students explored the kinetic and structural characterization of gamma-glutamylcysteine ligase, an enzyme vital for glutathione synthesis. She and her student co-presented at regional and national conferences such as the Midstates Consortium for Mathematics and Science and Experimental Biology. Beyond the laboratory, she has gained recognition for her co-authored textbook, now in its second edition entitled: The Science of Cooking: Understanding the Biology and Chemistry Behind Food and Cooking.

Since assuming the role of Provost in 2018, Dr. Kelly has led several transformative initiatives at Gustavus. She was instrumental in the implementation of the Gustavus ACTs Strategic Plan (2016–2026), and under her leadership the college has seen measurable success in improved student outcomes, including increases in student retention, securing of new faculty endowed positions, and curricular innovation, including comprehensive changes to the academic program.

Dr. Kelly’s influence extends into the broader higher education landscape. She serves on the Advisory Board for the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC), mentors new chief academic officers through the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and is a frequent presenter at national higher education meetings.