Dr. Kristene Kelly, Albany State University’s new Director of Athletics, is returning to her HBCU roots.
The 2000 graduate of CIAA school Johnson C. Smith University, Dr. Kelly returns to HBCU athletics at the SIAC school in Albany, GA after holding positions at various institutions in all three NCAA divisions.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
Kelly originally hails from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She attended Johnson C. Smith in North Carolina and graduated with two bachelor’s degrees in physical education and communication arts. Then she began her career in college athletics administration at the University of Tennessee as an academic counselor and graduate assistant.
After completing her graduate degree, she returned to her alma mater as its SID. And she continued her education, earning her doctoral degree of Education in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy in 2014.
She has spent over two decades in collegiate sports. Before taking the job at Albany State, she was the Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Affairs/Senior Woman Administrator at Vanderbilt University, where she managed internal division such as sports performance, academics, compliance, human resources and the recreation center.
She also held positions at Dartmouth College (2018-20), Keene State College (2016-18), Saint Augustine’s University (2009-16) and the aforementioned Johnson C. Smith University (2002-09).
Dr. Kelly has a wide array of experience including compliance, fundraising, and managing budgets.
And her talents earned her awards and recognitions including the CIAA Senior Women Administration of the Year Award twice and in 2005, she became the second woman to be named the CIAA John Holley SID of the Year.
“I am thrilled and honored to be named the new Director of Athletics at Albany State University,” said Dr. Kelly. “Returning to the vibrant atmosphere of Historically Black Colleges and Universities fills me with an exhilarating sense of joy and purpose. I am immensely grateful to President Fedrick and the Search Committee for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Coach Skinner for his invaluable services as the Interim AD and I am grateful for his contributions to the program. I am excited to contribute my passion, expertise and dedication to further empower our student-athletes and foster a thriving athletic program that represents the rich legacy of HBCUs.”
Congratulations Dr. Kelly!
