Brenda S. Kelly, PhD, to become the fourteenth president of The College of St. Scholastica

“A presidential transition is an important moment in the life of a college,” St. Scholastica Board Chair Ed Crawford said. “The Board is delighted to welcome Dr. Brenda Kelly as the next president of St. Scholastica. Our mission, shaped by our Catholic Benedictine heritage, calls us to prepare students for responsible living and meaningful work, and Dr. Kelly is a deeply mission-driven leader. Her experience across the academic enterprise, from provost leadership and faculty development to accreditation, strategic planning, and improving student retention, positions her well to lead the college forward. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Kelly in a spirit of partnership, openness, and shared purpose, as we continue to strengthen and advance the future of St. Scholastica.”

Dr. Kelly is joining St. Scholastica from Gustavus Adolphus College, where she has served as Provost and Dean of the College since 2018. Gustavus, a residential liberal arts college in St. Peter, MN that is rooted in the tradition and values of Lutheran higher education, has an enrollment of about 1,900 students, and is well-known for its science, writing, music, and Division III athletics programs.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected to lead The College of St. Scholastica at such a
pivotal time in higher education and in the College’s history,” Dr. Kelly said. “With our Catholic Benedictine values as a foundation, I look forward to partnering with the St. Scholastica community to cultivate excellence and inspire one another to lead lives of learning and service to God and neighbor.”

Dr. Kelly will succeed Dr. Barbara McDonald, who announced her retirement in May 2025. Dr. McDonald has served as the College president since July 2019.

Following President McDonald’s retirement announcement, the College launched a national search for her successor. Led by co-chairs Crawford and Trustee Emeritus Chris Dolan in partnership with Academic Search, the presidential search committee includes trustee, faculty, staff, and student representatives.

Dr. Kelly’s career is rooted in scholarship and administration. She earned her BS in Chemistry from Creighton University and a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Washington. Her faculty appointment at Gustavus began in 2002, where she taught and conducted research in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry for 13 years before transitioning to College administration. As provost, Dr. Kelly has led transformative initiatives, including the implementation of the Gustavus ACTs Strategic Plan (2016–2026) and comprehensive changes to the Gustavus academic program. Her influence has extended across the higher education landscape through her service on the HERC Advisory Board, presentations, leadership, and service in national higher education organizations.

Consistent with St. Scholastica’s Benedictine values, Dr. Kelly has a strong record of civic engagement and faith leadership. She has served as a member and liturgical minister at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and Holy Rosary Catholic Church and has volunteered in various educational, social, and service capacities with Loyola Catholic School. Dr. Kelly’s family has also hosted multiple exchange students from Spain. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cooking (she is co-author of a textbook entitled “The Science of Cooking: Understanding the Biology and Chemistry of Food and Cooking”), and reading. Dr. Kelly and her family are thrilled at the opportunity to join the Duluth and St. Scholastica community.

A Presidential Transition Committee has been formed and will be led by St. Scholastica Board Member Emerita Sue Ross and Vice President for College Advancement Dr. Rick Revoir.