Corey Kelly named 成人快手Vice President for Student Affairs
Boston College has named Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Corey Kelly as vice president for student affairs, effective August 1.聽 She succeeds Shawna Cooper Whitehead, who became president of Regis University in Denver in July.
A highly respected, mission-driven student affairs professional with 13 years of experience within the BC鈥檚 division of Student Affairs, Kelly brings extensive leadership expertise in student outreach and support, campus engagement, student conduct, and restorative practice, among other critical areas.
She is credited with helping to establish a culture of care and accountability in Student Affairs, creating student experiences that enhance belonging and wellbeing, and addressing student behavior and mental health challenges consistent with the formative values of a Jesuit, Catholic university.聽
In her current role, she has also worked closely with the AVP for health and wellness to coordinate supportive resources and student care, the AVP for residential life to improve student experiences and staff preparedness and response, and the AVP for engagement and formation to foster a welcoming environment for first-year students.聽聽聽
Executive Vice President Michael Lochhead said Kelly possesses the institutional understanding, experience, and proven track record to succeed in a role that regularly interacts with BC鈥檚 9,400 undergraduate students and partners with the office of the provost and the division of University Mission and Ministry on behalf of students.
"I've had the privilege of working with Corey during our overlapping time here at the Heights and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her as the new vice president for student affairs,鈥� said Lochhead.
鈥淐orey established herself as the clear choice from among a distinguished and talented candidate pool based on her in-depth understanding of and commitment to Boston College and the important role Student Affairs plays in advancing the goals of formative education among our students.聽
鈥淗er many years of experience at Boston College and the relationships she has developed will help her transition into this new role. I very much look forward to working with her in this new capacity."
“ As dean of students, I have found great meaning in working with such devoted colleagues to intentionally cultivate a culture of care for our students. I look forward to building on that work by continuing to foster collaboration across the University to support the formation of students who are responsible, compassionate, and prepared to make a positive impact on the world. ”
Kelly said she is honored to lead a division to which she has dedicated herself professionally since she began working in an entry-level role as interim coordinator of student conduct in 2013.
鈥淏oston College has shaped me both professionally and personally over the past 13 years, and I am deeply honored to continue serving the division of Student Affairs as vice president,鈥� said Kelly.
鈥淎s dean of students, I have found great meaning in working with such devoted colleagues to intentionally cultivate a culture of care for our students. I look forward to building on that work by continuing to foster collaboration across the University to support the formation of students who are responsible, compassionate, and prepared to make a positive impact on the world.鈥�
A graduate of Boston University where she earned a degree in psychology, Kelly worked for several years on federally funded psychology research studies at BU before pursuing a master鈥檚 degree from the Boston College School of Social Work. While studying at BC, she worked as a graduate assistant in Student Affairs and interim coordinator before taking a series of progressive leadership positions as an assistant dean, associate dean, and director of student conduct, before becoming AVP in 2022. She earned a doctorate in higher education from the Lynch School of Education and Human Development in 2019.
A licensed certified social worker who gained crisis experience working in hospitals and emergency services settings, she has also taught two popular senior Capstone courses on Leadership and Restorative Practices which, she says, has deepened her connection with 成人快手students beyond her role in Student Affairs.
Outside of BC, Kelly lives in Newton with her husband, Ben, both of whom grew up in upstate New York, and their two elementary school-aged children. In addition to spending time with family, Kelly is an avid runner who has completed 11 marathons.
鈥淭hroughout my time at BC, I have benefited from extraordinary mentors and opportunities to grow as a leader, particularly through the Ignatian Leadership Development Program, which deepened my understanding of the University's Jesuit mission and my gratitude for the strong sense of community here.聽 I hope to provide that same guidance and mentorship among the dedicated staff in Student Affairs.鈥�