NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Rear Admiral William G. Kelly will become the next president of Christopher Newport University (CNU) on July 1, school officials announced Thursday.
Kelly's appointment will mark the end of his 36-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard. He has served as superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut since May 2019.
The university said the Board of Visitors' vote to name Kelly as CNU's president was unanimous, citing his "life of public service and commitment to leadership, moral character, and honor."
“President Select William Kelly exemplifies a life of distinguished service,” CNU Rector Lindsey Carney Smith wrote in a news release. “His dedication to the principles of scholarship, a life of purpose, and to student success makes him the perfect compassionate leader for Christopher Newport as the University begins its next chapter.”
13News Now sat down with the new president select on his decision to leave the Coast Guard and become the "top captain" at Christopher Newport University.
"Now it's about listening and learning so that when we show up on the first day; we are prepared to show up as our best selves," said Kelly.
The university statement said Kelly was selected as CNU's sixth president after a "yearlong rigorous inclusive nationwide search." It comes after the retirement of former CNU president Paul S. Trible, Jr. in 2022. Trible led the university for 26 years.
“Admiral Kelly is an inspired choice ... I am confident that CNU’s best days lie ahead,” Trible said in the university's news release.
Kelly previously served in a number of U.S. Coast Guard positions --, both in leadership and education -- and as a Cutterman in service at sea. He also served as an adjunct professor at Florida State University's graduate program.