Dr. Kristene Kelly enters her fourth year as Director of Athletics at Albany State University, a role she began in July 2023. Originally from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dr. Kelly brings more than 20 years of progressive experience in collegiate athletics across all three NCAA divisions.
Before joining Albany State, she served as Deputy Athletic Director for Internal Affairs/Senior Woman Administrator at Vanderbilt University, a Power 4 institution in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In that role, she provided leadership and oversight for several internal areas, including sports performance (applied sports science, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, nutrition, and mental health), academics, compliance, human resources, and campus recreation.
Her previous leadership roles include:
- Dartmouth College – Executive Associate Athletic Director/SWA
- Keene State College – Director of Athletics and Recreation
- Saint Augustine’s University – Associate Athletic Director/SWA, Department Chair, and Assistant Professor
- Johnson C. Smith University – Sports Information Director
Throughout her career, Dr. Kelly has been recognized for excellence, including being named CIAA Senior Woman Administrator of the Year in 2011 and 2013 and CIAA John Holley Sports Information Director of the Year in 2005. During her tenure at Keene State, she led the department to six NCAA postseason appearances and oversaw more than 200 Little East Conference All-Academic honorees.
At Albany State, Dr. Kelly has made a transformative impact. Under her leadership, the Golden Rams have:
- Captured five SIAC Championships, including championships in women's track and field, women's cross country, baseball, and football
- Achieved a department-wide GPA of 3.17, one of the highest in recent history
- Graduated more than 130 student-athletes, including several who earned master's degrees
- Improved 65 spots in the Learfield Directors' Cup standings
- Secured more than $3 million in external funding to support major facility upgrades across multiple sports and enhance staffing across the department
- Expanded social media engagement and digital storytelling
- Launched three fueling stations to support student-athlete wellness
- Expanded student-athlete travel opportunities, including air travel and international competition
- Prioritized staff development through intentional investment in the professional growth of coaches and administrators
- Maintained a top-three SIAC finish in the majority of varsity programs
Dr. Kelly's leadership and experience continue to be recognized at the conference and national levels. She was recently appointed to serve as the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference representative on the Division II Athletic Directors Association. In September 2025, she was appointed to the NCAA Division II Coaching Enhancement Grant Selection Committee, where she will serve through 2029.
In September 2024, Dr. Kelly was inducted into the Johnson C. Smith University Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing her enduring contributions to the institution and the profession.
Dr. Kelly holds two bachelor's degrees from Johnson C. Smith University in Physical Education and Communication Arts, a master's degree from the University of Tennessee, and a doctorate in Sport Management from the United States Sports Academy, now United States Sports University.
She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Kelly and her husband, Jonathan Kelly Sr., are the proud parents of Jonathan Jr., an Albany State University graduate.
With expertise in NCAA compliance, Title IX, budgeting, athletic fundraising, and student-athlete success, Dr. Kelly continues to lead Albany State with a student-centered approach and a bold vision focused on excellence, opportunity, and creating legacies.
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