President William G. Kelly | Christopher Newport University President William G. Kelly William G. Kelly is the Sixth President of Christopher Newport University. His tenure as president began July 1, 2023, and he was inaugurated at a ceremony on August 14, highlighted by an address with this message: "Our goal is to be recognized as among the very best regional public universities in America. We will recruit, educate, and graduate students committed to leadership, honor, service, and scholarship. We will be committed to excellence in all that we do. And above all, our students will define what it means to lead a life of significance." About President Kelly William G. Kelly is the Sixth President of Christopher Newport University and a nationally respected educator and military leader. He is a lifelong public servant with nearly four decades of distinguished service in the U.S. Coast Guard. President Kelly has set the University on a course to be anchored in excellence in all that it does. He instituted the Strategic Compass, a communitywide planning process to establish the University’s goals. President Kelly led the restructuring of the University’s Title IX Office, launched Going Greener ‘24 to spur environmental initiatives, signed articulation agreements with several community colleges, and guided admissions strategies that resulted in a record-breaking increase in applications and positive steps toward a goal of being the most inclusive public university in Virginia. President Kelly joined Phillip Jones, the mayor of Newport News, in establishing a task force to examine the decisions that resulted in the growth of Christopher Newport University. President Kelly was also named by Gov. Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Preserving Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program Task Force. Prior to his appointment as President, Rear Admiral (retired) Kelly was the 42nd Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. As Superintendent (President) of one of the nation’s five federal service academies, he was responsible for the education, training, and development of the future leaders of the U.S. Coast Guard. He oversaw every aspect of academic, athletic (NCAA Div. III), military, and civic development, ensuring graduates were prepared to serve as officers in service to their nation. His military awards include the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal and Legion of Merit (four awards). He is a 1987 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and earned his master’s degree in Instructional Systems Design from Florida State University, along with a Certificate in Human Resource Management. Bill met his wife, Angie, during his junior year at the Coast Guard Academy, and they “have been a team ever since.” Married for 37 years, they are the proud parents of two sons, Patrick and Tyler, and the adoring grandparents to their young grandson, Liam, and granddaughter, Amelia. In their free time, the Kellys enjoy sports, music, art, and theater, and on any given day can be found enthusiastically cheering on the countless Captains who give their all on the stage, court, classroom and field. President Kelly's full biography Messages Book chapter in the President to President thought leadership series authored by President Kelly , December 18, 2025 President Kelly's Winter Commencement Remarks , December 15, 2025 "It's Our Time!" President Kelly's State of the University Remarks , August 19, 2025 President Kelly’s Spring Commencement Remarks , May 17, 2025 President William G. Kelly Describes the Strategic Compass in a Presentation to the CNU community (video) , February 21, 2025 State of the University , August 20, 2024 Title IX Next Steps , March 28, 2024 Strengthening Ties with Newport News Public Schools , February 20, 2024 My First 100 Days as Your President , December 5, 2023 President Kelly Shares Incident Update, Thanks Police , November 28, 2023 A message to the CNU community regarding the war in Israel and Gaza , October 11, 2023 'Barely heard of' Christopher Newport University is making a difference Richmond Times-Dispatch, October 6, 2023 Signature Selfies President Kelly attends countless events on campus and in the community. His selfies have already become a tradition. Speaking/Event Requests To request President Kelly to speak at or attend an event, please send an email with your inquiry and event information. Speaker Biography Contact President Kelly Office of the President president@cnu.edu (757) 594-8804 instagram link linkedin link President Kelly’s Winter Commencement Remarks New Seedlings, New Year, New Hope Adoption event inspires support for coastal resilience research President Kelly: "It’s Our Time!" University positioned for bright, thriving future, anchored in excellence President Kelly’s Spring Commencement Remarks More Stories Events More events Quick edit Report a problem