Education

Postdoctoral Assoc., Anatomy, University of Iowa, 1987
Ph.D., Psychology, McGill University, 1985
M.S., Psychology, McGill University, 1982
Hon. B.S., Psychology, McMaster University, 1981

Background

Dr. Kelly has oversight of general education requirements, undergraduate academic initiatives within and beyond the classroom, educational outreach, and international learning. She leads the American Talent Initiative at the University of South Carolina, aimed at graduating more students from low-income backgrounds, and co-sponsors the university-wide initiative to increase engagement of students that typically do not engage at high levels such as students from under-represented groups and transfer students. Global Carolina, which includes the Education Abroad Office, English Programs for Internationals, and International Student Services, Educational Outreach and Events, the Center for Teaching Excellence, the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning, the Office of On Your Time, the McNair Center Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise, and the University Advising Center directly report to her. Dr. Kelly shares oversight with the Associate Vice President for Student Housing and Sustainability of seven Faculty Principals and their living-learning communities.

Dr. Kelly has been the recipient of a number of teaching, mentoring and research awards including being awarded the Carolina Trustee Professorship for very strong contributions across research, teaching, and service domains. Her research has examined the impact of alcohol exposure during development on the brain and behavior and how different drug treatments can alleviate the effects seen in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. This research has been funded by federal agencies and foundations including over 20 years of funding from National Institutes of Health, March of Dimes, and National Science Foundation as principal investigator.  Dr. Kelly has taught a wide variety of courses ranging from large introductory psychology courses to small advanced graduate seminars in neuroscience. Her extensive service to the university includes being Chair of the Faculty Senate, serving on the University Committee on Tenure and Promotion, and serving as an Associate Dean in the South Carolina Honors College.