Dr. John Kelly was the seventh president of Florida Atlantic University. His relentless focus on enriching the student experience and elevating the research enterprise of the University was passionate. Under President Kelly’s leadership, the University’s research expenditures doubled to $78.5 million, a record number of National Merit Scholars were enrolled and, for the first time, in 2018, FAU was ranked among the nation’s top public universities by U.S. News & World Report, landing at No. 140. In 2018, FAU was also recognized as the best school in Florida for social mobility. Dr. Kelly fostered a culture of collaboration between faculty, students, and industry partners, ensuring that FAU served not only as an academic institution, but also as a catalyst for economic development and entrepreneurial activity across South Florida.