Dr. Kelley was born in Greenville, South Carolina, but due to his father's military service, he has lived abroad (France, England, and Japan) and spent his formative years in the Dayton, Ohio area.

Dr. Kelley received his bachelor of arts degree in Communication Studies from Wright State University (Dayton, OH), a master of science degree in college student personnel services from the University of Dayton, and his Ph.D. in Educational Management and Leadership from American University in Washington, DC, with his quantitative dissertation entitled "The Impact of Collegiate Men's Fraternities On Leadership Development.";

Prior to serving as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Kelley has held positions at American University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Dr. Kelley joined the MTSU Student Affairs staff in August 2008.