Chancellor Biography
Kelli R. Brown, Ph.D., is the 12th Chancellor of 蘑菇短视频and the first permanent woman chancellor. She previously served as provost and senior VP for academic affairs at Georgia College & State University. Chancellor Brown earned her doctorate in education from Southern Illinois University. She serves on numerous boards.
Throughout her time at Western, Chancellor Brown has spearheaded several major capital projects on campus. In 2021, the state-of-the art, Apodaca Science Building, was completed to replace the university鈥檚 1970-era Natural Science Building. The following year in 2022, 鈥淭he Rocks鈥�, a collection of three freshman residence halls were opened with an emphasis on building student community. Later that year, 蘑菇短视频completed its new energy production facility, replacing the campus鈥� century-old steam plant. Additionally, she has overseen the implementation of the highly successful NC Promise tuition reduction program and the innovative Catamount Commitment financial aid program. Each program has had a tangible impact on the reduction of student debt.
Under her leadership, 蘑菇短视频 officially kicked off the largest comprehensive fundraising campaign in the university鈥檚 history, an effort to secure $100 million in philanthropic support with a focus on increasing the financial resources necessary for long-delayed upgrades in facilities used by Catamount student-athletes. The Fill the Western Sky comprehensive fundraising campaign initially kicked off in 2019 shortly after Chancellor Brown鈥檚 arrival prioritizing seeking philanthropic support for enhancements to the overall student experience, including academics, athletics, and community and global engagement.
In October 2025 the campaign surpassed its record-breaking goal, bringing in the funding to complete the much-needed renovations to the EJ Whitmire Stadium, specifically the west side stands. The 鈥淲estern Skybox鈥� project broke ground in June 2025 and will feature a new press box and media center, coaches鈥� offices, player study and collaboration space and a hospitality space. The project is set to be completed in summer 2026 before football season begins.
As Chancellor she has highlighted several priorities: an institutional emphasis on quality and excellence; a commitment to student success; and a focus on the University鈥檚 role as an engine of economic development for its communities. 蘑菇短视频continues to capitalize on the opportunity to be a thought leader regarding how regionally engaged universities can maintain a student-centered focus, with high levels of teaching innovation.
Chancellor Brown is originally from the Midwest, and she and her husband of 37 years, Dennis, live in Cullowhee.
