HOUSTON (February 26, 2021) – Lone Star College-University Park announces the appointment of Dr. Jess P. Kelly as dean of its math and sciences division, following an extensive national search, as well as interviews with faculty, staff and administration.

Kelly joins LSC-University Park from Dallas College, Eastfield campus, where he served as the senior executive dean of the school of engineering, technology, math and science (ETMS), interim executive dean of the school of health sciences, and coordinator of workforce education programs for the school of ETMS. 

"From our first meeting together, I knew Dr. Kelly would be a good fit within our college and our culture," said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. "He is highly competent, possesses a servant's heart, and he is passionate about students and their success. I know he will serve our college, faculty and community very well." 

During his time at Dallas College, Kelly played an essential role in consolidating the former Dallas College Community College District, which included seven independently-accredited colleges, several centers, a district office, and other facilities, into one comprehensive college.

Kelly is excited to hit the ground running at LSC-University Park and appreciates the talented employees he’s encountered so far. He is especially looking forward to fostering the success of the college’s students, as well as collaborating with and supporting faculty.

"I think any good dean will come in and listen," said Kelly. "Students are our foundation, and I never want to lose sight of working toward their success. I am equally focused on supporting our faculty and building on the excellence they’ve already achieved." 

Increasing the student pipeline to give them more access to the degrees and certificates that LSC-University Park offers is another goal of Kelly’s. 

"We must do everything we can to inspire young people and non-traditional students to come aboard and join us," he said.

Kelly began his academic journey at Tyler Junior College, where he earned his associate degree in biology. He then transferred to Stephen F. Austin, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in limnology, which is the study of freshwater biology. Kelly completed his Ph.D. in biology from Baylor University in 2005 as the university’s first full-time biology doctoral candidate.