Dr. William R. Kennedy began his role as the 30th president of Andrew College in June 2023. His path to the post is the culmination of nearly 25 years in higher education. Kennedy‘s professional background includes positions in academics, administration, athletics, enrollment management, and student services at both public and private institutions.
He graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s in Exercise Science. He holds a master’s degree in Management from Southern Nazarene University and a doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in strategic management from the University of the Cumberlands.
Dr. Kennedy came to Andrew College from Midway University in Kentucky, where he was the Vice President of Admissions and Athletics. During his time at Midway, he had the opportunity to be a part of an administrative team that oversaw unprecedented growth in the institution’s enrollment. Midway University posted enrollment growth every fall semester in his seven-plus years there, including five straight record traditional student classes from 2018-2022. Enrollment in graduate programs and the number of international students at the institution reached all-time highs in 2022. Kennedy also grew the institution’s athletic department from eight sports and 92 student-athletes to 28 sports and over 630 student-athletes.
Hailing from rural western Arkansas, graduating in a high school class of 10, and being a first-generation college student, Kennedy is passionate about helping students achieve their dreams and better themselves through education. Dr. Kennedy and his wife Karla have three rescue dogs, Tennyson, Chloe, and Milo. They are proud to attend Cuthbert United Methodist Church.