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Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong’s work in higher education has centered on improving the educational experience for students through research, planning, and strategy. She is particularly passionate about serving disadvantaged students and supporting the advancement of women in underrepresented areas.

A graduate of Bates College in 1986, Dr. Armstrong earned a master’s degree in English from the University of Virginia in 1987, and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Boston College in 1996. She also earned an Executive Leadership Certificate in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2018.

Prior to beginning her tenure as Salve Regina University’s eighth president in July 2019, Dr. Armstrong served the Boston College community in a variety of positions, including as vice president for planning and assessment (2012-2019), associate vice president (2006-2012), and as founding director of the institutional research department (2004-2006).

Before joining the BC administration, she served as associate vice chancellor for enrollment management at the University of Massachusetts Boston (2002-2004), and as director of institutional research and enrollment services for the UMass system office and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. She also has worked as a research analyst at Tufts University and as an assistant dean of admissions at Bates College. Her first position was as an account executive at an investor relations firm.