As director of Student Niner Media at UNC Charlotte, Kelly works with professional staff to provide students with valuable experiences to prepare them for future careers in media. She advises students in several areas including the Niner Times weekly newspaper, ninertimes.com, Nova Literary Arts Magazine and Midas Cultural Magazine. She brings more than 25 years of experience to the position, as she is a former magazine editor, feature writer, and PR professional. 

Kelly joined the Student Niner Media staff in 2004 as assistant director and marketing adviser, primarily working with students in the areas of sales, marketing and promotions. She moved up to the role of director in January of 2021.  

She is a recipient of the CMA Distinguished Business Adviser Award for her work with the Student Niner Media Marketing Department. She has also been honored with the UNCC Student Affairs Hall of Fame Award, and most recently the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Member Award.
 
Kelly earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication with a specialization in public relations from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. She earned her Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education from UNC Charlotte. She is proud to be an alum of UNC Charlotte and share that experience with her students.