Sarah Jean Kelly Appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Student Affairs Officer
Brooklyn Law School has appointed Sarah Jean Kelly as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Student Affairs Officer (CSAO), effective Dec. 8, 2025.
President and Joseph Crea Dean David D. Meyer made the announcement to the BLS community on Friday, December 5, 2025, stating:
“I’m grateful to all of the faculty, staff, trustees, and students who participated in the search and met with the finalists. Please join me in congratulating Sarah and thanking her for taking on this critically important role. I look forward to all we will accomplish together with the benefit of her leadership!”
A Rigorous National Search
Kelly emerged as the top candidate from a rigorous national search that drew more than 100 highly qualified applicants. The search, led by executive search firm WittKieffer, produced four outstanding finalists, each with impressive records as top administrative officers at leading colleges and professional schools. Kelly stood out for her breadth of experience, deep understanding of legal education, and exceptional leadership qualities.
Extensive Experience in Higher Education
Kelly brings more than 20 years of senior administrative experience, including leadership roles at Georgetown University Law Center and St. John’s University. Throughout her career, she has successfully created a student-centered culture and demonstrated a deep commitment to access, equity, and inclusion.
She earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center as an evening student, an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia, and a B.A. in Political Science from Wellesley College. While pursuing her J.D., she worked in marketing and business development before directing academic services for Georgetown’s large LL.M. program, overseeing the curriculum and managing more than 350 adjunct faculty.
At St. John’s Law, Kelly served as assistant dean for graduate studies, interim vice dean for academic affairs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and vice dean for administration, overseeing all student services, academic support, diversity and inclusion, study abroad programs, LL.M. programs, faculty support, communications, the law library, centers and institutes, budget, and operations. She later became Vice President for Student Success and Retention Strategy, managing more than 100 staff and a $20 million budget, leading initiatives across residential life, student advising including first-year academic advising, career services, student health, and wellness programs.
Leadership at Brooklyn Law School
Since joining Brooklyn Law School in February 2025 as Dean of Students and serving as Interim EVP & COO since June, Kelly has driven major strides in transforming the student experience and strengthening administrative support for students, staff, and faculty.
Her experience in international legal education, including oversight of LL.M. programs and study-abroad initiatives, aligns closely with her new responsibilities in International Education.
Next Steps for Student Affairs
The Law School will soon launch a national search for a new Dean of Students, who will report to Kelly in her role as Chief Student Affairs Officer. In the interim, she will continue serving as Dean of Students to ensure continuity and momentum in key student-centered initiatives.