Memphis, August 11, 2025
News Summary
The University of Memphis has appointed Kelly as its new Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services. Bringing extensive experience from her previous roles at Southern Illinois University and San Josรฉ State University, Kelly aims to enhance support for student-athletes and ensure NCAA compliance. Her familiarity with the Memphis program will be instrumental in navigating compliance challenges and developing policies for student-athlete success. Kelly’s return to Memphis marks a strategic decision in strengthening the universityโs athletic administration.
Memphis Appoints Kelly as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services
The University of Memphis has appointed Kelly as the new Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services. Kelly arrives at the University after serving in a similar role at Southern Illinois University, where she focused on compliance, student services, and name, image, likeness (NIL) initiatives. Her experience adds valuable expertise to the Tigersโ athletic program.
Kellyโs professional journey in intercollegiate athletics began at Memphis, where she worked for seven years from 2014 to 2021. During her initial tenure, she led the compliance office and was the primary compliance contact for the football and men’s basketball programs. In 2015, she was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, where her responsibilities included institutional policy development and ensuring alignment with NCAA and conference regulations.
After her time at Memphis, Kelly joined Saint Louis University as a Compliance Coordinator from 2012 to 2014. In this role, she educated coaches, staff, and student-athletes about rules interpretations and helped manage outreach for former student-athletes seeking to complete their degrees. She later moved on to serve as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance at San Josรฉ State University from 2021 to 2024, where she was integral to the departmentโs executive leadership team, concentrating on compliance operations.
As a native of Carbondale, Illinois, Kelly brings a deep understanding of compliance challenges within athletics and a familiarity with the Memphis program. She earned her juris doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2009 and holds a bachelor’s degree in forensic science from Saint Louis University, graduating in 2006.
This appointment signifies a strategic move by the University of Memphis to bolster its compliance and student services departments. By bringing Kelly back into the fold, the university aims to enhance support for its student-athletes while ensuring adherence to regulations governing collegiate athletics.
Background Context
The role of Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services is critical in guiding student-athlete development while maintaining institutional and NCAA compliance. Kellyโs return to Memphis highlights the university’s commitment to effective leadership within its athletic administration. The athletic department faces ongoing challenges in managing compliance and providing comprehensive services to support student-athletes’ academic and athletic endeavors.
With years of experience in compliance, chat systems, and understanding of the Memphis athletics landscape, Kelly is well-positioned to help the Tigers navigate the complexities of collegiate sports in a rapidly changing environment.
FAQs
What is Kelly’s new role at the University of Memphis?
Kelly has been appointed as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services.
Where did Kelly work before her appointment at Memphis?
Before returning to Memphis, Kelly worked at Southern Illinois University and San Josรฉ State University, focusing on compliance and student-athlete support services.
What degrees does Kelly hold?
Kelly earned her juris doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law in 2009 and a bachelor’s degree in forensic science from Saint Louis University in 2006.
What are the primary responsibilities of the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance?
The Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance oversees compliance with NCAA regulations, develops institutional policies, and provides support services for student-athletes.
How long did Kelly previously work at the University of Memphis?
Kelly worked at the University of Memphis from 2014 to 2021 before her appointment as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services.
Key Features of Kelly’s Role
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Oversight | Ensures adherence to NCAA regulations and institutional policies. |
| Student Services | Supports student-athlete academic success and personal development. |
| Experience | Extensive background in athletic compliance from various universities. |
| Policy Development | Involved in developing and implementing compliance policies. |
| NIL Initiatives | Focuses on name, image, and likeness opportunities for student-athletes. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- University of Memphis: Kristan Kelly
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis University Schools Update
- WBBJ TV: University of Memphis at Lambuth Welcomes New Director
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Athletic Director Update
- Wikipedia: NCAA
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