Trish Kelly appointed president of Emily Carr University

The Emily Carr University of Art and Design has a new president.

Trish Kelly, who holds a doctorate in art history from the University of British Columbia and has served as ECU's interim president for the past 10 months, will now take on the role permanently, the university announced Friday.

“Dr. Kelly brings a track record of strong leadership, strategic vision and experience from academic and arts and design institutions across North America,” said Don Avison, KC, chair of the university’s board of trustees, in a statement.

“She is a strong advocate for Emily Carr University and education and research in the creative fields. She is committed to supporting Emily Carr students, faculty and staff in their endeavors and continuing to advance the university's impact. We look forward to working with her to advance ECU's mission.”

Kelly will be the tenth president and vice chancellor in the history of the university, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025.

In 2019, she was appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Previously, she held various administrative positions at Emily Carr.

Kelly is originally from the USA and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design and a Masters from Tufts University.

“I am deeply honored to assume the role of president,” Kelly said in the university’s statement.

“Emily Carr University's continued success as Canada's leading arts and design institution requires us to be resilient, flexible and creative in the face of unprecedented economic, social, environmental and technological change. We are at an exciting and pivotal moment, and I welcome the opportunity to be part of the institution's history as we build together on shared achievements.”