Guided by the Jesuit principles she embraced as a doctoral student in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Kelli Armstrong, Ph.D. ’96 has built a career marked by empathy, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to student success. These are qualities she now brings to her role as president of Salve Regina University.
Armstrong was inspired by the role models of her K-12 educators to pursue a career in education, and she was one of the first in her family to attend college. Encouraged by her mentors, Armstrong studied English as an undergraduate student. Upon graduation, she found herself working in investor relations, but quickly realized it wasn't a good fit, longing to make more of an impact with a mission-driven organization.
Kelli Armstrong, Ph.D. ’99
"I discovered that I need my work to be in places where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others," she shared. Soon after her epiphany, she returned to Bates College, her alma mater, for an admissions role that affirmed higher education as the mission-driven path she had been seeking. That conviction carried her to Boston College, where she earned a doctorate in higher education, and into a series of leadership roles at Tufts, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, and the UMass system. Ultimately, she came back to Boston College as a vice president to help launch an in-house consulting team, guiding institutional research, strategic planning, and space management initiatives across the university.
Her 15-year tenure was marked by numerous innovations, including the launch of programs such as the Montserrat Dinner Club, supporting first-generation students, and the Women’s Collaborative, creating community and opportunity for women professionals on campus. While at Boston College, Armstrong found strong mentors: Lynch School retired professor Karen Arnold and then-Executive Vice President Patrick J. Keating, who recognized her leadership potential and encouraged her to take the next step in her career. Armstrong appreciates the value in their approach and nowmakes sure to pay forward their mentorship by "sending the elevator back down" to helpnew professionals grow.
Drawing on the guidance and support she received at Boston College, Armstrong brought her empathetic and authentic leadership style to Salve Regina University, an institution whose mission and values align with her own.
"The beautiful thing about this institution is that it is an incredibly kind and loving place. [My leadership style] may not fit with other institutions that want a more traditional kind of leader," she shared, but at Salve Regina, Armstrong has been able to bring her whole self to work. She is committed to the campus community, even dressing up in costume on Halloween to hand out candy to faculty and students. Salve Regina embraced her leadership approach—one that comes from "a place of authenticity.” At a time when genuine connection feels more essential than ever, she leads with empathy to foster a positive, inclusive environment across campus.
Recognizing the challenges that we face in the rapidly changing higher education landscape, including shrinking enrollment and shifting public opinion, Armstrong believes that supporting higher education is crucial for societal well-being and building upward mobility. She offered her advice for graduates entering the evolving landscape, encouraging them to:
take the long view, acknowledging that their impact will extend beyond their lives
prioritize professional development as a project and schedule time for reflection
be proactive in seeking mentorship and in fostering a collaborative environment for growth and development
As she puts it, "if you are able to make a difference for one student, you won't just change their life—you'll change all generations that come after them"
Dr. Kelli Armstrong’s leadership story is one of vision, mentorship, and mission-aligned growth. From her early days at the Lynch School to her current role as a university president, she exemplifies what it means to lead with empathy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to others. Her journey continues to inspire the next generation of educators, leaders, and change-makers.
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