Student Affairs

Executive Leadership

Dr. Danny Kelley
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Keathley University Center, Room 212
Email: Danny.Kelley@mtsu.edu

Dr. Danny Kelley has been in the field of student affairs for more than 30 years and currently serves as the interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Prior to this role, Dr. Kelley served as the Associate Dean of Students from 2008-2010 and as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs since 2010. Prior to joining the MTSU family, Dr. Kelley has worked in student affairs positions at American University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He also worked as a professional staff member for his national fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau in Oxford, Ohio.

Throughout his professional career, Dr. Kelley’s focus has been on supporting student leadership and engagement. Dr. Kelley has presented workshops and keynoted at various regional and national leadership conferences and conventions. He has also taught leadership courses at MTSU.

Dr. Kelley has been recognized regionally and nationally by several student leadership organizations. Some of those accolades include, Alpha Lambda Delta ( freshman/sophomore honor society) National Advisor of the Year and the Northeast Greek Leadership Association Fraternity and Sorority Advisor of the Year.

Dr. Kelley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio), a Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel Services Counseling from the University of Dayton; and he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Management and Leadership from American University in Washington, DC. Dr. Kelley’s quantitative doctoral dissertation is titled The Impact of Collegiate Men’s Fraternities on Leadership Development: Perceptions of Former Chapter Presidents.

As the son of military parents, Dr. Kelley has lived in several US states and abroad in England, France, and Japan.

In his spare time, Dr. Kelley enjoys spending time with his Westies, watching his favorite athletic teams— MTSU Blue Raiders, NFL’s Washington Commanders and Cincinnati Bengals, and rooting on MLB’s Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals.

Laura Sosh-Lightsy
Associate Dean of Students

Keathley University Center, Room 208
Email: Laura.Lightsy@mtsu.edu

B.A, English Literature, Western Kentucky University
M.A., Education, Student Affairs, Western Kentucky University

Laura joined the MTSU family in June 2004. Laura has over two decades of experience in student development, specializing in student conduct and support systems. Prior to becoming a Blue Raider, Laura honed her skills at Texas A&M University and Western Kentucky University, where she developed a passion for guiding students through their college journey.

Laura is a dedicated student development professional who thrives on the ever-evolving nature of the work. She believes strongly in the importance of helping students understand their role within the community and the impact of their behavior on others. This philosophy underpins her commitment to seeing every disciplinary situation as an opportunity for life-long learning and personal growth.

When not working, Laura enjoys exercising, reading, and being outdoors. Laura is an avid sports fan and can often be found at athletic events rooting on her favorite teams.

Justin Reed
Executive Director of Administration and Strategic Initiatives

Keathley University Center, Room 212
Email: Justin.Reed@mtsu.edu

B.S., Speech and Theatre, Middle Tennessee State University
M.Ed., Higher Education Supervision and Administration, Middle Tennessee State University

Justin joined MTSU in August 2008. With a strong background in student affairs and academic affairs, Justin is actively involved in projects across the division and university aimed at enhancing student life and advancing strategic goals. Throughout his career, Justin has demonstrated expertise in facilities management, budget development, emergency management, and policy development, alongside a commitment to creating meaningful student experiences.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and is an avid Lego collector.