Student Affairs
Executive Leadership
Dr. Khalilah Doss
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Keathley University Center, Room 212
Email: Khalilah.Doss@mtsu.edu
Dr. Khalilah Doss has been in the field of student affairs for more than 15 years and currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Middle Tennessee State University. Prior to joining the Blue Raider family, Dr. Doss served in administrative roles at Lincoln University, McPherson College and most recently, as the Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Southern Indiana.
Throughout her career, Dr. Doss has been successful in developing and executing innovative programs, that are rooted in belonging; and has been known to foster a culture of evidence-based decision making, that is tied to community and campus wide partnerships on the campuses she has served. She has presented at various regional and national conferences on issues related to the experiences of women of color in higher education, access to higher education for marginalized populations, and a myriad of other topics. Dr. Doss is associated with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), and other national organizations in the field of student affairs.
Dr. Doss received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance and Marketing from McKendree University, her Master’s degree is in Public Administration and Policy Analysis from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and she earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Higher Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Dr. Danny Kelley
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
Student Union Building, Room 330
Email: Danny.Kelley@mtsu.edu
Ph.D.: Educational Management and Leadership (American University, Washington, DC)
M.S.: College Student Personnel Services Counseling (University of Dayton, Dayton, OH)
B.A.: Communications (Wright State University, Dayton, OH)
Dr. Kelley joined MTSU in August 2008. Prior to joining MTSU, Dr. Kelley held roles at American University (Washington DC), Director of Greek Life and Leadership Development, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Baltimore, MD), Coordinator of Greek Life and Program Coordinator, and Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity Headquarters (Oxford, OH), Director of Risk Management/Insurance Services.
Outside of work, Dr. Kelley enjoys watching and attending sporting events, traveling and spending time with his two westies (Winston and Cooper).
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.
Deborah Broome
Coordinator of Financial Management
Keathley University Center, Room 212
Email: Deborah.Broome@mtsu.edu
