Dr. William R. Kennedy
30th President of Andrew College
Dr. William R. Kennedy began serving as the 30th President of Andrew College in June 2023, bringing nearly 25 years of experience in higher education leadership. His professional journey has spanned academics, enrollment management, student services, athletics, and executive administration—across both public and private institutions.
A first-generation college student from rural western Arkansas, Dr. Kennedy graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. He holds a master’s degree in Management from Southern Nazarene University and earned his Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Strategic Management from the University of the Cumberlands.
Prior to joining Andrew College, Dr. Kennedy served as Vice President of Admissions and Athletics at Midway University in Kentucky. During his tenure, Midway experienced record-setting enrollment growth, including five consecutive record-breaking traditional undergraduate classes (2018–2022). He also expanded the athletic program from 8 to 28 sports, growing the number of student-athletes from 92 to over 630, while also supporting major gains in graduate and international student enrollment.
Since arriving at Andrew College, Dr. Kennedy has led the institution through a time of bold transformation. Under his leadership, the college experienced a 68% increase in enrollment in Fall 2024—an all-time institutional record—and a 51% increase in Spring 2025. He has overseen the launch of nine bachelor’s degree programs, six new athletic teams, fundraising growth, and the development of the 2024–2029 strategic plan. He has also continued the institution’s commitment to healthcare education through support for key programs such as Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Cancer Registry Management, while expanding access through online degree options.
Passionate about student success, especially for those from underserved and first-generation backgrounds, Dr. Kennedy brings both vision and heart to his work. He and his wife, Karla, have three rescue dogs—Tennyson, Chloe, and Milo—and attend Cuthbert United Methodist Church.
Established in 1854, Andrew College is related to The United Methodist Church. The college is situated in the rural southwest Georgia community of Cuthbert, Andrew College offers the Associate of Art, Associate of Music, Associate of Nursing, Associate of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Elementary Education degrees. Its mission is to prepare students for lives of servant leadership and purpose through higher education that is relevant to its region and beyond.
To discover more about Andrew, visit andrewcollege.edu or @AndrewCollege on Twitter.
Andrew College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Andrew College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Andrew College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).