Growing up in a city where thousands of people walk the same side walk each and everyday, it is hard to find a place in which you feel secure, and people you can trust and find comfort within. Fortunately, it came very natural to trust and find comfort with none other than Yvan Kelly, the assistant dean of academic affairs at the quaint institution Flagler College, in Saint Augustine, Florida, who was in a green windbreaker, and gray slacks, eager to proceed with our interview.
West Point, New York, was where Yvan Kelly’s journey began. Starting off his military career as an army chaplin, Kelly knew that was now where he for saw his future taking place. Later, Yvan Kelly became a tank commander. What made him switch his position in the military? “I don’t know, it just wasn’t my thing,” said Kelly. Years later, Kelly came to the conclusion that the military, just wasn’t for him.
Yvan Kelly continued his education at University of Central Florida, in Orlando, earning degrees in both business and education. “My goal was to become a high school coach.” Said Kelly. Little did he know, life had bigger, better things in store for Mr. Kelly. A friend had landed him a job coaching at a college in California.. Kelly has also scouted talent for the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics for 14 years. After time in California, Kelly enrolled at Auburn University, and earned his masters in economics.
After graduating Auburn University, his journey at Flagler College began. For 18 years, Kelly was the associate professor of economics and chair of the business administration department. Due to such experience, Kelly brings personal knowledge of the college’s students and faculty to Flagler College. Yvan Kelly played a huge role in developing the economics cirriculum at Flagler College as well as starting the economics major, for student. Kelly also was a helping hand with Cigma Beta Delta, an honor society for business majors. For the past two years, Yvan Kelly has exceeded the expectations of higher staff at Flagler. What are his hopes for the future?
“ My hopes and goals in which I will succeed, is to continue to improve, not necessarily grow population wise, but grow as a small college. Possibly create smaller classroom sizes so our students and professors can have more of a personal relationship. Flagler College is most widely known as a small institution of great education as well as great student/professor relationships, and we want to continue to excel in that department.” Said Kelly. “As far as personal goals, I just want to continue to help the college in any way I can, I’m committed to make Flagler number one and I will do what I can so Flagler College stays on top. I am willing to do whatever it takes for our school to remain as respected as we are. If I were ever asked to teach again and resign my position as the assistant dean of academic affairs, I would do so in a heartbeat. Doing what I can to improve our college is the only thing that matters.” Said Yvan Kelly, on his academic, as well as personal goals for the future.
Gaining comfort ability with Mr. Kelly, I wanted to know more about his interests, hobbies, and personal life. I, myself have an incredible passion for music. Little did I know, he pursues music outside of the closed doors of Flagler College. Allie Kelly, 11, is daughter of Yvan Kelly who is trying to break into the business as either an actor or singer, having strong abilities for both. Kelly’s wife is a music teacher at a nearby school, which is an excellent stepping-stone in helping this musical family, and helping little Allie break into the business. Together these three musketeers are conquering any competition that comes their way. The Kelly's travel to both local and state wide talent shows so Allie Kelly can become the next Miley Cyrus. Kelly says that Cyrus is a huge idol to his daughter. Yvan Kelly is a God on the guitar, as well as a producer for his little daughter Allie. How cool is that?
Kelly and I spent about an hour or so, exchanging contacts, MySpace music pages, and stories about performances, recording bloopers and auditions. Who would have ever thought that the man behind one of the most power desks of Flagler College, was a rock star outside of these historic walls?
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