Sara Jean Kelly

Biography

Sarah Jean Kelly joined Brooklyn Law School as its Dean of Students in February 2025. Throughout her career in university and law school administrations, Kelly has successfully created a student-centered culture and has a deep and demonstrated commitment to access, equity, and inclusion.

Prior to joining Brooklyn Law, Kelly served as vice president for student success and retention strategy at St. John’s University, where she oversaw all student affairs, career advising, residence life, academic support, academic advising for first year students, and a range of services focused on student wellness and success. At St. John’s School of Law, which she joined in 2016, she served as vice dean for administration, interim vice dean for academic affairs and assistant dean for graduate studies. She was responsible for all student services and academic support, diversity and inclusion, study abroad, LL.M. programs, faculty support, communications, the law library, centers and institutes, budget, and operations.

Kelly earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center where she was an evening student. There, she first served in a marketing and business development role and later directed academic services for its large LL.M. program, overseeing the LL.M. curriculum and the hiring and training of more than 350 adjunct faculty.

She currently lives in Long Island with her wife and two children and looks forward to becoming a Brooklyn resident soon.