Biography
Kelly D. Bradley, Ph.D., is the Dean of the College of Education and Professional Development at Marshall University. A specialist in quantitative methods, psychometrics, and educational evaluation, she brings more than 20 years of experience as a scholar, educator, and academic leader. Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and state agencies, and she has secured more than $4 million in external funding. She has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications on measurement, program evaluation, STEM education, and the academic experiences of mother-scholars.
Before joining Marshall, Dr. Bradley spent more than two decades at the University of Kentucky, where she served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation and Program Chair for Research Methods in Education. She built a strong record of teaching and mentorship, guiding students across disciplines and supporting numerous dissertations and research projects. She is known for creating learning environments grounded in clarity, rigor, and practical application. Her commitment to students was recognized with the University of Kentucky Provost’s Award for Outstanding Teaching.
Dr. Bradley’s work reflects her long-standing commitment to educational access and opportunity. Her leadership record includes contributions to curriculum revision, accreditation preparation, faculty development, enrollment growth, and the use of evidence-based teaching practices across PK–20 settings.
A relationship-centered leader, Dr. Bradley values collaboration, transparency, and engagement with faculty, staff, students, and community partners. She is an active member of AERA, NCME, and APA and has delivered more than 150 peer-reviewed presentations at national and regional conferences. Originally from Ravenswood, West Virginia, she is honored to serve her home state and the Marshall community.
Dr. Bradley holds a Ph.D. in Quantitative Research, Evaluation, and Measurement from The Ohio State University; an M.S. in Statistics from the University of South Carolina; and bachelor’s degrees in mathematics, sociology, and mathematics education from Fairmont State University. She is married to Will Bradley, also from Ravenswood, and they have three adult children.