About

Dr. Kelly Ferris Lester is the vice provost for Faculty Excellence, where she leads in supporting the recruitment, retention, growth, development and success of UCF faculty at all levels.

Dr. Lester joined UCF from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she served as Associate Provost for Faculty Success and Professor of Dance. In that role, she led initiatives that supported faculty excellence, student success, and innovative teaching and learning. She also served as the inaugural director of USM’s Center for Faculty Development, helping to expand faculty leadership opportunities, strengthen teaching excellence, and advance research and professional development across disciplines. Her work included oversight of faculty onboarding, promotion and tenure processes, annual evaluation, and faculty leadership development.

A recipient of the Fulbright France International Education Administrators Award and project director for a $2.1 million U.S. Department of Education Strengthening Institutions Program grant, Lester is recognized for leading faculty-centered, data-informed initiatives that improve student outcomes and strengthen institutional support systems. She also led USM’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, helping guide collaborative approaches to integrating artificial intelligence into teaching, learning, and faculty development.

An artist-scholar and higher education leader, Lester has combined creative practice, faculty development, and academic leadership throughout her career. Her work focuses on supporting faculty success, expanding collaboration, and helping institutions adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education.