We are thrilled to announce that SEU has appointed two new members to our executive leadership team. Dr. Aimee Franklin has been named provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, and Andrew Kelley has been named chief financial officer and senior vice president of finance.
“SEU is in an exciting season of momentum, and these appointments position us for continued growth and innovation,” said President Kent Ingle. “Dr. Aimee Franklin and Andrew Kelley are proven leaders who understand our mission, care deeply about our students, and have already played significant roles in the university’s success. Their expertise, vision, and commitment to Christ-centered higher education will help us expand and broaden our impact while remaining faithful to who we are.”
The appointments follow leadership transitions in both executive roles. Phil Schmitt, who served as chief financial officer, recently accepted a new opportunity with Victory Church in Lakeland, while Dr. Meghan Barnard, who served as provost, has been appointed as the next president of Jessup University in Rocklin, California. We are deeply grateful to both of them for their dedicated service and contributions to SEU.
Dr. Aimee Franklin: Driving Academic Excellence & Innovation
As provost, Dr. Franklin will provide oversight of academic programs, faculty, and strategic innovation. Dr. Franklin is an SEU alumna and has served the university for over 11 years, most recently as vice provost for faculty affairs and community initiatives. She has guided faculty development and academic operations across multiple colleges, led accreditation efforts, guided strategic planning initiatives, and fostered partnerships that strengthened student outcomes and institutional impact.
She formerly held the role as dean of the College of Natural & Health Sciences, leading the launch of new undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral offerings in the health sciences and introducing initiatives that expanded experiential learning opportunities and reduced program costs. In addition, Dr. Franklin established SEU’s first undergraduate biological research laboratory, creating a culture of student research that has helped launch graduates into medical, doctoral, and health professions programs. Her collaborative partnerships with healthcare systems, graduate institutions, and community organizations have enhanced pathways for students pursuing careers in medicine and the sciences.
Dr. Franklin has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from SEU and a Doctor of Philosophy in Neuroscience from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she was a Howard Hughes Med-Grad Fellow.
“SEU has been instrumental in shaping both my academic journey and my calling to Christian higher education. It is an incredible privilege to serve as provost and partner with our outstanding faculty and staff as we pursue academic excellence, foster innovation, and prepare graduates to lead with knowledge, integrity, and a Christ-centered purpose,” said Dr. Franklin. “I look forward to building on SEU’s mission by equipping students to serve and lead in their communities, both here in Lakeland and across our growing network.”
Andrew Kelley: Advancing Financial Stewardship & Long-Term Growth
As CFO, Kelley will lead the business office and oversee the university’s financial operations, budgeting, and long-term fiscal strategy. He will partner with the executive leadership team and the Board of Trustees’ Finance Committee to safeguard SEU’s fiscal health and support sustainable institutional growth.
“It’s a humbling honor to help steward a university so devoted to its mission. I’m grateful and genuinely excited for the future — for our students, our Lakeland community, and the partners we serve around the world. God is doing amazing things here,” said Kelley.
As a member of the university community for the past decade, Kelley has served as director of Student Financial Services and most recently, director of finance. Within this most recent role, he developed the SEU Reality Model, a financial decision-making framework that has equipped university leadership to make critical decisions and move SEU into a strong financial and strategic position. He has also played an instrumental role in shaping the financial model behind SEU’s network of over 170 ministry partnership sites, enabling both the university and its partner churches to grow financially, strategically, and in alignment with one another.
He holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from SEU and a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida.
A Bright Future
“I have no doubt that Dr. Franklin and Mr. Kelley will excel in these new roles and help guide the trajectory of SEU toward its next season of growth, innovation, and impact. They will provide essential expertise as we continue to serve our students and advance our mission,” said President Ingle.
Learn More
SEU’s Leadership
Academics at SEU
SEU’s Science Degrees
SEU’s Financial Resources
Apply to SEU
