Kelly Otter is Dean of Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies (SCS). In this role, she oversees the development and delivery of graduate professional programs; liberal studies programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels; professional certificate programs and custom education; and summer and special programs. 

She leads a team of strategic leaders whose disciplines include academic and faculty affairs, program and curriculum development, assessment and compliance, enrollment management, marketing, digital strategy, operations, and finance and administration. The School comprises approximately 180 staff and faculty, enrolls 3,000 degree-seeking students, and 7,000 non-degree-seeking students. Dr. Otter leads the school’s partnership and program development initiatives internationally, primarily in the Middle East, Latin America, India, and Southeast Asia. 

Dr. Otter’s professional portfolio comprises organization design, curriculum development, the design and management of technology-mediated education infrastructures and programs, international education and partnerships, adult and workforce education, and veterans support services. 

Before coming to Georgetown in 2014, she served in academic dean roles at Northeastern University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the College of New Rochelle, and previously held positions in academic administration at New York University. She also taught at each of these institutions in the fields of media studies and interdisciplinary research. 

She holds a Ph.D. from New York University in Arts & Humanities Education, an M.A. from Wayne State University, and her B.A. from the University of Michigan.