Kenneth D. Kitts, Ph.D.
Dr. Ken Kitts became president of the ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ on March 30, 2015. Prior to joining UNA, Dr. Kitts served in various academic and administrative positions at institutions in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Dr. Kitts earned the BA, MA, and PhD degrees in political science and also holds a post-graduate certificate from Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management. Dr. Kitts’ academic interests include the American presidency, national security, and executive advisory systems. He is the author of an award-winning book on presidential commissions and has published numerous articles, chapters, and commentaries on topics dealing with both political science and higher education.
As president of UNA, Dr. Kitts has focused his efforts on expanding academic opportunities, enhancing the student experience, and promoting the University to external constituencies. He has presided over record enrollment growth and secured the state funds and private gifts necessary to develop new programs and facilities. On his watch, UNA has grown by over four thousand students and advanced to become a doctoral-level institution. The University is now in the public phase of a $100 million comprehensive campaign.
Dr. Kitts works closely with faculty and staff in a shared governance system to ensure that growth aligns well with the University’s identity, strategic priorities, and commitment to region and state. A self-proclaimed professor at heart, Dr. Kitts still finds time to teach to underscore his personal commitment to students and his belief in engaged leadership.
Dr. Kitts is a fan of Lion Athletics and led the successful transition of UNA to Division I status in the NCAA classification system. Along with his family, he is known for his support of student events and involvement in a wide range of campus activities.
Dr. Kitts serves on a variety of boards and committees including the Business Council of ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ, the ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ Council of University Presidents, the AASCU Committee on International Education, and the President’s Council of the ASUN Athletic Conference. He is a member of Leadership ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ and has been honored by the ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓƵ Media Group as an “Alabamian Who Made a Difference.”
Dr. Kitts and his wife, Dena, are the proud parents of sons Colin and Corbin. The family lives in the President’s Home on the beautiful and historic campus of UNA.
