Jacqueline A. Kelly
Oakland Community College Board of Trustees candidate interview. Stewardship, listening and public responsibility
Full interview · 11:28
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Experience advising people entrusted with public responsibilities
I asked Jacqueline A. Kelly to begin with her education and professional background. She described studying at Kalamazoo College and the University of Detroit School of Law, followed by more than 30 years practicing law. Much of the experience she discussed involves advising boards responsible for pension, health and apprenticeship benefits in the building trades. Those are benefit-fund boards, and she explained why she believes their governance responsibilities are relevant to OCC.
Stewardship and the chancellor’s role
Kelly drew a distinction between the board’s oversight and the administration’s daily work. She described trustees as providing stewardship and leadership, ensuring that policies are followed and selecting the chancellor. The board must be able to raise significant concerns without trying to become the college’s administrators or teachers. Her emphasis was on understanding the responsibilities of the position before deciding how to act.
Public service and listening across differences
When I asked why she wanted to serve, Kelly described a desire to use her experience to give back. She had served on the village council in Beverly Hills and said she valued that work. Looking ahead, she hoped to be a prepared trustee who understands the college’s programs and communities. She also spoke about helping boards work through divergent views. Listening, in her account, is part of making a decision rather than a step to skip once someone has formed an opinion.
Finance, access and the breadth of a college education
We discussed enrollment and the difficulty of balancing financial responsibilities with access. Kelly raised questions about consolidation and whether the college can retain a strong presence in communities affected by program moves. She praised career preparation while also arguing for attention to the arts and humanities. She said continued contact with employers could help OCC anticipate changes in work, including AI, instead of responding only after needs have shifted.
Did the college meet the student’s need?
I asked how a trustee should think about success for someone who arrives seeking only a few courses. Kelly would look to the administration’s measures and to student feedback. A student who accomplishes a limited goal has not necessarily failed by leaving without a degree. Her closing answer tied that view to her experience advising boards, serving on council, teaching law and seeing her daughter attend OCC. Viewers can hear her full reasoning in the interview.
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