Descendant of a pioneer Hoosier family, E.W. "Ed" Kelley exhibited traits of that heritage in his dynamic progression toward various goals. Kelley rose from an accountant's position in a small firm to President and Chief Executive Officer of a top American corporation.
Through successive triumphs in corporate management, he presented himself as a man of exceptional industry, ability and intellect. In each company that he joined, he increased sales dramatically, restructured efficiently, and improved profitability. Among his many endeavors, he included the steady expansion of business interests in his native community, benefiting with his business acumen national boards of the YMCA and the Boy Scouts of America.
Kelley's service to IU almost matches his brilliant career. His generous contributions of time, counsel and substance, to the School of Business, increased its stature and reflected his dedication through a Fund bearing his name. Kelley was a respected director of the IU Foundation president of the IU Alumni Association.
