Macel Ely

Dr. Macel Ely serves as executive director of the UT Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership (NCEL) and as director of organizational improvement at the UT Institute for Public Service. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Lee University and Kentucky Wesleyan College; a master’s degree in public administration; and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  

He has earned the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance certification through the Association for Talent Development and also has professional certificates in the areas of coaching, leadership program development and training management. He has received multiple awards for his research and public service contributions. Dr. Ely has authored several publications including a book entitled Ain’t No Grave, which was featured in media outlets as CNN, NPR and the BBC. The book was nominated for best historical research by the Association of Recorded Sound Collections. He and his wife, Jamie, reside in Walland with their two kids.