Michael R. Kelly

Red Square symbolizes for me the history, the religion, and the political power of a nation that for years has intrigued, baffled, and delighted me with its frightening mysteries, its beauty, its charm, and its spiritual paradoxes and depth.

Michael R. Kelly became an Assistant Professor of Russian at Brigham Young University in 1993, where he has taught a combination of language and literature courses. He received both his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and his Master’s of Public Administration from BYU. In 1990 Brother Kelly received a Master’s degree in Russian language, and in 1996 he received his Doctorate in Russian literature, both from Ohio State University. His research interests center on the great masters of the 19th century, particularly Gogol, Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy.

Brother Kelly views himself as a little quiet and reserved, but he loves to be with people, to listen to them, and to help them. He has an interactive teaching style and encourages a great deal of participation from his students. He asks probing and thought-provoking questions and says he learns a great deal from his students’ input.

Brother Kelly relates a story of when he went to Peredelkino, a village not far from Moscow. A member of his group asked if he could stop briefly at the home of some old acquaintances. When the group arrived, the couple immediately stopped what they were doing and welcomed the group into their home, fixed a wonderful dinner, and visited with them at great length. The couple spoke of their love for their country and their concerns about some of Russia’s challenges. They said the spiritual depth and insight of their national poetry helps give them strength to endure difficult times. For Brother Kelly, this experience characterizes the warmth and generosity of the Russian people, their love for literature and art, and the emphasis that many Russians still place on the life and spirit that transcends materialistic concerns and needs.

Brother Kelly loves to read all kinds of books, play the piano, sing, garden, and spend time in the mountains. He is married to the Lisa Carter Kelly of Morgan, Utah and they have six children.

Tours Guided by Michael R. Kelly