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 University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service. He holds bachelor’s degrees in political science from Lee University and Kentucky Wesleyan College, a master’s degree in public administration and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Dr. Ely is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance through the Association for Talent Development and has earned the Public Leadership Executive Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School. He also holds professional credentials in executive coaching, leadership program development and training management.

He has received multiple awards recognizing his research and contributions to public service. His published works include the book Ain’t No Grave, which was featured by media outlets such as CNN, NPR and the BBC. The book was also nominated for Best Historical Research by the Association of Recorded Sound Collections.

Dr. Ely and his wife, Jamie, live in Walland, Tennessee, with their two children. Among his personal passions is the establishment of the Ely Public Service Experience Endowment at the University of Tennessee. This endowment provides college students on the autism spectrum with opportunities to engage in public service, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the public sector and how they can contribute meaningfully to it.