Ronald Kennedy was born in Harbour Grace, N.L. He was educated at St. Bonaventure College and the University of London.

Kennedy began teaching in Harbour Grace in 1896 and later became the principal of Harbour Grace Academy. He held this position for 11 years. In 1920, he was appointed superintendent of Roman Catholic Schools.

Although often overshadowed by his Roman Catholic counterpart Vincent Burke, Kennedy was instrumental in convincing Catholic leadership, namely Archbishop Edward Roche, to support the idea of a non-denominational university college.

One of Memorial’s original trustees, Kennedy resigned his post in 1933 at the age of 52, probably due to illness.

Ronald Kennedy, Levi Curtis and William Blackall all died within months of each other between 1942 and 1943.

A bronze bust of Ronald Kennedy is on display in the lobby of the Arts and Administration Building, St. John's campus.