headshot of Kent State Online's Val Kelly

Val Kelly

Associate Vice President
Kent State Online, Kent State University

Val Kelly oversees strategic innovation and provides faculty and student support for Kent State Online programs and courses

She has worked as an adjunct instructor in the User Experience Design degree program at Kent State University. She holds a Master of Science in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication.

For nearly 20 years of working in higher education, she has been dedicated to increasing access to education by improving the online teaching and learning environment. She has experience in instructional design, multimedia development, and online program administration. Prior to that, she worked in the industry as a software help system designer, technical writer, and web developer.

More from Val Kelly
Two clothing racks filled with folded and hanging garments in a store aisle, with coats and shirts on hangers and a wooden display table in the foreground.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Careers in the Fashion Industry Beyond Fashion Design
Master’s Degree Fashion
A career in fashion does not have to involve designing clothing. Behind every product are professionals who research consumers, select merchandise, manage inventory, coordinate supply chains, market brands, and evaluate sustainability. These connected roles offer career paths for people interested in the business and strategy behind fashion.
November 13, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A person in a yellow jacket stands with their back to the camera at a press event, with a blurred group seated behind and microphones in front.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
What Can You Do With a Communication Studies Degree? Careers, Skills, and Opportunities
Bachelor’s Degree Communication Studies
Communication is essential in nearly every profession. Whether you’re developing marketing campaigns, managing teams, building relationships, or helping organizations navigate change, the ability to communicate effectively is a valuable professional skill.
November 11, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A group of coworkers chatting and laughing in a bright office, with several people facing each other in conversation near desks and shelves.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Addictions Counseling: What to Expect From Kent State’s Online Undergraduate Certificate
Undergraduate Certificate Addiction Counseling
Interested in helping individuals affected by addiction? Whether you’re exploring a career in counseling or looking to expand your skills in healthcare or human services, specialized education can help you take the next step.
November 10, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Smiling woman with dark hair and black glasses seated in a bright room, holding a white coffee cup with a small hand gesture while looking to the side.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Can You Work Full Time While Earning an Online Degree? 6 Tips for Success
Online Classes
Can you work full-time and earn a college degree at the same time?
November 10, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Close-up of a blue graduation cap holding a yellow tassel ribbon, with the tassel draped near a white diploma page with a brown border.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: Which Doctoral Degree Is Right for You?
Doctoral Degree Interprofessional Leadership Leadership in Education
Deciding to pursue a doctorate is a significant step. But before applying, prospective students often face another important question: Should I pursue an Ed.D. or a Ph.D.?
November 9, 2026
 · 
Dr. David Dees
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Close-up of a judge’s gavel resting on a wooden courtroom table, with a blurred legal document and pen in the background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Criminology vs. Criminal Justice: What’s the Difference?
Master’s Degree Criminology Criminal Justice
Criminology and criminal justice are closely connected fields, but they aren’t exactly the same.
November 6, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Two people in an office setting, with one person wearing glasses sipping from a cup while the other looks on, both seated and engaged in conversation.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
What Can You Do With an Imaging Assistant Certificate?
Undergraduate Certificate Imaging Assistant
Medical imaging departments rely on more than advanced technology and skilled technologists. They also depend on imaging assistants who help prepare patients, support daily operations, and maintain safe, efficient care environments.
November 3, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Smiling person with long braided hair and black-rimmed glasses wearing a rust-brown knit sweater, standing indoors with soft natural light and blurred greenery behind them.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
How Do Online Classes Work? What to Expect as an Online Student
Online Classes
Thinking about taking online classes, but unsure what the experience will actually look like?
November 3, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Three colleagues sit around a meeting table in an office, discussing documents while one person gestures, another rests a hand on their chin, and a third adjusts their glasses.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
How to Start a Career in Nonprofit Management: Skills, Jobs, and Career Paths
Graduate Certificate Nonprofit Management Public Administration
Want to build a career that makes a difference?
November 2, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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In a classroom, four people collaborate around a table as one person points and others listen, with a chalkboard and bookshelves in the background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
When Motivation Starts to Dip: Re-Engaging Students Without Reinventing Your Lessons
By November, classroom routines are well established—but the energy that accompanied the beginning of the school year may be fading. Students may participate less, assignments may feel repetitive, and the approaching holidays can make it difficult to maintain focus.
November 1, 2026
 · 
Dr. Mandy Cenker
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