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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
K–12 teachers are being asked to do more than ever, and students are carrying more than ever. Anxiety, stress, trauma, and emotional fatigue show up in classrooms every day—often before academic needs can even be addressed. Supporting student mental health is no longer optional; it’s essential. One of the most effective ways educators can respond is through Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
Join us this summer! Kent State University’s School of Music offers intensive summer electives that can be applied to Kent State Online’s 100% online Master of Music in Music Education (MMME).
Starting an online degree is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to expect. This checklist is designed to help you move forward with confidence by breaking the process into simple, manageable steps. From choosing the right program to preparing for your first day of class, use this guide to stay organized, track your progress, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks as you begin your journey with Kent State Online.
Kent State University’s commitment to quality online education is being recognized on a national stage.
For Michael Hausknecht ’25, the bridge between his two worlds, printmaking and art history, was Kent State’s Master of Fashion Industry Studies (M.F.I.S.) program in the School of Fashion.
Since joining the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), Kent State University has exemplified what it means to reimagine doctoral education for practitioners. The online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Interprofessional Leadership stands as a model for how the CPED Framework can transform professional learning, collaboration, and impact.
Each year, National Distance Learning Week (NDLW)—hosted by the United States Distance Learning Association—celebrates excellence and progress in online education. It’s a time to highlight innovation, honor achievements, and envision the future of digital learning.
Each year, the United States Distance Learning Association presents National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), a global week-long celebration of digital and distance learning designed to generate awareness, highlight best practices, and engage educators, institutions, learners, and organizations across K-20, corporate, government, and military sectors.1
Success in an online degree program starts with clear, achievable goals. Whether you’re balancing classes with a full-time job, caring for family, or returning to school after time away, setting realistic goals based on your course expectations can help you stay focused, motivated, and on track.
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