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
A college application form is on a wooden desk next to a keyboard and a notepad.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Applying to Kent State: What Working Professionals Need to Know
Bachelor’s Degree Adult Learner Master’s Degree
Deciding to go back to school is a big step — one that often comes after careful thought about career goals, family responsibilities, and long-term plans. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, change direction, or strengthen your professional credentials, applying to a university can feel both exciting and overwhelming.
May 20, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
A blue graduation cap with a yellow tassel rests on a light blue background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
How to Choose the Right Graduate Program for Your Career Goals
Adult Learner Master’s Degree
Choosing a graduate program is a big decision — not just academically, but professionally and personally. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field, transition into a new career, or strengthen your leadership potential, the right graduate program should align with where you are now and where you want to go. For many people returning to school, this choice is about more than a degree. It’s about momentum, purpose, and long-term impact.
May 20, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
A person holding a laptop walks past a yellow-framed window in an office setting.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
5 Common Fears About Returning to School — and How to Overcome Them
Master’s Degree Adult Learner Bachelor’s Degree
Deciding to return to school is a powerful step forward. It often comes after careful thought about career goals, personal responsibilities, and long-term aspirations. But even when the desire to move forward is strong, it’s completely normal to feel uncertain, hesitant, or even afraid.
May 19, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
A person smiles while writing "Quick-sort (left)" and other terms on a blackboard.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Special Education Teacher Leadership: How to Move into Coordinator or Specialist Roles
Education Special Education Master’s Degree
Many special educators begin their careers focused on direct instruction and student support, but over time, they naturally take on additional responsibilities within their schools. They become the go-to person for problem-solving, collaboration, and advocacy—supporting not only students, but also colleagues, families, and administrators. This organic progression often leads educators to explore leadership roles that extend their impact beyond a single classroom.
May 18, 2026
 · 
Dr. Andrew Wiley
Read more
A person in a plaid shirt holds a handful of soil while a clipboard with a chart is visible in the background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Methods: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Research Question
Research, Measurement & Statistics Master’s Degree
Whether you’re designing your first study or refining your dissertation plan, one of the earliest decisions in research is choosing between quantitative and qualitative methods — or deciding to combine them. Each approach brings valuable tools for investigating questions about learners, programs, behaviors, and outcomes. Understanding their strengths, limitations, and when to use them together will help you design research that’s meaningful, valid, and actionable.
May 15, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
image of graduation cap on head of graduate attending graduation ceremony
Kent Online Degrees Blog
5 Signs You’re Ready to Earn Your Graduate Degree
Adult Learner Master’s Degree
Deciding to go back to school is a major decision—but how do you know when the timing is right?
May 14, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
Graduation caps are tossed into the air against a clear blue sky.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
How to Go Back to School While Working Full-Time
Adult Learner Master’s Degree
Balancing a full-time job while earning a graduate degree may sound overwhelming—but thousands of adult learners successfully do it every year. The key is finding the right program, building a realistic routine, and choosing a university that supports working professionals.
May 14, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
Two people, one wearing a grey blazer and white turtleneck, the other a blue t-shirt, are looking at a laptop screen together. The background is blurred, suggesting an indoor setting.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Online Learning Built for Special Educators
Education Special Education Master’s Degree
Special educators do some of the most complex, demanding, and emotionally intensive work in education. In addition to lesson planning and instruction, they manage IEPs, progress monitoring, compliance documentation, parent communication, multidisciplinary meetings, and often serve as advocates, problem-solvers, and emotional supports for their students.
May 13, 2026
 · 
Dr. Andrew Wiley
Read more
A group of colleagues in a meeting, with one person presenting documents to the others.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Sectors That Need Public Administration Experts in 2026 & Beyond
Master’s Degree Public Policy Public Administration Public Sector
Public service is evolving rapidly. As communities respond to economic shifts, environmental challenges, and changing public expectations, organizations need leaders who can navigate complexity, manage resources, and design effective public solutions.
May 12, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
Two individuals are engaged in a conversation, with one facing the camera and the other with their back to it. Lush green foliage and a cactus plant are visible in the foreground and background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Career Paths with a Master’s in Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology Master’s Degree
Earning an online Master of Education in Educational Psychology opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in education, training, research, and organizational development. This degree equips graduates with evidence-based insights into how people learn, think, and develop — skills that employers across sectors value highly.
May 12, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
Load More
Kent State Online