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
black fingerprints on a white background
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Why You Need a Criminology Degree Even if You Don’t Want to Be a Cop
Master’s Degree Cybercriminology Criminology Criminal Justice Nonprofit Management
When many people hear “criminology,” they immediately think of policing. While law enforcement is one important part of the justice system, it’s far from the only—or even the primary—career path for many criminology graduates.
May 7, 2026
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Editorial Staff
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A therapist listens intently to a client who is speaking animatedly while holding a phone in a bright, modern office with a large plant and window.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Behavioral Interventions & Support Plans: Best Practices for Educators
Education Special Education Master’s Degree
In special education, behavior is rarely random. More often, it is a form of communication — a student’s way of expressing unmet needs, frustration, sensory overload, anxiety, or a lack of skills to navigate a situation. When educators view behavior through this lens, the focus shifts from “How do we stop this?” to “What is this student trying to tell us?”
May 6, 2026
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Dr. Andrew Wiley
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EdD alumna Tabitha Messmore seated at her desk in a professional office setting, smiling at the camera with a laptop and workspace items visible.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Doctor of Education in Interprofessional Leadership (Ed.D.) Alumni Spotlight: How Tabitha Messmore Leveraged Kent State’s Online EdD to Lead Across Disciplines
Student Profile Interprofessional Leadership Leadership in Education Cultural Foundations Doctoral Degree
Kent State Music Alum Gives the Gift of Life Through Stem Cell Donation
May 6, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A person playing a xylophone using mallets. Colorful, swirling lines overlay the image, adding a dynamic visual effect.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Shaping the Future of Music Education: A Conversation with Eric Black
Faculty Spotlights Master’s Degree Music Education School of Music Music Teaching
Pursuing an advanced degree in music is a significant milestone for any educator. Whether you are looking to increase your salary, move into administrative leadership, or simply refine your classroom pedagogy, the right support system is essential. At Kent State Online, our 100% online Master of Music in Music Education (MMME) is designed specifically for busy professionals who need a balance of academic rigor and scheduling flexibility.
May 6, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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EdD alumna Tabitha Messmore seated at her desk in a professional office setting, smiling at the camera with a laptop and workspace items visible.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Leading Systemic Change Through Interprofessional Leadership
Student Profile Interprofessional Leadership Social Justice Cultural Foundations Doctoral Degree
Kent State Music Alum Gives the Gift of Life Through Stem Cell Donation
May 6, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Person working on two laptops displaying code and data dashboards in a modern workspace.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Building a Future in Educational Technology: From Teaching to Tech-Driven Roles
Student Profile Education and Teaching Online Teaching Educational Technology Master’s Degree
Student Spotlight: Bethany Loncher, M.Ed. in Educational Technology
May 6, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A tall bookshelf filled with many books of various colors and sizes, with a ladder leaning against the shelves.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Maximizing Your Educational Technology Degree with a Library & Information Science Dual Option
Master’s Degree Educational Technology Library Science School Library Media K-12
Pairing an online Master of Education in Educational Technology with an online Master of Library & Information Science (M.L.I.S.) in School Library Media K-12 creates a powerful combination for educators who want to design innovative learning environments and lead information-rich educational spaces. This dual pathway prepares you to support teaching and learning both inside and outside of the classroom—equipping you with instructional technology expertise and specialized training for school librarianship.
May 3, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Two people performing kettlebell swings in a gym. One person is in the foreground with their arms extended, holding a kettlebell. The other person is behind and to the left, also swinging a kettlebell overhead.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
What Is Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology?
Sport Exercise Sports Psychology Bachelor’s Degree
Sport, exercise, and performance psychology is the study of how psychological factors influence performance, motivation, and well-being in physical activity and high-pressure environments. It focuses on the mental side of performance — how people think, feel, and respond when faced with challenges, competition, and goals.
April 30, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Close-up of a person's muscular legs and a barbell with weight plates on a gym floor.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
How Mental Training Can Boost Athletic Performance
Bachelor’s Degree Sports Psychology Sport Exercise
Athletic performance isn’t just physical — it’s mental. From managing pressure to staying focused in critical moments, mental training plays a powerful role in how athletes perform, recover, and grow. Physical conditioning builds strength and endurance, but mental skills shape confidence, consistency, and resilience when it matters most.
April 30, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A teacher holds a tablet displaying an apple and letters while teaching children in front of a whiteboard with alphabet letters.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
The Growing Role of Technology in Special Education
Education Special Education Master’s Degree
Technology has transformed what is possible in special education classrooms. For many students with disabilities, technology is not just a convenience — it is a critical means of communication, instruction, and independence. When thoughtfully implemented, assistive and instructional technologies can remove barriers, amplify student voice, and create more inclusive learning environments.
April 30, 2026
 · 
Dr. Andrew Wiley
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