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 man in a light blue collared shirt gestures while looking to his left, with a laptop in the foreground and abstract wavy lines overlaying the image.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Teaching Rock, Jazz, and Popular Music in Schools: Why It Matters
Music Teaching Music Education Master’s Degree
For decades, school music programs have centered on classical repertoire — and while those traditions remain vital, there’s a growing recognition of the powerful role that rock, jazz, and popular music can play in student learning. Including these genres in K–12 music curricula not only reflects the musical experiences of many students but also strengthens engagement, cultural relevance, and motivation across diverse communities.
May 29, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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The word COLLEGE is carved into a stone building facade with decorative trim above and below the lettering.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Why Now Is the Right Time to Go Back to School
Master’s Degree Adult Learner Bachelor’s Degree
For many people, the idea of going back to school isn’t new — it’s something that’s been sitting quietly in the background. A goal postponed. A possibility considered. A “someday” plan.
May 28, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A person sits at a desk in a library, facing away from the camera, with bookshelves on either side.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
The Role of Research in Advancing Special Education Practice
Special Education Education Master’s Degree
In special education, effective teaching is grounded in evidence. Research plays a critical role in shaping how educators design instruction, implement interventions, and evaluate student progress. As classrooms become more diverse and student needs increasingly complex, relying solely on experience or intuition is no longer sufficient. Research provides a framework for understanding what works, for whom, and under what conditions.
May 28, 2026
 · 
Dr. Andrew Wiley
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A person in a white blazer and glasses talks to a child with a ponytail in a white shirt.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Transitioning Into Educational Psychology: Skills & Backgrounds That Help You Succeed
Educational Psychology Master’s Degree
Stepping into a master’s program in Educational Psychology is an exciting opportunity to deepen your understanding of how people learn and develop across settings. Whether you’re coming from classroom teaching, counseling, curriculum development, or another professional background, Educational Psychology prepares you to apply research-based principles to support learners and improve systems. To make the most of the program, it helps to know what skills and knowledge will set you up for success — and how to prepare before your first course.
May 27, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Kent Online Degrees Blog
Trends in Data Analytics and Learning Measurement: What’s New & What’s Here to Stay
Research, Measurement & Statistics Master’s Degree
Data is transforming how organizations understand learning, performance, and outcomes. In education, workforce development, and program evaluation, new tools are enabling greater accuracy and speed in measuring impact than ever before. At the same time, core principles of research and statistics remain essential. Understanding what’s changing — and what’s not — helps professionals stay relevant in a rapidly evolving data landscape.
May 27, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A teacher plays a guitar for a group of children who are sitting in a classroom and appear to be singing or participating in a music lesson.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Mastering the Research Component: What to Expect in the MMME Capstone
Music Teaching Music Education Master’s Degree
For many music educators considering graduate school, the word research can feel intimidating. But in Kent State’s online Master of Music in Music Education (MMME), the capstone experience is designed to be both rigorous and practical—grounded in real classroom questions, real students, and real instructional challenges.
May 26, 2026
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Editorial Staff
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A person wearing a yellow sweater is looking down at a laptop with a bright blue sky and green trees in the background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Online vs. On-Campus Graduate Degrees: Finding the Right Program for You
Adult Learner Master’s Degree
Choosing to pursue a graduate degree is a significant step — one that reflects ambition, purpose, and a commitment to growth. But just as important as deciding to go back to school is deciding where and how to do it. The right graduate program should align with your career goals, lifestyle, and preferred learning style.
May 26, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A woman wearing a headset is looking at a computer screen in an office setting.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
You’re Not Doing This Alone: How Kent State Supports You Every Step of the Way
Adult Learner Master’s Degree Bachelor’s Degree
Going back to school is a powerful decision — one that often comes after careful consideration of career goals, family responsibilities, and personal priorities. Whether you’re returning to complete a degree, advancing in your current field, or preparing for a new direction, the journey can feel both exciting and uncertain.
May 24, 2026
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Editorial Staff
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A blue graduation cap with a yellow tassel rests on a light blue background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Graduate School Readiness: 5 Signs You’re Closer Than You Think
Adult Learner Master’s Degree
For many professionals, the idea of earning a graduate degree doesn’t arrive all at once. It builds gradually — through moments of frustration, ambition, curiosity, and clarity. You start noticing opportunities you’re not quite positioned for. You take on responsibilities that stretch you. You begin thinking about what’s next.
May 23, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Four people sit around a table in a classroom setting, engaged in discussion. One person on the left wears glasses and a tan vest over an orange top. Next to them, a person smiles broadly, with a laptop and a drink in front of them. Another person in a red cardigan is on the right, looking and smiling. A fourth person's head is visible on the far right.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Career Paths After Earning a Master’s in Cultural Foundations
Master’s Degree Cultural Foundations Career Education
A Master’s in Cultural Foundations opens doors far beyond traditional classroom roles. This interdisciplinary degree equips graduates with a deep understanding of how social, historical, and cultural forces shape education — and how to generate change across a wide range of settings.
May 23, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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