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
Choosing to pursue a degree online isn’t just about convenience—it’s about finding a program that fits your life, supports your goals, and delivers real value. At Kent State University, online learning is designed to meet the needs of today’s learners: working professionals, career changers, and students seeking flexibility without compromising quality.
In today’s economy, skilled professionals are in high demand — and the educators who prepare the next generation of workers play a vital role in closing that gap. If you’re passionate about hands-on learning, real-world application, and helping others succeed in technical fields, the online Career-Technical Teacher Education Graduate Certificate from Kent State University may be your next step. This 100% online certificate is designed for individuals seeking the educational foundation to pursue a career in career-technical teaching and build expertise in instructional design, classroom management, assessment, and methods tailored to technical and vocational education.
Kent State University continues to be recognized for academic excellence, with multiple programs earning honors in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools Rankings. Several of these nationally ranked programs are available through Kent State Online, offering students the opportunity to earn a respected degree with the flexibility to learn from anywhere.
As part of Kent State Online’s ongoing commitment to the student experience, we connected with Ken Ditlevson, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the CARES Center, to better understand how the
Pursuing a graduate degree is an exciting step forward — but for many students balancing careers, families, and other responsibilities, returning to school can feel overwhelming at first.
Applying to an undergraduate program involves several steps, but staying organized can help make the process more manageable. Use this checklist as a guide to track your progress and ensure you have everything in place as you move through your application.
If you’re thinking about starting or continuing your college journey, applying to an undergraduate program may feel like a big step—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right information and support, you can move through the process with confidence.
Applying to graduate school involves several steps, but staying organized can make the process much more manageable. Use this checklist as a guide to help you track your progress and ensure you have everything in place as you move through your application.
If you’re thinking about earning your graduate degree, the application process may feel overwhelming at first—but it doesn’t have to be. With a clear understanding of what to expect and how to prepare, you can move through each step with confidence.
Many employers offer tuition assistance—but many employees never take advantage of it. If you’re thinking about earning your degree, your workplace may already have resources available to help cover the cost. With the right approach, you can confidently start the conversation and show how your education benefits both you and your organization.
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