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
Rebekah Sharpe, school principal and Kent State Online MMME alumna, smiling in a professional headshot.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
How Kent State’s Online MMME Helped Rebekah Sharpe Grow as an Educator and Leader
Student Profile Music Education Education and Teaching Master’s Degree School of Music
See how one educator’s journey through Kent State’s Online MMME led to leadership success—and how the program supports working music teachers.
April 30, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
A person in a blue shirt leans over to look at a person wearing glasses, who is looking down.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Advancing Your Practice in Special Education: Degrees, Certificates, and Endorsements Explained
Master’s Degree Special Education Education Graduate Certificate
Special education is a complex and highly individualized field that serves students across a wide range of ages, abilities, and learning needs. While a master’s degree in special education provides a strong foundation in theory, assessment, instructional strategies, and legal/ethical considerations, many educators choose to further refine their expertise in specific areas of practice. As student needs become more diverse and schools place greater emphasis on inclusive, individualized supports, specialization has become increasingly valuable.
April 30, 2026
 · 
Dr. Andrew Wiley
Read more
A blue pen points to a bar graph with stacked bars of yellow, coral, and light blue, on a white paper laid on a wooden desk.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Descriptive vs. Inferential Statistics: When and Why Each Matters in Educational Research
Master’s Degree Research, Measurement & Statistics
Statistics help turn data into insight—but not all statistics serve the same purpose. In educational research, two major types of statistics are used to understand and interpret data: descriptive and inferential. Knowing the difference—and when to use each—helps researchers, educators, and analysts make informed, evidence-based decisions.
April 30, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
Two individuals in business attire collaborate while looking at a laptop screen.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
What Does a Crime Analyst Actually Do? Careers Beyond the Badge
Master’s Degree Cybercriminology Criminology Criminal Justice Cybersecurity
When people think of careers in criminal justice, they often picture sworn law enforcement roles. But many of today’s most influential professionals in the field work behind the scenes—analyzing data, shaping policy, and informing decision-making that affects public safety at every level.
April 30, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
A white mug of coffee sits beside two closed notebooks with a pen on top, on a wooden surface with a blurred beach and sunset in the background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
How Teachers Can Use Summer to Refresh Both Personally and Professionally
Summer doesn’t always feel like a true break for teachers—it can feel like pressure to recover, reset, and prepare all at once.
April 29, 2026
 · 
Dr. Mandy Cenker
Read more
A teacher stands at a whiteboard in front of a classroom of students seated at computers.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Why Online Graduate Learning Is Ideal for Tech-Minded Educators
Master’s Degree Educational Technology Online Learning
For educators who enjoy experimenting with digital tools, exploring new platforms, and rethinking how learning happens, an online graduate program isn’t a compromise—it’s an advantage. Kent State’s online Master of Education in Educational Technology is designed for professionals who want flexibility, real-time application, and collaborative learning experiences that mirror today’s digital classrooms and workplaces.
April 28, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
Read more
A man in a yellow survival suit stands in the foreground, looking at the camera. Behind him, other individuals in orange and yellow suits are gathered near a partially frozen body of water, suggesting a rescue or training exercise.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Where the Classroom Meets the Field: Real-World Experience in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Master’s Degree Criminal Justice Cybercriminology Criminology Cybersecurity
What does it really mean to prepare for a career in criminal justice? For students at Kent State, it means learning from faculty who don’t just teach the field—they actively work in it.
April 28, 2026
 · 
Kent State University Communications
Read more
A calculator with a pen and glasses resting on a sheet of financial figures.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Your Financial Roadmap for Online Undergraduate and Graduate Education
Bachelor’s Degree Online Learning Online Classes Master’s Degree
Paying for college is one of the most important—and sometimes most overwhelming—parts of the decision-making process. Whether you’re just starting your undergraduate journey or returning for a graduate degree, understanding how to plan for and manage the cost of your education can make a significant difference.
April 28, 2026
 · 
KSO Admissions
Read more
Graduation caps with blue tassels are tossed into the air against a bright sky.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
What’s the Difference Between a Graduate and Undergraduate Degree 
Master’s Degree Online Classes Online Learning Bachelor’s Degree
College lingo can be confusing—especially if you’re a first-generation student like I was. Terms like graduate, undergraduate, bachelor’s, associate’s, and CCP get thrown around, and it’s easy to wonder, “Which one comes first?” or “How do I know I’m applying for the right degree?”
April 28, 2026
 · 
KSO Admissions
Read more
Two people are in a library setting, one wearing glasses and a dark blazer, the other in a denim jacket. Shelves filled with books are visible in the background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Need Help with Your Graduate Application: Resources for Graduate Applicants at Kent State 
Completing your graduate application is easier than you think when you have the right support system in place. At Kent State University, we offer comprehensive support systems at every stage of the admissions process to guide you. Furthermore, we provide resources to support you along the way, from guides for obtaining reference letters to assistance with writing your goal statement.  
April 28, 2026
 · 
KSO Admissions
Read more
Load More
Kent State Online