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
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
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KSO Admissions
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A notepad with the word "GOALS:" written in black marker next to a cup of coffee.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Write a Winning Goal Statement
Online Learning Online Classes Master’s Degree
Applying to graduate school involves more than submitting transcripts and test scores—it’s your opportunity to tell your story. One of the most important ways to do that is through your goal statement. This document allows you to highlight your experiences, define your goals, and show how you align with your chosen program.
April 28, 2026
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KSO Admissions
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Kent Online Degrees Blog
Time-Saving Tips for Finishing Your Graduate Application: A Handy Checklist 
Master’s Degree Online Classes Online Learning
Graduate school is one of the biggest decisions you can make in your life and time consuming from the beginning. As you invest time in applying, it is essential to showcase your skills to the best of your ability while still effectively managing your time in your already busy schedule. To help you with this process, we have created a handy checklist to make it more manageable.  
April 28, 2026
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KSO Admissions
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A row of graduates in black gowns holding diplomas tied with red ribbons.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
How to Get the Best Reference Letters for Your Grad School Journey
Online Learning Online Classes Master’s Degree
Getting reference letters for graduate school can be intimidating. There’s deciding who to ask, how to ask, giving everyone enough time, and then ensuring you receive a response. Therefore, choosing the right person and providing them with what they need is crucial to securing the best reference possible. After all, what they write can impact whether you attend graduate school or not. So, how can you ensure you get the best reference letters for your application?
April 28, 2026
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KSO Admissions
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Kent Online Degrees Blog
Everything You Need to Know About Submitting Transcripts to Kent State University
Master’s Degree Online Classes Online Learning Bachelor’s Degree
Transcripts are a key part of any school application, but students are often unsure about which transcripts they need and how to submit them. We’re here to guide you through the process so you feel confident, informed, and fully prepared when it’s time to send your transcripts to Kent State University.
April 28, 2026
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KSO Admissions
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A person's hands interacting with a transparent digital interface showing a checklist and a signature line.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Choosing the Best Writing Sample for Grad School Checklist
Online Learning Online Classes Master’s Degree
Selecting a writing sample for graduate school can feel overwhelming, especially when each program may have different expectations. This checklist is designed to help you work through the process step by step—from understanding program requirements to refining your final submission. Use it to ensure your writing sample is clear, relevant, and reflective of your strongest academic and professional abilities.
April 28, 2026
 · 
KSO Admissions
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A person wearing a red jacket writes in a notebook with a pen.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Choosing the Best Writing Sample for Grad School
Online Classes Online Learning Master’s Degree
Writing samples are required for some graduate programs at Kent State University and are an important part of the admissions process. A writing sample allows admissions committees to assess whether your writing skills meet the expectations of the program while also providing insight into your academic interests, perspective, and prior experience in the field. A strong writing sample demonstrates your ability to communicate ideas clearly, think critically, and engage thoughtfully with discipline-specific topics, helping you showcase your academic strengths and readiness for graduate-level study.
April 28, 2026
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KSO Admissions
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A teacher points to a flowchart on a blackboard while a student holds a laptop in front of a computer screen displaying code.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Leadership Roles in Educational Technology: What They Are & How to Get There
Educational Technology Master’s Degree
As digital learning continues to reshape schools, districts, and organizations, leadership roles in educational technology are among the most dynamic and in-demand career paths for educators with advanced training. An online Master of Education in Educational Technology doesn’t just prepare you to use tech in the classroom — it prepares you to lead others, shape technology strategies, and guide meaningful change across learning environments.
April 27, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Kent Online Degrees Blog
Career Outcomes & Salary Expectations for Graduates of an M.Ed. in Educational Technology
Master’s Degree Educational Technology
Earning an online Master of Education in Educational Technology opens doors to a wide variety of careers where educators and learning professionals can lead, design, and implement impactful digital learning initiatives. Whether you’re interested in K–12, higher education, corporate learning, or nonprofit roles, the skills developed in an educational technology graduate program are increasingly valuable in today’s tech-rich environments.
April 23, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A person wearing headphones looks at a laptop screen displaying a video call with another person in a living room setting.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Balancing Theory & Practice: What to Expect in Kent State’s Online Educational Psychology Program
Master’s Degree Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology sits at the intersection of research and real-world learning. At Kent State, the online Master of Education in Educational Psychology is intentionally designed to balance theory with hands-on application—so students don’t just learn about how people learn, they learn how to apply those insights in meaningful, professional settings.
April 23, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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