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 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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A young person wearing a striped shirt looks at a laptop screen in a room with shelves and pillows in the background.
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
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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
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Editorial Staff
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Hands typing on a laptop keyboard with superimposed icons of scales of justice, a gavel, and a courthouse representing legal concepts.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Technology in Criminal Justice: How the Digital Age Is Changing Crime & Investigation
Master’s Degree Cybercriminology Criminal Justice Criminology Cybersecurity
Crime and public safety have always evolved alongside society—but the digital age has transformed both crime and investigation at an unprecedented pace. From cybercrime to digital evidence, today’s criminal justice professionals must understand how technology shapes criminal behavior, investigative practices, and legal boundaries.
April 20, 2026
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Editorial Staff
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A group of people are gathered around a table, looking at something on the table. A woman in a blue shirt is pointing and speaking to the group.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Online MPA vs. In-Person: Why Flexibility Matters for Public Service Professionals
Master’s Degree Public Policy Public Administration Public Sector Online Classes
Public service professionals often face demanding schedules, unpredictable workdays, and responsibilities that extend well beyond a traditional 9-to-5. For many, pursuing a graduate degree isn’t about motivation—it’s about feasibility. That’s where program format matters.
April 15, 2026
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Editorial Staff
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A group of people are looking at a bulletin board covered in sticky notes and papers.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Leadership in Public Service: What the MPA Prepares You For
Master’s Degree Public Administration Public Sector Public Policy
Public service leadership requires more than good intentions. Today’s public and nonprofit leaders must manage budgets, lead teams, evaluate programs, and make strategic decisions in environments shaped by policy, accountability, and public trust. That level of responsibility calls for advanced preparation.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A person in a blue shirt is taking notes on a clipboard while speaking with someone in a green shirt and jeans.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Explore Online Health Degrees: Build a Career That Makes a Difference
Master’s Degree Public Health Nursing Sport Exercise Bachelor’s Degree
If you’re looking for a career where you can make a meaningful impact, a degree in health is one of the most versatile and rewarding paths you can take. From improving community health outcomes to leading healthcare organizations, today’s health professionals play a critical role in shaping the future of care.
April 15, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A healthcare professional wearing a white coat and stethoscope smiles while looking down at an elderly patient who is also smiling.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Leading the Front Line: Advancing Your Career with the Community Health Worker Supervision Certificate
Public Health Undergraduate Certificate
Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in improving access to care, advancing health education, and building trust between communities and healthcare systems. As the demand for CHWs continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals who can supervise, support, and lead this essential workforce.
April 14, 2026
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Editorial Staff
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A person sits at a desk in front of a laptop, with a whiteboard in the background displaying mathematical equations. They are smiling and waving with both hands.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Online Learning That Moves You Forward: What Sets Kent State Online Apart
Online Classes Online Learning
Online education has become an essential pathway for learners seeking advancement, flexibility, and access. But not all online programs are created equal. What sets Kent State Online apart is a commitment to delivering online learning that is intentional, engaging, and aligned with real-world outcomes.
April 14, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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