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, one wearing a grey blazer and white turtleneck, the other a blue t-shirt, are looking at a laptop screen together. The background is blurred, suggesting an indoor setting.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Online Learning Built for Special Educators
Education Special Education Master’s Degree
Special educators do some of the most complex, demanding, and emotionally intensive work in education. In addition to lesson planning and instruction, they manage IEPs, progress monitoring, compliance documentation, parent communication, multidisciplinary meetings, and often serve as advocates, problem-solvers, and emotional supports for their students.
May 13, 2026
 · 
Dr. Andrew Wiley
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Kent Online Degrees Blog
Sectors That Need Public Administration Experts in 2026 & Beyond
Master’s Degree Public Policy Public Administration Public Sector
Public service is evolving rapidly. As communities respond to economic shifts, environmental challenges, and changing public expectations, organizations need leaders who can navigate complexity, manage resources, and design effective public solutions.
May 12, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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Two individuals are engaged in a conversation, with one facing the camera and the other with their back to it. Lush green foliage and a cactus plant are visible in the foreground and background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Career Paths with a Master’s in Educational Psychology
Educational Psychology Master’s Degree
Earning an online Master of Education in Educational Psychology opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in education, training, research, and organizational development. This degree equips graduates with evidence-based insights into how people learn, think, and develop — skills that employers across sectors value highly.
May 12, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A person's hand holding a pencil over a document with charts and graphs on a desk with a laptop and smartphone.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
How to Succeed in a Fully Online Master’s Program in Research & Statistics
Research, Measurement & Statistics Master’s Degree
Pursuing a graduate degree in research and statistics can feel challenging — especially in an online environment. But with the right strategies, tools, and support, students in Kent State’s online Master of Education in Research, Measurement, and Statistics (RMS) can thrive while balancing work, life, and school.
May 12, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A person in a blue shirt holds a soccer ball in front of a blurred stadium background.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Preparing for a Career in Sport Psychology: What Pathways Look Like
Sport Exercise Sports Psychology Bachelor’s Degree
Sport psychology sits at the intersection of human performance and human behavior — a field where understanding motivation, stress, confidence, and resilience can make a real difference in athletic performance, wellness, and everyday life. Whether you dream of helping athletes reach their potential, working with teams on mental skills, or applying psychology in fitness and performance settings, there are a variety of career pathways you can explore.
May 9, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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black fingerprints on a white background
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Why You Need a Criminology Degree Even if You Don’t Want to Be a Cop
Master’s Degree Cybercriminology Criminology Criminal Justice Nonprofit Management
When many people hear “criminology,” they immediately think of policing. While law enforcement is one important part of the justice system, it’s far from the only—or even the primary—career path for many criminology graduates.
May 7, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A therapist listens intently to a client who is speaking animatedly while holding a phone in a bright, modern office with a large plant and window.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Behavioral Interventions & Support Plans: Best Practices for Educators
Education Special Education Master’s Degree
In special education, behavior is rarely random. More often, it is a form of communication — a student’s way of expressing unmet needs, frustration, sensory overload, anxiety, or a lack of skills to navigate a situation. When educators view behavior through this lens, the focus shifts from “How do we stop this?” to “What is this student trying to tell us?”
May 6, 2026
 · 
Dr. Andrew Wiley
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EdD alumna Tabitha Messmore seated at her desk in a professional office setting, smiling at the camera with a laptop and workspace items visible.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Doctor of Education in Interprofessional Leadership (Ed.D.) Alumni Spotlight: How Tabitha Messmore Leveraged Kent State’s Online EdD to Lead Across Disciplines
Student Profile Interprofessional Leadership Leadership in Education Cultural Foundations Doctoral Degree
Kent State Music Alum Gives the Gift of Life Through Stem Cell Donation
May 6, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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A person playing a xylophone using mallets. Colorful, swirling lines overlay the image, adding a dynamic visual effect.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Shaping the Future of Music Education: A Conversation with Eric Black
Faculty Spotlights Master’s Degree Music Education School of Music Music Teaching
Pursuing an advanced degree in music is a significant milestone for any educator. Whether you are looking to increase your salary, move into administrative leadership, or simply refine your classroom pedagogy, the right support system is essential. At Kent State Online, our 100% online Master of Music in Music Education (MMME) is designed specifically for busy professionals who need a balance of academic rigor and scheduling flexibility.
May 6, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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EdD alumna Tabitha Messmore seated at her desk in a professional office setting, smiling at the camera with a laptop and workspace items visible.
Kent Online Degrees Blog
Leading Systemic Change Through Interprofessional Leadership
Student Profile Interprofessional Leadership Social Justice Cultural Foundations Doctoral Degree
Kent State Music Alum Gives the Gift of Life Through Stem Cell Donation
May 6, 2026
 · 
Editorial Staff
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