Kent State Online is proud to celebrate Associate Vice President Val Kelly for her contribution to the newly released Hallmarks of Excellence in Online Leadership, a
national publication developed through the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA).
The publication brings together experienced leaders from colleges and universities across the country to identify the characteristics, strategies, and practices that define excellence in online leadership. Designed as a resource for higher education institutions, the framework explores how universities can successfully expand access, foster innovation, and strengthen digital learning to better serve today’s students.
Kelly contributed to the publication’s chapter on
Entrepreneurial Initiatives, which examines how institutions can strategically develop and grow online learning opportunities through innovation, collaboration, and responsiveness to evolving student and workforce needs.
“Online education continues to evolve, requiring institutions to think strategically about how they serve students and adapt to changing educational and workforce demands,” Kelly said. “I’m honored to contribute to a resource that encourages collaboration and helps institutions continue advancing high-quality online learning.”
At Kent State Online, those principles are reflected in the university’s commitment to expanding access to flexible, high-quality academic programs that meet students where they are. Through collaboration with colleges across the university, Kent State Online supports more than 90 fully online degree and certificate programs while continually exploring new ways to enhance the online student experience.
“Thought leadership is an important part of advancing higher education,” Kelly said. “When institutions share ideas, experiences, and best practices, we all benefit—and ultimately so do our students.”
Kelly’s contribution underscores Kent State Online’s continued commitment to innovation and leadership in digital learning. As online education continues to grow, the university remains focused on delivering exceptional academic experiences while helping shape the future of online education through collaboration, research, and national engagement.
