The Ohio University Online Master’s of Sports Administration program is the top-ranked online sports business program in the world, where 100% of all courses are online, all under the Ohio University umbrella, which has served as the birthplace for sports administration education.

About the Program

Kelley K. Walton, JD, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, RAA

Associate Professor of Instruction

Director of the Online Master of Sports Administration Program

Kelley Walton is an Associate Professor of Instruction in Ohio University’s Department of Sports Administration and the Director for Ohio University’s Online Master of Sports Administration (OMSA) program. She is also an attorney and consultant with over ten years of legal and human resources experience in the Sport Industry. She received her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School. Kelley worked for the Columbus Blue Jackets (National Hockey League) for its first 10 years of existence. Her first three years with the Blue Jackets were spent in the legal department. Her last seven years she served as the Director of Human Resources, overseeing the employment of 150+ full-time and 300+ part-time employees. During that time, she oversaw all efforts involved with recruiting, workers compensation, 401(k) administration, benefit administration, employee contracts, and employee evaluations. For all 10 years at the Blue Jackets, she oversaw all immigration efforts for the club. She has been teaching in Ohio University’s Department of Sports Administration since 2011. Her areas of teaching/research include: Sport Law, Human Resources Management, Sport Governance, Leadership and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.