Nissen to Retire from OUZ in June

Zanesville, OH-  The Dean of Ohio University Zanesville has announced her retirement.

Dean Hannah Nissen will step down effective June 30, 2025. Dr. Nissen took over as dean in 2020 but has been at OUZ for 25 years, first joining the faculty as the program coordinator of the Early Childhood program.

“I am honored to have served as the Dean of Campus and Community Engagement for the Zanesville campus for nearly five years,” said Dean Nissen. “Our campus has much to offer, including strong academic programs and many opportunities for community and student engagement. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with talented staff and faculty who are committed to the success of our students.”

During her time at OUZ, Dr. Nissen has led several initiatives that transformed educational programs and strengthened community relationships. Her primary focus was securing critical funding for the nursing programs, which enabled the acquisition of advanced simulators and the redesign of laboratory spaces. These improvements provided students with essential hands-on experiences to build confidence before entering clinical settings.

Dr. Nissen has also be an advocate for community partnerships, spearheading initiatives that bridged the gap between the college and local organizations.

Ohio University Zanesville plans to launch a comprehensive search for its next campus dean in the coming months.