Zane State College Announces Lt. Governor Tressel as 2026 Commencement Speaker
Zanesville, Ohio — Zane State College announced Thursday that Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel will serve as the keynote speaker for the College’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for , 2026. This year’s ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of more than 185 graduates who are completing associate degrees and certificate programs across a wide range of academic and technical fields.
Lt. Governor Tressel brings a distinguished record of leadership in education, workforce development, and public service. Before assuming his current role in state government, he served as president of Youngstown State University and is widely recognized for his decades of experience in higher education leadership and student success initiatives. Throughout his career, he has focused on strengthening connections between education, career readiness, and economic development—priorities that align closely with Zane State College’s mission to prepare students for meaningful employment and lifelong learning.
In his role as Ohio’s Lt. Governor, Tressel continues to champion initiatives that support workforce development, expand apprenticeship and training opportunities, and ensure Ohioans are equipped with the skills needed for in-demand careers across the state. His leadership reflects a commitment to building strong communities through education and collaboration between industry, higher education, and government partners.
“Zane State College is honored to welcome Lt. Governor Jim Tressel as our 2026 Commencement speaker,” said college leadership. “His dedication to student achievement, workforce development, and community impact makes him an inspiring voice for our graduates as they prepare to take their next steps. We are excited for him to share his message with our students and their families on this important day.”
Commencement represents one of the most significant milestones in a student’s academic journey, marking the culmination of hard work, perseverance, and determination. For graduates, families, faculty, and staff, the ceremony is both a celebration of achievement and a moment to reflect on the transformative power of education.
The 2026 Commencement Ceremony will bring together the campus community and guests to honor student success and recognize the next generation of skilled professionals, leaders, and lifelong learners emerging from Zane State College.
Due to space limitations, tickets are required for guests to attend the ceremony.
Additional information about Commencement, including ceremony details and guest guidelines, can be found at www.zanestate.edu/commencement.
