Ohio University president visits Zanesville campus

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Ohio University’s newest president made a trip to the Zanesville campus on Wednesday.

President Duane Nellis, Ohio University’s 21st president, paid his first visit to the Zanesville campus to meet with local faculty, staff and students.

“As I start as a new president I want to hear the voices from the different dimensions of the university, including the regional campuses like Zanesville,” said Nellis. “It’s an important part of helping me formulate my priorities as we move forward during my presidential administration, it’s an exciting time to hear those voices.”

Nellis began his presidency on June 12th. Before making his way to the Bobcats, Nellis previously served as the president of Texas Tech University and of the University of Idaho.

He said he plans to increase national distinction for the university, but recognized that it starts at the regional level.

Ohio University Zanesville Dean, Jeremy Webster, said Nellis’ prompt visit shows and demonstrates his interest in the entirety of Ohio University.

“It really shows our faculty staff and students the value he places on what we do here at OU-Z and the role that our regional campuses play within the Ohio University system,” said Webster. “It’s really exciting to have a president who is eager to learn about us and to visit and to find out who we are.”

Webster has been dean of the Zanesville branch for just under a month now, following 18 years of working at the main campus in Athens.

A board of trustees meeting will take place at the end of the week, where an announcement will be made about the Zanesville campus.