Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel visits UA to champion workforce development and industry collaboration

On Thursday, May 29, Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel returned to familiar ground as he visited The University of Akron (UA) to discuss the critical role of higher education in shaping the state’s workforce. Tressel, who previously served as UA’s vice president of atrategic engagement from 2012 to 2014, was welcomed back by President R.J. Nemer and a host of university leaders, elected officials and industry partners.

The visit began with a roundtable discussion highlighting UA’s expanding partnerships with business, industry and educational institutions. Nemer was joined by Board of Trustees Chair Lewis Adkins, Incoming Chair Mike Saxon, Mike Duffey, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, and key members of UA’s administrative leadership. Many elected officials were also in attendance including State Senator Casey Weinstein, State Representative Veronica Sims, State Representative Bill Roemer and State Representative Jack Daniels.

"UA gave me my first opportunity to work in higher education administration,” Tressel said. “The University is so critical for the region and the state."

Representatives from local government, including Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro, echoed Tressel’s sentiments. Malik emphasized, “We have world-class companies and world-class research here in Akron. There is a tremendous amount of collaboration to build on.”

The conversation included discussion around UA’s active role in the Polymer Industry Cluster — a regional initiative uniting education and industry in workforce development. Steve Millard, president and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber, noted that UA’s leadership in this area is supported by partnerships with ConxusNEO, Barberton City Schools, Ohio Penal Industries, Goodyear and Schaeffler, among others.

Tressel called the Polymer Cluster “transformational,” adding, “I believe it will be the next generation of growth in Summit County.”

Following the roundtable, Tressel toured the Timken Foundation Center for Precision Manufacturing, a hub for research and workforce training. While there, he also had the opportunity to meet with students who are learning in the facility.

Chancellor Duffey and Rep. Roemer (far left) join Lt. Gov. Tressel (fifth from left) in meeting with Dr. Dane Quinn (seventh from left) and UA graduate students.

Throughout the visit, Tressel stressed the need for more Ohioans to pursue both two- and four-year degrees, framing higher education as a pathway to achieving the American dream. “We need more individuals prepared to step into these high-demand roles. Education is key to that future,” he said.

As the visit concluded, it was clear that Tressel’s passion for education, innovation and Ohio’s workforce remains as strong as ever, anchored by his belief in UA’s mission and potential.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd: 330-972-6476, cboyd@uakron.edu