NORTH CANTON, Ohio (April 23, 2026) — After 14 years of visionary leadership that reshaped Stark State College and expanded opportunity for thousands of students and employers across the region, Para M. Jones, Ph.D., has announced she will retire as president effective June 30, 2027.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, April 14, 2026 – Three Stark State College students are among a select group of students from Ohio’s 22 community colleges honored for their excellence in academics, leadership and community service as part of the 2026 All-Ohio Community College Academic Team.

Seasoned Fortune 500 communications executive to focus on strengthening business, community and workforce partnerships NORTH CANTON, Ohio, April 8, 2026 – Stark State College today announced that Dr. Laura Duda has been appointed Vice President of Strategy and Engagement. Duda joins the college following a distinguished career at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, leading global internal and external communications for the company’s nearly 70,000 employees across 47 countries.