News

February 10, 2026

Stark State College awarded $875,000 to establish commercial driver’s license (CDL) instruction center

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Feb. 10, 2026 - Stark State College is pleased to announce that it will receive $875,000 in federal funding to build a new Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Instruction Center at its current CDL training center in Akron. This investment will enhance Stark State’s ability to prepare students for high-demand careers in transportation and logistics.

February 9, 2026

USDOT awards Stark State College grant to fund CDL training for veterans and active service members

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Feb. 9, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently awarded Stark State College an $88,688 grant to help veterans, active service members and their family members transition into careers in the transportation industry.

February 6, 2026

Stark State College celebrates top faculty, staff for 2024-25

Each year, Stark State College honors faculty and staff who exemplify service and excellence in their work. As the College prepares to announce the 2025-26 honorees, we take this moment to recognize and highlight the individuals who received awards during the 2024-25 academic year.

February 3, 2026

Dr. Para Jones Selected as First Recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber Chairman’s Award For Community Impact

Para M. Jones, Ph.D., president of Stark State College, has been selected as the first-ever recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber Chairman’s Award for Community Leadership, the chamber announced in a news release on Feb. 2, 2026.

January 20, 2026

Stark State College to host Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration Jan. 28

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 20, 2026 – The public is invited to attend a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Stark State College on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

January 14, 2026

Stark State College announces fall 2025 president’s list and dean’s list

Stark State College has announced the fall 2025 president’s list and dean’s list.

January 5, 2026

Stark State awards 291 associate degrees at January commencement

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 5, 2026 – Stark State College graduated 268 students at its fall commencement on Sunday, Jan. 4, at the Canton Memorial Civic Center.

Pictured from left: Eric Evans, CDL Training Manager, Stark State College; Mike Conway, Department Chair, Automotive, Transportation, and CDL Technology Division, Stark State College; Jim Staley, GAR Distribution Committee Chair and retired Chief Executive Officer, Roadway; Brad Schroeder, GAR Distribution Committee Member and Chief Executive Officer, ACRT Services, Inc.; Para Jones, President, Stark State College; and Lindsey Loftus, Vice President of Advancement, Stark State College.
December 18, 2025

GAR Foundation leaders visit Stark State College CDL training facility, highlighting workforce partnership

AKRON, Ohio, Dec. 18, 2025 — Leaders from GAR Foundation visited Stark State College’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training facility in Akron in November, gaining an up-close look at the College’s efforts to meet growing regional workforce needs. The group toured the facilities and even test-drove several commercial vehicles to experience firsthand the skills required to earn a CDL.

Chief Adam J. Gladysz, the College’s 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Recipient
December 3, 2025

Stark State College announces 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame recipient

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, December 3, 2025 – The Stark State College Foundation recently named Chief Adam J. Gladysz as the College’s 2025 Alumni Hall of Fame Recipient.

November 3, 2025

Stark State College to host Veterans Day event

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Nov. 3, 2025 – Stark State College invites community members and local veterans to a Veterans Day event on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

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