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.

In her new role, Duda will lead the College’s external strategy and engagement with regional employers; industry associations; workforce and economic development associations; and governmental, business, education and community leaders. She will work closely with the President and members of the leadership team to champion innovation, develop the College’s strategic direction and position the College for success in achieving its mission of student access, student success and workforce development. She will oversee the College’s Career Services and Workforce Development department and represent Stark State in key regional, state and national initiatives that elevate the College’s visibility and reinforce its role as a primary talent engine in the region.

“Laura brings extraordinary experience building trust, driving strategy and connecting organizations to the communities they serve,” said Dr. Para M. Jones, President of Stark State College. “Her leadership in a global enterprise and her deep connection to Northeast Ohio will enhance Stark State’s role as a vital workforce and economic engine for our region.”

Duda’s career spans senior leadership roles in corporate communications, public affairs and stakeholder engagement across the energy and higher education sectors. In addition to her corporate leadership, she earned her doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations at Vanderbilt University, with a capstone project focused on the transfer of military-acquired skills into civilian workforce systems in multiple industry sectors. She also holds an MBA and a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from The University of Tampa and University of Florida.

“Stark State plays a critical role in preparing students for meaningful careers and helping employers build the talent pipeline they need in Northeast Ohio,” said Duda. “This is a pivotal moment for higher education and for our regional economy. I am honored to join an institution and a team so deeply committed to student access and success, workforce alignment and community impact.”

Throughout her career, Duda has been active in regional civic and nonprofit leadership, most recently including service with United Way of Summit & Medina, the Greater Akron Chamber, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, Humane Society of Summit County, and other regional organizations.

Duda will begin her role at Stark State on April 13.