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.

Dr. Jones’s tenure has been defined by a steadfast commitment to student success, workforce alignment and expanding access to high-quality, affordable education that leads to rewarding employment in the region.

A native of Canton, Ohio, Dr. Jones’s career with Stark State spans 37 years across two tenures. She first served in a range of leadership roles, advancing from marketing to vice president, building on earlier experience in corporate communications and marketing roles with Roadway Express and Goodyear Aerospace. She then went on to serve as president of Spartanburg Community College for three years before returning home to Stark State in 2012 as president.

“Leading Stark State College has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Dr. Jones. “What makes me proudest isn’t just what we built—it’s who we served. Thousands of students now have pathways to careers and better lives, and employers have the educated, skilled workforce they need – that economic impact will continue long after my tenure ends.

“I’m deeply grateful to our board of trustees, faculty, staff and partners, and confident the College’s future has never been brighter,” Jones said. “Stark State’s mission of high-quality, affordable education leading to rewarding employment is more important than ever.”

“Dr. Jones didn’t just lead Stark State—she redefined what it could be, with an unwavering focus on student success and workforce relevance,” said Elaine Russell Reolfi, chair of the Board of Trustees. “She expanded access, strengthened employer partnerships and positioned the College as a national leader and a driver of economic mobility across our region. Her leadership leaves a foundation that will benefit students and communities for decades. We are deeply grateful for her exceptional service and lasting impact.”

Under Dr. Jones’s leadership, the College:

Expanded access and reach

• Grew its service district to include Akron and Summit County
• Expanded College Credit Plus (CCP) partnerships with K–12 districts across Northeast Ohio and beyond

Strengthened student success, academic pathways and partnerships

• Improved student success outcomes, including graduation rates at highest levels in college history
• Launched the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program
• Partnered with NEOMED to create seamless pathways from associate degrees to doctoral programs in pharmacy, as well as pre-med and pre-dental tracks
• Established the Direct Connect program with University of Akron
• Formed a historic articulation agreement with The Ohio State University

Deepened workforce alignment

• Significantly expanded employer partnerships
• Created Learn and Earn programs enabling high school students to gain college credits in high-demand fields such as HVAC and welding
• Developed new programs in AI (Artificial Intelligence), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) in response to workforce needs

Maintained strong fiscal stability

• Achieved maximum state fiscal stability ratings
• Successfully retired $20 million of debt, placing the college in a debt-free position
• Increased college reserves 266%
• Increased foundation endowment 470%
• Attracted nearly $85 million in federal, state and local grants to support students and enhance the local economy

Achieved national recognition and impact

• Recognized by Harvard University, Georgetown University and American Institutes for Research as a top producer of graduates in high-wage, high-demand fields
• Consistently led Ohio institutions in producing graduates in high-demand engineering technology, manufacturing and related fields

Among many honors and awards, Dr. Jones received the Greater Akron Chamber’s Inaugural Chairman’s Award for Community Impact, The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Stark County Educational Services Center, national and state awards from Phi Theta Kappa community college honor society, was named to Ohio Business Magazine’s top 500 Ohio leaders list, was named Executive of the Year by National Sales and Marketing Executives Akron/Canton Chapter and received the ATHENA Award.

The Stark State College Board of Trustees is working with AGB Search to conduct a national search for the College’s next president. Dr. Jones will continue to lead the institution and support a smooth transition through June 30, 2027.