The Stark State College Board of Trustees has announced the launch of the search for the College’s next president.

The Board has partnered with AGB Search, a nationally recognized firm specializing in higher education executive searches, to support this process.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by July 24, 2026.

Please direct nominations, confidential inquiries and any questions regarding the application process to StarkStatePres@agbsearch.com.

Position overview

The Stark State College Board of Trustees seeks an innovative, future-focused and student-centered leader to serve as the College’s next president and help shape the future of workforce-responsive higher education in Northeast Ohio. This role is an opportunity to lead one of Ohio’s largest and most financially stable community colleges at a time of significant regional growth, workforce transformation and evolving educational demand.

The next president will succeed Dr. Para M. Jones, who is retiring after a highly successful 14-year tenure marked by institutional growth, strong community partnerships and expanded opportunities for students and employers.

Reporting directly to the Board, the president serves as Stark State’s chief executive officer and is responsible for strategic vision, institutional leadership and operational effectiveness. The Board seeks a visionary, innovative, emotionally intelligent and politically astute leader with a deep understanding of, and passion for, community college education. The successful candidate will build trust, inspire confidence and cultivate strong relationships among students, faculty, staff, employers, policymakers and community partners through effective, transparent and collaborative leadership.

As the public face and primary advocate for Stark State, the president must be highly engaged with business, industry, education and government leaders. This leader will strengthen employer partnerships to ensure programs are aligned with labor-market needs while collaborating with local, state and federal policymakers to advance workforce development and student success.

The president must balance innovation with fiscal responsibility, champion excellence in teaching and learning, and be adept at successfully moving projects forward. Through inclusive leadership and a commitment to shared governance, the president will foster a culture of belonging, accountability, professional growth and continuous improvement.

Timeline

How to Apply

To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by July 24, 2026. Application materials should be submitted in PDF format through the AGB Search portal at:

President – Stark State College

and must include the following:

• A letter of interest addressing the leadership agenda and qualifications identified in the profile;
• A curriculum vitae; and
• The contact information for five professional references, including email address, phone number, and relationship to the candidate. No references will be contacted without prior explicit approval.

Please direct nominations, confidential inquiries or any questions regarding the application process to StarkStatePres@agbsearch.com.

Presidential search communications

• Stark State College President Dr. Para M. Jones announces retirement

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