Lt. Governor Tressel Hosts Workforce Discussion at Kent State University Geauga Campus
 Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited the Geauga Campus of Kent State University today as part of his ongoing work to evaluate the workforce strengths and needs of regions across the state.
(BURTON, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel visited the Geauga Campus of Kent State University (KSU) today as part of his ongoing work to evaluate the workforce strengths and needs of regions across the state.
The Lt. Governor first took part in a tour of the university's nursing lab with KSU President Todd Diacon and Kent State at Geauga Dean Angela Spalsbury. All four years of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program can be completed at the Geauga Campus.
"As I've visited different colleges and universities across the state, healthcare and the demand for qualified, dedicated nurses has been a topic of discussion in every region. As our healthcare system continues to grow and evolve, so does the critical need for additional medical professionals," said Lt. Governor Tressel. "Kent State has done a great job of preparing their nursing students with the technical and professional skills needed in the healthcare industry."
 During his vist to the Geauga Campus of Kent State University, Lt. Governor Tressel toured the nursing lab.
Following the tour, Lt. Governor Tressel convened a group of community members to discuss the state of the region's workforce, with representatives from the Geauga Growth Partnership, Berkshire Local Schools, University Hospitals Geauga and Geneva Medical Center, and more.
"As we prepare our young people to lead the future of our state, it's important that we have all the right players at the table," said Lt. Governor Tressel. "It takes real collaboration so that education leaders understand what's happening inside the business down the street or across the county. You can't anticipate the skills your students will need without learning directly from industry how the landscape is evolving."
Governor Mike DeWine previously announced that Lt. Governor Tressel would lead the administration’s effort to ensure the state’s workforce is prepared to fill these jobs by creating Ohio's Workforce Playbook. By examining the needs and circumstances of Ohio’s various regions, the playbook will establish a plan to retain existing talent, recruit new talent to Ohio, and rally Ohio’s existing workforce to greater productivity.
 According to the university, 60 percent of all Northeast Ohio nurses are Kent State University graduates. KSU Geauga graduated 63 Registered Nurses in Spring 2025 and KSU Geauga BSN students have a 100 percent National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) passage rate.
“The healthcare sector is one of Geauga County’s principal sources of employment," said Dean Angela Salsbury. "KSU Geauga is prepared to address this workforce need by offering access to quality education for future generations of nurses in rural communities.”
Lt. Governor Tressel’s visit to KSU Geauga marks another stop in his ongoing series of regional workforce discussions across the state. Previous events have been held at:
Similar community discussions will continue to take place to help inform the development of Ohio’s Workforce Playbook.
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