�� Zanesville Dean Hannah Nissen to retire following years of academic service

Dean Hannah Nissen

Vice Provost Lewatis McNeal has announced the upcoming retirement of Dean Hannah Nissen, effective June 30, 2025.

Since assuming the role of Zanesville dean in October 2020, Dean Nissen has been a pivotal figure at OHIO Zanesville and in the local community. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Nissen served as an educator at several institutions, including California State University San Bernardino and Youngstown State University, before joining Zanesville. Her tenure at Zanesville began 25 years ago when she joined as faculty and program coordinator of the Early Childhood Program. Her leadership abilities and dedication to academic excellence led to progressive administrative roles, including academic division chair and associate dean. After Dr. Jeremy Webster's tenure as dean, she assumed this senior leadership role, continuing to advance educational initiatives and community partnerships.

Dr. Nissen’s career reflects a commitment to both classroom excellence and administrative leadership. Each role built upon her foundation as an educator while expanding her impact on institutional development and student success.

Dean Hannah Nissen is shown with a graduating student at the OHIO Zanesville Graduation Recognition Ceremony

Dean Nissen has shown an unwavering commitment to fostering educational excellence and community engagement. Her leadership was instrumental in navigating the complexities of remote learning and ensuring that faculty and students adapted seamlessly to new educational paradigms.

During her time at OHIO, Dr. Nissen has led several initiatives that transformed educational programs and strengthened community relationships. Her primary focus was securing critical funding for the nursing programs, which enabled the acquisition of advanced simulators and the redesign of laboratory spaces. These improvements provided students with essential hands-on experiences to build confidence before entering clinical settings.

Hannah Nissen is shown with OHIO Zanesville representatives in a medical training space

Understanding the diverse challenges students face, Dr. Nissen pursued external grants to address unique needs. These funds opened doors for student research and leadership development, as well as for completion grants to help students overcome financial barriers to licensure exams and other graduation expenses.

Recognizing the importance of workforce preparedness, Dr. Nissen organized a series of Workforce Success sessions over three years. These collaborative events brought together higher education and community partners, creating valuable networking opportunities and fostering a deeper understanding of workforce trends, human resource practices, and relevant legislation.

Her commitment to community engagement led to strong partnerships with regional healthcare institutions, public schools, and nonprofit agencies. These relationships provided experiential learning opportunities and internships for students, while fostering a culture of volunteerism. Beyond academic benefits, these partnerships also brought diverse cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities to the campus.

Hannah Nissen is shown serving ice cream at an OHIO Zanesville event

Through these interconnected efforts, Dr. Nissen created an educational ecosystem that prepared students for professional success while strengthening the community they serve. Beyond her administrative duties, Dr. Nissen has been a strong advocate for community partnerships, spearheading initiatives that bridged the gap between the college and local organizations. These programs benefited both students and residents and left a lasting impact on Zanesville and Muskingum County, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of education.

“I am honored to have served as the dean of campus and community engagement for the Zanesville campus for nearly five years,” said Dean Nissen. “Our campus has much to offer, including strong academic programs and many opportunities for community and student engagement. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with talented staff and faculty who are committed to the success of our students.”

Hannah Nissen is shown with OHIO Zanesville students, faculty and staff

�� Zanesville plans to launch a comprehensive search for its next campus dean in the coming months, and it is committed to finding a leader who will continue to uphold its values and drive its mission forward. Further details about campus leadership plans will be announced as they become available.

“Dean Nissen’s leadership has been a guiding force for OHIO Zanesville,” said Dr. Lewatis McNeal, vice provost of regional higher education at ��. “Her contributions have been invaluable, and while we will miss her presence, we are excited to build upon the strong foundation she has established.”

A celebration honoring Dean Nissen’s achievements will be held later this semester, providing an opportunity for colleagues, students, and community members to express their gratitude and well-wishes.