Where innovation and community meet

Ohio University Zanesville Ready to transform already successful companies nursing programfor a generous $1.5 million gift from . JW & MH Straker Charitable Foundation.

“Nursing is the largest program on our campus,” said Ohio State Zanesville Dean Dr. Hannah Nissen, noting that this funding will allow for the expansion of nurse training facilities and capacity. She added, “We always strive to provide our students with the latest and strongest learning experience possible, and this gift will allow us to do that.”

The result of renovation is JW & MH Straker Charitable Foundation Nursing Building, over 5,460 square feet of space dedicated to nursing. It includes a state-of-the-art simulation room, practice lab, and debriefing area to foster an environment where students can seamlessly transition from theory to practice. The facility upgrade will increase the program's capacity by 15% and serve the health care needs of Muskingum County, which the Rural Health Research Institute has identified as facing health care shortages.

As one of the region's top producers of nurses, Zanesville, Ohio stands at the intersection of innovative education and community service. The Straker Foundation's latest gift is more than just an investment in infrastructure, it is a testament to the power of education and its ripple effect in improving community health.

“Our support of the Ohio University Zanesville Nursing Program is consistent with our foundation's mission to improve and empower lives in Muskingum County,” said Susan Straker Foundation President and Executive Director. Holdren says. “Training talented nurses, many of whom remain in Muskingum County to live and work in Muskingum County, will have an immediate positive impact on our health care system.”

The majority of nursing students in Zanesville, Ohio are employed by affiliated health systems such as Genesis Healthcare System, Fairfield Medical Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Marietta Memorial Health System, and skilled nursing facilities.
within the area.