Jim Tressel was officially sworn in as Ohio’s 67th lieutenant governor during a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda on Friday morning. Ohio Supreme Court Justice Patrick DeWine administered the oath, marking the beginning of Tressel’s tenure in state leadership.
Governor Mike DeWine nominated Tressel earlier in the week to fill the vacancy left by Jon Husted, who recently assumed office in the U.S. Senate. The Ohio General Assembly confirmed the nomination on Wednesday, paving the way for Tressel to join the administration.
Tressel is best known for his leadership in both higher education and athletics. Most recently, he served as president of Youngstown State University from 2014 to 2023, where he helped improve student success, boost retention and graduation rates, and expand the university’s Honors College. Prior to that, he was a celebrated football coach, leading Ohio State to seven Big Ten championships and a national title in 2002.
As lieutenant governor, Tressel will focus on workforce development and education, continuing his longstanding commitment to helping Ohioans succeed. A native of Berea, he earned degrees from Baldwin-Wallace College and the University of Akron.
He and his wife, Ellen, are active in philanthropy and community initiatives. They have four children and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, who remain their greatest source of pride.
