Julia Garrison
News Editor
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine announced Jim Tressel to serve as the interim lieutenant governor of Ohio. Although Tressel has been nominated by DeWine, he will still need to be confirmed by the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House of Representatives.
Tressel, who has never served in a political office, was most recently the president of Youngstown State University, from 2014 up until 2023 when he announced his departure from the University.
A native of Mentor, Ohio, Tressel has had a storied career in the realm of sports, but no political career experience. Tressel played Division III football at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, where he was coached by his father. After his time at Baldwin Wallace, Tressel served in a number of coaching positions at the University of Akron, Miami University, Syracuse University, The Ohio State University and Youngstown State University.
Tressel was also under fire for controversy in 2010 and 2011 surrounding NCAA violations involving a tattoo parlor owner trading money for sports memorabilia, including many articles owned by Ohio State football players with whom he had become close. Sanctions and punishments included vacating all wins from the 2010 season, a postseason ban for the 2012 season, two years NCAA probation, a five-year show cause from Tressel and a reduction of five scholarships. As of Feb. 11, Tressel has not yet been confirmed by either the Senate or the House. The Voice will continue to follow changes in the Statehouse as they occur.
