Ohio University Zanesville to celebrate 80 years of community impact with anniversary celebration on Sept. 26

Ohio University Zanesville will celebrate 80 years of education, service and community partnership with a special anniversary celebration on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, honoring the rich history of the campus while looking toward an exciting future.

The celebration, themed "Rooted in Excellence. Growing Our Legacy.", reflects the campus's proud history and its continued commitment to serving students, alumni and the region. Throughout the day, alumni, students, faculty, staff, retirees, community partners and friends of Ohio University Zanesville are invited to join in signature events that celebrate eight decades of educational excellence and regional impact.

The celebration will take place on the Ohio University Zanesville campus at 1425 Newark Road in Zanesville.

The day will begin with A Community Growing Together Since 1946, a Bobcat Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The brunch will recognize alumni and community partners whose dedication has helped shape Ohio University Zanesville throughout its history. Guests will enjoy fellowship and a brief anniversary program beginning at 11:40 a.m., celebrating the partnerships and shared history that continue to strengthen the campus and the communities it serves.

From 2 to 3 p.m., Campus Open House invites alumni, prospective students, families and community members to explore OHIO Zanesville and various academic programs. Join volunteers on campus for a tour during the campus open house. For a full list of specific activities and participating programs, contact Tracey Humphrey at humphret@ohio.edu.

Beginning at 3 p.m., the celebration continues with Celebrating Our Roots and Branching Toward Tomorrow, a free community gathering welcoming students, families, faculty, staff and area residents to campus for an afternoon of activities and entertainment.

Guests can enjoy lawn games, food trucks and opportunities to connect with Ohio University Zanesville faculty, staff, students and alumni.

Live music begins at 4 p.m. with a performance by Mikenley Brown, a finalist on The Voice, providing the soundtrack for an afternoon of celebration on the campus green. In the event of inclement weather, afternoon activities and entertainment will move to Elson Hall Auditorium.

"As we celebrate 80 years of OHIO Zanesville, we recognize a legacy built on expanding access to higher education and strengthening the communities we serve," said Vice Provost for Regional Higher Education and Partnerships Dr. Lewatis McNeal.

"Regional campuses have long been engines of opportunity, preparing skilled professionals, supporting workforce development and enriching the quality of life throughout Ohio. This celebration honors not only the remarkable history of OHIO Zanesville, but also our unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our students, our employers and our communities for decades to come," McNeal said. 

Ohio University Zanesville Dean of Campus and Community Engagement Dr. Martha Kline invited all members of the community to attend the celebration.

“This anniversary is about more than recognizing 80 years; it is about celebrating the people, partnerships and communities that have shaped Ohio University Zanesville and looking ahead to the opportunities still to come,” Kline said. “Throughout the day, we will honor the relationships and shared history that established our roots, showcase the academic programs and people carrying our mission into the future, and bring our community together as we continue growing a legacy that will serve generations to come.”

Founded in 1946, Ohio University Zanesville has provided accessible, high-quality education to generations of students across southeastern Ohio. Throughout its history, the campus has remained committed to preparing graduates for meaningful careers while serving as a hub for community engagement, workforce development and regional partnerships.

For more information about the upcoming event please visit https://www.ohio.edu/zanesville/anniversary. 

Ohio University Zanesville’s beginnings 

The Ohio University Zanesville campus, founded in 1946, is one of the first regional campuses established in the state. About 55 miles north of Athens, the Zanesville campus serves a large area of the Muskingum Valley region. 

The Ohio University Zanesville Campus was established in response to the educational needs of soldiers returning home from World War II, hungry for an advanced education under the GI Bill. in its early years classes were first offered in Lash High School and then Zanesville High School.

Elson Hall, the first building on the Ohio University Zanesville campus, was built in 1967.

Elson Hall was named after Henry William Elson (1857-1954), a Muskingum County native and a distinguished educator and historian. Elson began his career teaching in various Muskingum County public schools for four years. In 1878, he attended one term at Muskingum College (now Muskingum University). He later studied at Thiel College in Greenville, PA., where he received a B.A. in 1886 and an M.A. in 1889. Following his graduation from Thiel, he attended Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity.

In 1905, he was appointed professor of history and economics and head of the History Department at Ohio University in Athens, where he taught 11 years. He was a member of the Ohio Constitutional in 1912 and was president of Theil College from 1916-1921.

Elson was a prolific and successful writer of more than 20 books and volumes. His most successful work was "Modern Times and the Living Past, 1921," which was reissued 13 times through 1942. The textbook was used by Zanesville High School for several years.

Elson Hall has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of classrooms and seminar rooms that connect Elson and Herrold Halls.

For more information about the history of OHIO Zanesville, visit the Zanesville Campus Archives found in the library or join the celebration on Sept. 26.