Jim Petro believes there is nothing more important to Ohio’s economic growth than higher education. Since his appointment as Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents in 2011, Petro has worked to enhance the Ohio University System, an institution with the responsibility of raising the education attainment of Ohioans.
Under Petro’s leadership, the Ohio Board of Regents has accomplished several key initiatives that have significantly enhanced higher education in the State of Ohio. These initiatives include expanding ability for commercialization at universities, streamlined technology resources and the development of concrete strategies for increasing overall attainment of degrees and necessary credentials.
Chancellor Petro has recently announced he will retire in February 2013 from his appointment as Chancellor after nearly 30 years in public service. Other positions held by Petro include Rocky River City Councilman and Law Director, Cuyahoga County Commissioner, State Representative, Ohio Auditor of State and Ohio State Attorney General. Petro earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1973 and a bachelor’s from Denison University in 1970. He also holds honorary doctorates from The University of Toledo and Denison University.