Ohio University Zanesville announced its 2019 commencement speaker will be Muskingum County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Ron Welch.

A Muskingum County native, Welch is a 1990 graduate of Philo High School. Welch went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University in 1994 and later a Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1997.

Welch has served as a prosecutor for the entirety of his career — first in Franklin County as the director of the abuse unit before returning to Muskingum County as assistant prosecutor in 2005.

Throughout his 20 year career, Welch has prosecuted several hundred cases including murder, rape, major drug offenses, child abuse, domestic violence and human trafficking.

Some of those cases have been featured on television programs such as Bill O’Reilly, Fox and Friends, as well as Dateline.

On top of his caseload, Welch has also worked with child advocacy centers and child fatality review teams to develop protocols for the investigation and prosecution of child abuse.

Additionally, Welch has advised law enforcement at local, state and federal levels regarding child abuse and sexual assault investigations.

Welch has trained law enforcement, medical professionals and public service attorneys on all areas of prosecution.

In addition to providing training, Welch regularly speaks before local civic organizations, colleges and universities on various aspects of the justice system.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to address a group of individuals at a moment of great accomplishment,” said Welch regarding his upcoming commencement address. “Education changes the future for so many people. Those that achieve this goal should be recognized and celebrated for their achievements.”

Ohio University Zanesville’s commencement ceremony is Friday, May 3.