North Central State College Foundation Scholarships application open
Who may apply? Those who will be regularly enrolled students at the College during the 2026-2027 academic year (fall 2026 spring 2026-2027). A regularly enrolled student is one who has graduated from high school (or received a GED) and is seeking to earn an NC State degree or aid-eligible certificate.
Deadline to apply: March 1, 2026
Those awarded a scholarship will be notified by mid April.
All applicants must file a 2026-2027 FAFSA by March 1, 2026. NC State’s FAFSA code is 005313
Incomplete applications will not be considered. You will not be notified if your application is incomplete.
Most scholarships carry stipulations (e.g., major, GPA, level of enrollment, place of residence, year-in-college, etc.)
Scholarship proceeds will be credited to recipients’ fiscal accounts at the College to help pay tuition expenses. No cash payments will be made to students from scholarship funds.
Application is live from February 1, 2026-March 1, 2026
Access the application here from February 1, 2026-March 1, 2026
Mansfield, Ohio — North Central State College (NCSC) has been named the recipient of the 2026 Leah Meyer Austin Award, the highest honor conferred by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as engines of opportunity, belonging, and economic mobility. The award comes with a $100,000 prize.
Presented annually, the Leah Meyer Austin Award recognizes a college in the ATD Network that exemplifies the highest levels of performance across access, momentum, completion and post-completion outcomes that align with the organization’s Community Vibrancy Framework — a comprehensive model that defines what it takes for colleges to drive student success, economic mobility, and community prosperity. Award recipients show sustained and measurable impact on key student success metrics that lead to strong completion and post-completion outcomes that advance economic mobility, with institutional practices around seven capacities that are deeply embedded in culture and planning.
The award was announced at ATD’s annual DREAM conference in Portland, Oregon, which convened community college leaders, faculty, staff, and higher education partners from across the country and around the world.
“This award is the result of countless hours of effort by the employees of North Central State College,” stated Dr. Dorey Diab, President of NC State. “We are honored to receive this award and are gratified by the recognition of the numerous benefits to our students and graduates over more than a decade. We’ve worked to control costs of a college education, shorten the time required to succeed and perhaps most importantly, align our graduate outcomes to the needs of our employers, who provide ever increasing wages that exceed the statewide average for Ohio. We’re keeping more talented workers close to home and helping them build great careers and rewarding lives for a more prosperous community. Thank you, Achieving the Dream, for this
wonderful recognition and award. As it is a journey, and never a destination, we will continue our path to change lives for better futures.”
North Central State College serves north-central Ohio and offers associate degrees, certificates, and bachelor’s programs in high-demand fields including health sciences, engineering technology, business, and public service. A longtime member of the Achieving the Dream Network, NCSC earned Leader College status in 2009 and Leader College of Distinction status in 2018.
Guided by a commitment to evidence-based improvement, the college has implemented integrated, student-centered reforms designed to improve momentum, affordability, and completion. These efforts include a strengthened advising model that combines proactive case management, early alert systems, and close collaboration between professional advisors and faculty.
Affordability has been a central priority. Through a combination of institutional and state scholarships, a self-funded Promise-style program, and expanded adoption of open educational resources, NCSC has reduced financial barriers for students. Student loan usage declined from 62% in 2015 to 27% in 2023, and today 25% of courses are textbook-free, helping students persist and progress with fewer financial constraints.
To better support students balancing work, family, and education, NCSC expanded flexible learning options, including online offerings and compressed academic terms. Nearly 50% of courses now use shortened formats, and per-capita credit hours attempted and completed recently reached a five-year high.
These reforms have produced strong, measurable outcomes. Between 2014 and 2021, fall-to-fall retention increased by 22 percentage points, and the college’s completion rate rose by 27 percentage points.
As part of its broader commitment to student and community prosperity, NCSC has embraced Achieving the Dream’s Community Vibrancy Framework, aligning academic programs with regional workforce needs and expanding stackable credentials, certificates, and bachelor’s pathways that lead to family-sustaining wages. Median wages for graduates increased from$28,604 in 2018 to $42,792 in 2024, reaching 98% of the regional median wage.
“North Central State College exemplifies what is possible when a college approaches its work with courage, discipline, and an unwavering focus on students and community,” said Achieving the Dream President and CEO Dr. Karen A. Stout. “The college has translated data-informed decision-making and deep engagement with partners into lasting institutional change, improved student outcomes, and meaningful economic mobility. We are proud to recognize North Central State College for the impact it has achieved — and continues to achieve — for its students and region.”
The Leah Meyer Austin Award was established in 2008 and is named in honor of Leah Meyer Austin, whose visionary leadership helped shape Achieving the Dream’s mission and impact nationwide. North Central State College is the 25th ATD Network college to receive the award.
When Joao Oswalt Da Silva first enrolled at North Central State College, his classroom wasn’t always in Mansfield, Ohio. In fact, many of his courses were completed thousands of miles away, in Brazil. Yet despite the distance, Joao found a strong academic connection through North Central’s flexible learning options and supportive environment, one that is helping him move closer to his long-term goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Joao has spent much of his life balancing international experiences with academic ambition. Having lived some of his life in Ohio, Joao still visits often. He was able to stop by the campus during winter break and loved seeing all of the snow here in Ohio.
Joao’s goal is to become a physical therapist
That clear sense of purpose has guided his academic decisions and kept him motivated, even while taking classes online from another country. Through North Central State College, Joao has completed nearly ten courses fully online, an experience he describes as both convenient and empowering.
“One of the great things about North Central is how many courses you can take online,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of them, even while I was outside the U.S.”
This flexibility has allowed Joao to stay on track academically. Online courses gave him access to high-quality instruction without sacrificing progress toward his degree, something that has become increasingly important for students balancing complex schedules or unique life circumstances.
Joao’s academic path is carefully structured. He credits help from his advisor, Kendell White, for keeping him on track. “She was the first person I met with at the college,” he says appreciatively. “She has been a huge help the entire time.”
His long-term plan includes earning a bachelor’s degree, followed by a doctorate in physical therapy. Right now, he is focusing on biology and chemistry to prepare for the next stage of his education.
Those science courses are a critical part of his plan, and Joao has worked closely with advisors to ensure he meets prerequisites for future programs. Faculty and staff at North Central State College have taken notice of Joao’s work ethic. He has earned praise for his performance in online courses and for his commitment to his studies.
Joao is also a part of the North Central State College Honors program. He presented his Honors project on Breaking Barriers: Comparing Physical Therapy Terminology Between English and Portuguese during the fall semester presentation via Zoom from Brazil. The objective of his project was to compare Portuguese and English terminology used in physical therapy. Joao was able to shadow Maria Rita, a physical therapist with 19 years of experience at Jose Melo Laboratorio in Itacaré, Bahia, Brazil.
Focus and commitment are key to Joao’s success
For Joao, North Central is providing more than just coursework. It offers flexibility, encouragement, and a foundation for future success. Whether learning from Mansfield or from abroad, he feels supported in his pursuit of a demanding and rewarding career.
As he continues to work toward graduation and prepares for the next phase of his education, Joao’s story reflects the opportunities available at North Central State College, especially for motivated students who are willing to work hard, think ahead, and take advantage of flexible learning options.
His journey is a reminder that no matter where students are located, North Central State College is committed to helping them stay connected, move forward, and build a pathway toward their goals.
This class introduces you to how people think, feel, and behave. You will learn about the brain and body, memory, learning, emotions, personality, and social interactions. You’ll also explore mental health, motivation, and human development throughout life. The course shows how psychologists study people and how their findings can be applied to real situations.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand why people think, act, and feel the way they do
Gives you tools to work better with others at school, work, or home
Helps you recognize and respect differences in people from different backgrounds
Shows you how to make thoughtful decisions using information and evidence
Teaches how to notice and respond to mental health needs in yourself and others
PSYC-2050: Psychopathology
This class explores mental health disorders and how they are diagnosed and treated. You will learn about conditions like anxiety, depression, personality disorders, addictions, and psychotic disorders. The course covers causes, symptoms, and treatments, using research and ethical guidelines to understand psychological illness.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand mental health issues in yourself and others
Teaches skills for recognizing symptoms and knowing when to seek help
Improves empathy and communication with people facing psychological challenges
Provides knowledge useful for careers in counseling, healthcare, social work, or education
Teaches critical thinking for separating myths about mental illness from scientific evidence
COMM-1010: Speech
This class teaches you how to speak confidently in front of others. You will learn how to give different types of speeches, like informative talks, persuasive presentations, impromptu speeches, and group projects. You’ll also practice using gestures, eye contact, and visual aids to make your message clear.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you feel more confident speaking in class, at work, or in meetings
Teaches you how to explain your ideas clearly so others understand you
Shows you how to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully
Helps you work well with different kinds of people and understand their perspectives
Gives you skills to persuade others, share your opinion, or present ideas professionally
ENGL-1010: English Composition I
This class teaches you how to read and write clearly. You will read nonfiction texts and practice summarizing, analyzing, and writing essays. You’ll also learn how to research a topic and write a well-organized argument. The class helps you plan, draft, and revise your writing so it makes sense and is easy to understand.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you explain your ideas clearly in emails, reports, or school assignments
Teaches you how to read carefully and understand important information
Shows you how to plan and organize your thoughts before writing or speaking
Gives you skills to research topics and back up your opinions with facts
Helps you communicate professionally in work or personal projects
STAT-1010: Probability and Statistics
This class teaches you how to understand and work with data. You will learn how to collect information, organize it in charts and tables, and use basic math to see patterns and trends. The course also covers probability, statistics, and ways to make conclusions from data.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you make sense of numbers in news, surveys, and reports
Teaches you how to organize and analyze information to make better decisions
Shows you how to spot trends and patterns in data, which is useful at work or in school projects
Helps you understand the likelihood of events, which is useful for planning and problem-solving
Gives you skills to interpret graphs, charts, and statistics you see every day
HUMA-1010: Introduction to the Humanities
This class introduces you to different forms of art, including painting, literature, drama, film, photography, and sculpture. You will learn how to understand, analyze, and talk about works of art. The course also explores different ways people think about and interpret art, and you’ll go on field trips to experience art in real life.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you appreciate and enjoy art in everyday life, like movies, books, and museums
Teaches you how to think critically and express your opinions clearly
Improves your ability to understand different cultures and perspectives
Builds skills to discuss and evaluate ideas, which is useful in work, school, and social settings
Encourages creativity and problem-solving through exposure to art and different viewpoints
MUSC-1010: Music Appreciation
This class teaches you how to listen to and understand music. You will learn about different musical styles, instruments, and ensembles, and explore how music has changed over time. You’ll also learn the words and ideas musicians use to talk about music and how to describe and respond to performances.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you enjoy music more by understanding what you hear
Teaches you how to pay attention and notice details, a skill useful in school and work
Gives you the words and knowledge to talk about music confidently with others
Helps you appreciate different cultures and historical periods through their music
Improves focus, critical thinking, and listening skills that apply to everyday life
POLT-1010: American National Government
This class teaches you how the U.S. government works, including its people, values, rules, and institutions. You will learn about the three main branches of government, how laws are made, and how political systems like elections, parties, and the media influence decisions. The course also covers civil rights, social justice, and both domestic and foreign policy.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand how laws and government decisions affect your life
Teaches you how to participate in your community, like voting or volunteering
Gives you the tools to follow and understand news and political discussions
Helps you think critically about policies and issues that affect society
Prepares you for careers in government, public service, or any job that requires understanding rules and systems
ENGL-1030: English Composition II
This class teaches you how to write clear, well-organized arguments and research papers. You will read issue-based texts, plan and research your ideas, use sources correctly, and learn how to persuade readers with evidence. The course also helps you revise your writing so it is strong, clear, and professional.
How it helps in daily life:
Teaches you how to explain your ideas clearly in school, work, or personal projects
Shows you how to find and use trustworthy information to support your opinions
Helps you organize your thoughts and write in a way that makes sense to others
Builds skills in critical thinking and problem-solving
Prepares you for writing reports, proposals, or persuasive messages in professional or personal settings
PHIL-1010: Western Philosophy
This class introduces the major ideas and thinkers that have shaped Western culture, from ancient Greece to modern times. You will learn about famous philosophers and their ideas, how people have thought about ethics, society, and the meaning of life, and how these ideas influence the world today.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you think clearly and reason through problems in everyday life
Teaches you how to see situations from different points of view
Improves your ability to discuss ideas and make thoughtful decisions
Helps you understand the history of ideas that influence culture, law, and society
Builds critical thinking skills useful in school, work, and personal decisions
PSYC-2010: Human Growth & Development
This class teaches how people grow and change from birth to old age. You will learn about physical, emotional, social, and thinking development at different stages of life, and how researchers study these changes. The course also looks at culture, environment, and family influences on growth.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand yourself and the people around you at different ages
Teaches skills for parenting, teaching, or working with people of all ages
Helps you recognize healthy growth and development, as well as challenges
Shows how research can help guide decisions about education, work, and relationships
Improves communication and empathy with children, adults, and older adults
PSYC-2030: Child Psychology
This class teaches how children grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. You will learn how culture, family, and environment influence childhood development and how researchers study children using science.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand children’s behavior and needs at different ages
Teaches skills useful for parenting, teaching, coaching, or childcare
Shows how to recognize healthy development and address challenges early
Helps you make better decisions when supporting or guiding children
Improves communication, patience, and empathy with children in everyday life
SOCY-1010: Introduction to Sociology
This class teaches how society works and how people interact within it. You will learn about culture, social groups, families, schools, government, and other social institutions. The course also explores social differences, such as race, gender, class, and how rules, laws, and norms shape behavior.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand why people behave the way they do in your community, school, or workplace
Teaches you how to work with people from different backgrounds and cultures
Improves your ability to think critically about social issues and current events
Gives you skills to analyze problems in society, like inequality or crime, and think about solutions
Prepares you for jobs in social services, education, healthcare, and other fields where understanding people and society is important
BIOL-1230: Biology I
This class introduces the basics of biology, including cells, genetics, energy, and how living things grow and survive. You will learn the scientific method, study cells and their parts, explore DNA and heredity, and understand how energy moves through living systems. Labs will give hands-on experience with experiments and observations.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand how your body and other living things work
Teaches you how to think like a scientist and solve problems using evidence
Gives you knowledge about health, genetics, and biotechnology that can guide personal choices
Improves critical thinking for reading and understanding news about science and the environment
Prepares you for careers in healthcare, research, education, and other science-related fields
HIST-1010: American History I
This class explores the history of the United States from 1600 to 1877. You will learn about early American politics, law, religion, art, philosophy, and literature, as well as major events like the American Revolution and the Civil War. The course emphasizes understanding how culture and ideas shaped the nation.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand why the United States works the way it does today
Teaches critical thinking skills for analyzing news, politics, and current events
Shows how culture, law, and ideas influence society and daily life
Improves your ability to read, interpret, and discuss historical information
Prepares you for careers in education, government, law, or any field where understanding history and culture matters
HIST-1050: Western Civilization I
This class explores European history from ancient times to around 1600. You will learn about politics, society, culture, and religion, and study important events and ideas that shaped Europe. The course also teaches how to read historical texts carefully, think critically, and write strong essays.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand how European history shaped the modern world and society
Teaches critical thinking and analytical skills for reading, writing, and decision-making
Improves your ability to discuss ideas, support opinions, and make clear arguments
Helps you understand cultural, political, and social patterns that still influence life today
Prepares you for careers in education, research, government, or any field requiring strong reasoning and communication skills
PSYC-2090: Social Psychology
This class explores how other people, groups, and social situations affect the way we think, feel, and behave. You will learn about attitudes, group behavior, conformity, prejudice, aggression, and helping behavior, using scientific research to understand social influence.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand why people act the way they do in groups, at work, or in social situations
Teaches skills for improving teamwork, communication, and leadership
Helps you recognize and reduce prejudice and bias in yourself and others
Improves decision-making and problem-solving in social settings
Prepares you for careers in psychology, social work, human resources, education, or any job that involves working with people
SPAN-1010: Beginning Spanish I
This class teaches basic Spanish speaking, listening, reading, and writing. You will learn to introduce yourself, talk about daily life, family, hobbies, and school, and understand simple conversations. You will also learn about Hispanic cultures, traditions, and holidays.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you communicate with Spanish speakers in everyday situations, like travel, shopping, or at work
Teaches listening and speaking skills for social and professional interactions
Builds cultural awareness and understanding of Hispanic traditions
Prepares you for future Spanish courses or careers in business, healthcare, education, or social services
Improves memory, language skills, and confidence in learning a new language
GEOL-1030: Historical Geology
This class introduces the history of the Earth, including rocks, minerals, fossils, and how life and the planet have changed over time. You will learn about plate tectonics, geologic time, evolution, and major events in Earth’s history.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand natural events like earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change
Teaches how Earth’s history shapes the world we live in today
Improves critical thinking and scientific reasoning by using evidence to understand the past
Builds knowledge useful for careers in environmental science, geology, paleontology, education, and research
Makes you more aware of the Earth and its resources, helping with decisions about conservation and sustainability
HIST-1030: American History II
This class explores the history of the United States from 1877 to today. You will study major events like the Progressive Era, Great Depression, World Wars, Cold War, and cultural movements. You will also learn about American politics, law, art, literature, and philosophy in modern times.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand the events and decisions that shaped modern America
Improves your ability to think critically about news, politics, and current events
Teaches skills for analyzing sources and forming evidence-based opinions
Helps you communicate ideas clearly in writing and discussion
Prepares you for careers in education, government, law, history, journalism, or any field that values understanding society and culture
HIST-1070: Western Civilization II
This class explores European history from about 1500 to today. You will study major political, social, cultural, and religious changes, and learn how to read and understand historical texts. You will also practice explaining your ideas clearly through writing and discussion.
How it helps in daily life:
Helps you understand modern European culture, politics, and society
Teaches critical thinking skills for analyzing historical events and current affairs
Improves reading, writing, and communication skills through essays and discussions
Helps you compare historical events and ideas to today’s world
Prepares you for careers in education, government, history, international relations, or any field that values research and analytical thinking
When Jonathan Reed enrolled in the Nursing program at North Central State College, he came with a clear purpose: he wanted to become a nurse. What he didn’t expect was how supported, prepared, and connected he would feel along the way.
“My experience has been great with North Central,” Jonathan says. “The instructors are dedicated to helping you succeed with your goals, and the program itself is outstanding.”
From day one, Jonathan noticed how invested the faculty were in each student’s success. Senior instructors, he explains, have been “nothing but helpful,” consistently offering guidance and encouragement as students work their way toward the clinical setting.
Just as important as the instruction, though, is the classroom environment. Jonathan describes a team-centered atmosphere where students rely on each other, lean on each other, and push each other to grow.
“We all like to help each other,” he says. “We’re all here to work together and, at the end of the day, all become nurses. That’s the goal.”
As he approaches the completion of the program, Jonathan feels confident about stepping into the nursing workforce. “I feel quite prepared,” he explains. “I still have some learning to do—but we all do.”
“I’d recommend it because the teachers genuinely want you to learn. They have a real passion for what they do. And the classroom environment? We all just want everyone to succeed.”
Jonathan’s path to North Central was driven not only by his career goals but also by the needs of someone very close to his heart, his grandmother. She lives just 30 minutes from campus, and for the past two years, Jonathan has stayed with her several days each week, helping care for both her and her 23-acre property.
“Learning medicine means I can help her,” he says, “as well as other family members.”
Balancing school, caregiving, and life is no easy feat, but Jonathan approaches all of it with the same commitment that drives him to nursing a desire to serve, support, and make a difference.
Jonathan Reed is well on his way to becoming the nurse he set out to be, and North Central State College is proud to be a part of that journey.
Finding Community and Confidence: Shaya Montgomery
For Shaya Montgomery, choosing the Nursing program at North Central State College felt like the natural next step in a healthcare journey.
“It’s been really positive,” Shaya says of her experience in the program. “I’ve met a lot of people, and we all have so much in common. There’s always something we can talk about.”
That sense of connection extends well beyond casual conversation. Shaya describes the NC State nursing instructors as consistently positive, deeply supportive, and always available, whether students need guidance, advice, or reassurance.
“I live in Ashland, so it’s only about a 20–25-minute drive,” she explains. “And I work over here, so it just made sense.
With years of experience as a nursing aide, pharmacy technician, and now phlebotomist, Shaya entered the program determined to bring real-world skills into her studies. “I tried to build up experience before applying,” she says. “Just so I had some things in my back pocket.”
Inside the classroom and during clinicals, Shaya found a strong bond forming with her classmates. Working together through simulations and real clinical experiences has created a team dynamic she values deeply.
“When you picture yourself in a serious situation, everyone knows what they’re there to do,” she explains. “Everyone’s there to help each other. Just teamwork.”
Some of her favorite memories from the program come from moments outside the classroom, like when her clinical group would grab food together after their shifts, often with their instructor joining in. “That was a bonding experience for all of us,” Shaya recalls. She also cherishes study sessions with her “one study friend,” where they grab coffee, hit the books, and build a friendship that extends beyond school.
When asked why she would recommend the NC State Nursing program to someone considering it, Shaya doesn’t hesitate.
“I would say that you can’t ask a dumb question,” she says. “Our instructors are so helpful. Even outside of class time, they’ll help you. They make sure you’re confident before they let you go out. You get all the help that you need.”
From hands-on experiences to a close-knit community of students and instructors, Shaya is building not just a career in nursing but a foundation of confidence, teamwork, and lifelong relationships.
Growing Through Challenges: Brynnae Ables
When Brynnae entered the Nursing program at North Central State College, she quickly realized she was stepping into one of the most demanding journeys of her life. “The first year was definitely quite difficult,” she admits. “But as we continued through the program, I found myself learning more thanks to the instructors and the structure of the program itself.”
Now a senior nursing student, Brynnae has gained confidence, clarity, and a deeper understanding of what it truly takes to thrive in the field. The transition from freshman to senior year has been a transformation in every sense. “First year was a struggle for me, adapting to a new program,” she explains. “But now that I’m in senior level, I feel like our instructors have given us so many more materials and opportunities to learn and grow.”
With every semester, Brynnae has discovered just how much knowledge she’s retained—and how much she’s capable of applying. “It’s overwhelming,” she says. “But being a senior, it’s easier to take in more information because you already have that foundational level from freshman year.”
Among the entire experience, one part stands out as her favorite: labs with instructor Anna Plank. “I love her so much,” Brynnae says with a smile. “She works with students personally.”
Brynnae faced health challenges during the program, and Plank became a vital source of support. “She hasn’t given me leniency, but she has given me the help I needed to continue succeeding. The instructors here are understanding. They work with students who are dealing with difficulties, kids, or other responsibilities that make the program harder.”
“I want to work in the NICU, and we haven’t covered that topic yet.”
Her passion for neonatal care comes from a deeply personal place. “My brother was in the NICU when he was little with a collapsed lung,” she explains. Watching her brother fight through those early challenges—now a healthy 19-year-old who still excels in sports—left a lasting impact on her. “Infants have always drawn me in,” she says. “My brother is definitely my inspiration.”
When asked whether she would recommend the NC State Nursing program, her response is immediate and heartfelt:
“Absolutely. Nursing is such a challenging program. I believe nurses are born—not just made. It takes more than hard work and dedication. There’s a huge emotional factor. But if you’re looking for a close-bonded family to grow with over the next two years, nursing is the way to go.”
Brynnae embodies what it means to grow academically, personally, and professionally at North Central State College.
North Central State College graphic design student Noah Vandyne turned his classroom skills into real-world experience this summer through an internship at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, designing and assembling a display for the historic racing venue.
“When I started, we were going through a warehouse full of old posters and memorabilia, figuring out how to use them. I got to sketch the design layout for how everything would come together,” Vandyne said. Working alongside the Mid-Ohio team, Vandyne helped plan the layout, select materials, and bring the display to life. Once completed, he had the opportunity to engage with visitors during race weekends. “My favorite part was being at the races,” he said. “I took my camera and got some great photos. It was cool meeting people who knew so much about the track’s history.”
Vandyne said the experience gave him a new understanding of how organizations operate. “I learned how a bigger company works and how everyone comes together to get things done,” he said. “I thought it might be intimidating, but everyone was really nice and supportive.”
Vandyne credits his mother, a former photographer and web designer, for sparking his passion for visual art. “My mom was a photographer, and she did a lot of wedding photos,” he said. “She’s the reason I got interested in photography and design in the first place.” Following in her footsteps, Vandyne chose to major in graphic design at North Central State College, where he’s gained experience with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and other design tools.
He said his professors have been instrumental in helping him develop his skills. “All of my professors have been great,” he said. “Morgan Baker, especially—she’s awesome. I couldn’t recommend her classes enough.”
As a Choose Ohio First scholarship recipient, Vandyne said financial assistance has allowed him to focus more on his studies and less on work hours. “It’s really helped me,” he said. “Without the scholarship, I’d probably have to work more, which would make it harder to keep up with classes.”
Vandyne is on track to graduate this spring and has already begun doing freelance photography projects. He hopes to continue developing his career after graduation—either through freelance work or with a design company. Through his internship, Vandyne says he gained confidence and valuable insight into his future field.
“Don’t be nervous going into an internship,” he advised other students. “Everyone knows you’re there to learn, and most people just want to help you succeed.”
North Central State College is proud to recognize Stacy Pope, MSN, RN, as its 2025 Alumnus of the Year. Pope, a two-time graduate of NCSC, is being recognized for her distinguished nursing career, her leadership in advancing nursing excellence, and her deep-rooted commitment to education and community service.
She was honored at the North Central State College Foundation’s 26th annual Scholarship Luncheon & Program on Thursday, October 2, at the Ralph Phillips Conference Center – James W. Kehoe Center in Shelby.
Pope’s journey into nursing began in an unexpected way. In 1995, at just 19 years old, she accepted a position as a home care aide, unsure of her long-term goals. Her first client, Wilma, was a terminal liver cancer patient who needed companionship more than care. “We watched baseball games and shared stories. She just needed someone to be there,” Pope said. “When she passed away quietly with me at her side, I knew I had found my calling.”
Pope enrolled at North Central State College, despite facing academic hurdles and limited family experience with higher education. “I didn’t have study skills or confidence,” she recalled. “But NCSC gave me the tools and encouragement to succeed.” She graduated from the Practical Nursing program in 1999 and returned to complete the Associate Degree in Nursing in 2011.
Now celebrating 25 years with OhioHealth Mansfield and Shelby Hospitals, Pope has held roles in Med-Surg, Obstetrics, Hospice, and Labor and Delivery. Today, she serves as Manager of Nursing Excellence, where she helped lead OhioHealth Mansfield to its first Magnet® designation in 2023—an elite national recognition of excellence in nursing.
Pope is also known for her dedication to professional development, mentoring new nurses and helping staff navigate career pathways. She partners with NCSC to expand access to nursing education for OhioHealth associates, often asking graduates, “What’s next?” to inspire lifelong learning.
“North Central didn’t just give me a nursing degree—it gave me a future,” said Pope. “And that future has allowed me to give back to my community in ways I never imagined.”
Pope lives in Crestline, Ohio, with her husband, Eric. She credits NCSC not only for her success, but also for inspiring her mother and sister to pursue healthcare degrees—making nursing a legacy in her family.
North Central State College is proud to honor Stacy Pope for her resilience, leadership, and lifelong commitment to caring for others.
Tyler Duckworth is on a path, combining his skills for Tool and Die with engineering studies, and it’s already setting him apart. Tyler is not only a full-time apprentice at Hess Industries but also a student at North Central State College (NCSC), balancing work and school with impressive determination.
While attending Pioneer Career and Technical Center, he took advantage of the College Credit Plus (CCP) program, earning college credits through NCSC in courses. “I did about four CCP classes in high school,” Tyler shares. “Two counted toward my two-year engineering degree, and the other two were part of the journeyman’s program. I wanted to challenge myself in high school and get ahead.”
While attending CCP classes, Tyler had an opportunity to tour local businesses. After visiting several facilities, Tyler found a great fit at Hess. “I went there three or four times for tours and shadowing. I really like the work environment,” Tyler says. “Everyone was supportive, and I learned something new every day.”
His experience at Hess started like a paid internship – cleaning the shop, maintaining machines, and proving his ability to follow instructions. After about six months, Tyler officially began his apprenticeship, working up to 45 hours a week and taking classes in the afternoons at North Central’s Kehoe Center. He’s currently enrolled in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, which includes a mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience. “It’s practical knowledge that applies directly to my job,” he explains. “North Central has all the machines a real shop would have, so it’s great for learning.”
The apprenticeship model at Hess is a win-win. Tyler receives a full-ride scholarship for his college courses, and the company benefits from his growing skills. “It’s like a paid internship with education covered,” Tyler says. “I work full-time, take classes, and gain real-world experience – all while staying debt-free.”
What motivates Tyler the most is the work environment. “Hess is a super clean shop with great air quality, which is not always the case in this field,” he notes. “The team is friendly and supportive. They don’t just throw you into the deep end; they teach you how to do it right.”
Tyler plans to continue his journey toward earning his journeyman’s card and completing his two-year engineering degree at North Central. After that, he hopes to transfer to Ohio State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree and maybe even a master’s degree.
“I want to be the first person at Hess to get an engineering degree through this program,” he says confidently. “The combination of working full-time and studying has been challenging but rewarding. I feel like I’m ahead of the game.”
Mansfield, Ohio — North Central State College (NCSC) has been named the recipient of the 2026 Leah Meyer Austin Award, the highest honor conferred by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national organization committed to advancing community colleges as engines of opportunity, belonging, and economic mobility. The award comes with a $100,000 prize.
