Other News & Events
North Central State College selected to participate in national initiative to help rural community college students succeed
Phase 2 of the Rural Guided Pathways Project Includes 28 Colleges and Runs for Three Years (2025–27)
Mansfield, Ohio — North Central State College has been selected to participate in Phase 2 of the Rural Guided Pathways Project. Colleges that are part of Rural Pathways work with each other — and with community partners in their regions — to implement evidence-based, institution-wide reforms grounded in the guided pathways framework. The project’s rural focus and in-depth participation of community partners set it apart from other guided pathways efforts.
Dorey Diab, president of NC State is eager to do this work, “This initiative is helping instructors and student services teams better understand the needs of rural students and the challenges they must overcome to persist and accomplish their goal of a college education. In many ways, rural students mirror the challenges faced by urban students. But while similar, cultural and personal responsibilities may bring unique challenges to completion. We serve both rural and urban populations at NC State, and we’re committed to meeting every student where they are when they enroll, because each one has a unique dream. We’re striving to do all that we can to help them achieve their dream, because we know that each graduate will have a profound impact on our community.”
Phase 2 of Rural Pathways builds on the incredible progress colleges made during Phase 1 of the project. Phase 1 included 16 colleges and ran from 2022 through 2024. Phase 2 includes 28 colleges, many of which are continuing the work they started in Phase 1, and will run from 2025 through 2027.
Participating colleges commit to:
- Designing and implementing a better student experience at their colleges.
- Ensuring that more students earn credentials and move on to living-wage jobs or transfer to a four-year institution with junior status.
- Collaborating with key stakeholders to increase economic opportunity in their region and be partners in the implementation of a cross-sector approach to guided pathways.
- Implementing evidence-based reforms that will address inequity and lead to improved educational and workforce outcomes.
Rural Pathways provides a deliberate venue for rural college practitioners to collaborate while they work to improve student outcomes. Historically, rural community college leaders have not had many opportunities to problem-solve around the student success and completion issues that are particular to their culture, context, and capacity. They often struggle to apply strategies — even those that work well at urban and suburban institutions — in their rural context.
Rural Pathways gives rural colleges opportunities to work through challenging issues and collaborate with peer institutions, all in the context of a learning community that provides a broad range of supports.
The role of community partners also sets Rural Pathways apart. Throughout the three-year project, regional partners are an integral part of each college’s team and deeply embedded in pathways implementation. The value of involving external stakeholders in pathways work — and giving them specific roles and responsibilities — is amplified in rural settings, where students’ education, residents’ economic mobility, and the regional economy are so closely intertwined.
“We are excited to have NC State participate in Rural Pathways,” says Gretchen Schmidt, senior fellow, National Center for Inquiry & Improvement (NCII). “Rural institutions have not had many opportunities to problem-solve around the student success and completion issues that are particular to their culture, context, and capacity. By joining Rural Pathways, NC State is demonstrating its commitment to making lasting changes that will improve student outcomes.”
NCII provides the project leadership for Rural Pathways. A team of implementation coaches, leadership coaches, and subject matter experts join NCII in working with participating colleges and developing the project’s curriculum. NCII also builds on longstanding partnerships with the Community College Research Center and the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program to support participating colleges.
For more information about Rural Pathways, visit ruralguidedpathways.org.
OhioHealth Employee Pursues Academic Dream
Donna York, a dedicated healthcare worker with 14 years of experience at OhioHealth, is taking a significant step toward advancing her career in nursing. Currently in her second semester at North Central State College, Donna is pursuing a Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate with the ultimate goal of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Her journey, supported by a partnership between OhioHealth and North Central State College Foundation, is a testament to her commitment to patient care and her resilience in balancing work, school, and family responsibilities.
For the past 14 years, Donna has worked in the emergency room at OhioHealth, in-patient registration and as a patient safety aid. During this time, she has had the opportunity to interact with countless safety agents, their families, and patients. It was through these experiences that Donna witnessed firsthand the dedication and compassion of nursing staff, as well as the profound impact they have on patients’ lives.
“Working in the ER, I quickly learned that every role is essential, but I’ve always felt a pull toward helping others more directly through patient care,” Donna says. “Helping people comes naturally to me, and that’s why I’m so excited to be pursuing my LPN certificate.”
Donna’s decision to return to school is driven by several factors, including the life-altering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an ER worker during the height of the crisis, Donna saw firsthand the overwhelming strain on healthcare systems and the critical shortage of nurses. “COVID has devastated our communities and continues to impact lives every day,” she says. “That’s when I knew I had to seize the opportunity to make a difference and take the next step in my career.”
In addition to the desire to contribute to her community’s healing, Donna acknowledges that the financial strain caused by the pandemic and inflation also played a role in her decision to pursue nursing. “The financial challenges of COVID and inflation have affected all of us,” she explains. “Taking a new career path will not only allow me to make a greater impact, but it will also help me provide a better life for my family.”
Going back to school while working a third-shift job has not been easy, but Donna is determined to succeed. She credits her family, classmates, and the support from OhioHealth and North Central State College for helping make this challenging transition easier. “There have been times when I’ve had to rely on my grandkids to help me with my studies. It’s actually kind of cool talking to them about my school day,” she says with a smile.
Donna’s persistence and dedication have not gone unnoticed. The partnership between OhioHealth and the North Central State College Foundation has provided her with the financial assistance she needed to continue her education. Without this scholarship support, Donna admits that attending school would not have been possible. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity Ohio Health and North Central have given me,” she says. “It’s a blessing, and it’s allowed me to continue learning and advancing my career.”
As Donna works toward her LPN certification, she remains focused on her long-term goal of becoming an RN. She believes that advancing her education will allow her to contribute more effectively to her team and to the patients she serves. “Education opens new doors—not just for me, but for the entire community,” she says. “By advancing my skills, I hope to make a greater impact on the lives of those in my care.”
Donna’s 14 years of experience welcoming patients into Ohio Health’s emergency department have given her a strong foundation in patient care. Now, she’s ready to take that experience a step further and provide the care herself. “I’ve spent all these years welcoming patients into our care, and now I’m ready to be the one offering it,” she says.
As Donna’s journey continues, she remains filled with gratitude for the support she has received. “I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me,” she says.
A Path to a Brighter Future
Through her hard work, dedication, and support from OhioHealth and North Central State College, Donna is paving the way for a bright future in nursing. With a passion for helping others and a clear vision for her future, Donna is ready to continue her journey in nursing, confident that the best is yet to come.
Beebe Honored as Alumnus of the Year
North Central State College (NCSC) proudly recognizes Mike Beebe, a member of the Class of 1977 and holder of an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, for his remarkable contributions to the field of engineering and his dedicated service as a professor at the college.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements and dedication to student success, NCSC presented Mike Beebe with Alumnus of the Year during a ceremony on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
The event aims to celebrate the outstanding contributions of North Central State College alumni, whose creativity, bold vision, and community engagement embody excellence in our region.
Following his graduation, Beebe began his professional journey as a Quality Lab Technician at Shulman Plastics and later consulted as a Tool Designer with major firms like White/Westinghouse and Gelzer Systems. In 1980, he furthered his education at Wright State University, where he developed a passion for automotive manufacturing during his time at Dayton Electricar.
Beebe’s career progressed at the Transportation Research Center, allowing him to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Franklin University. This milestone paved the way for positions as a Test Engineer at Chrysler Corporation and New Departure Hyatt General Motors.
Throughout the next 13 years, Beebe established his own firm, MSBeebe and Associates, and held prominent roles, including Vice President of Engineering at First Technology Safety Systems and the Vehicle Research and Tech Center, serving the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). He also served as Vice President of Engineering for Denton ATD, Humanetics.
Beebe says he wouldn’t have been able to start achieving all of his accomplishments without coming to North Central first. “I’ve been everything from a board member for a company, to starting two companies, working for Chrysler and General Motors, working for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all as an engineer/VP engineering/VP engineer” he explains. “I have been lucky enough to do it all. And it all started here. It’s all something I wouldn’t even have been able to do as just a little guy from Plymouth. Coming here first helped open doors. This community needs this college to open up the door for people.”
In 2000, Beebe founded Midget Motors LLC, dedicating his expertise until returning to North Central State College in 2012 as a professor of Engineering. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and commitment to education, he has become a beloved figure among students and colleagues, actively seeking partnerships that enhance students’ understanding of engineering across various industries.
Not only did Beebe gain his degree at North Central, he also met his wife at the college, “NCSC is where I found a career, a wife, and a future.” His commitment to the field is further exemplified by his 45-year membership in the Society of Automotive Engineers, along with his role as a Sunday school teacher and trustee at his church.
Two-Factor Authentication for Students
The IT Team are implementing two-factor authentication for student accounts accessing the North Central State College network. Students will now be required to authenticate their accounts before gaining access to NCSC network and related systems. Authentication will occur using the Duo app on a mobile device or with an authentication fob.
Students who attended NCSC during the summer term have already activated two-factor authentication. The switch-over for all remaining students occurred on Monday, August 26th.
When students log in for the first time, they will be prompted to install/setup the Duo app on their personal device. Personal device must be a “smart” (mobile-web-app-capable) cell phone/tablet. If the student does not have a personal device, they will have the option to obtain an authentication fob (hardware) from the Business Office (Byron Kee Hall, Room 140) or the IT Helpdesk (Fallerius Hall, Room 074).
Students who pick up an authentication fob will be asked to sign an equipment agreement. The agreement will stipulate that the fob will be used during the summer term and must be returned at the end of the term to the Business Office. Failure to return the fob will result in a $25 fee added to their account.
If students have any trouble downloading the Duo app or authenticating to the network, please refer them to the IT Help Desk (Helpdesk@ncstatecollege.edu \ 419-755-4734).
Taking Flight After Graduation
When she was a sophomore at Crestview High School, Emily Weaver discovered a way to challenge herself in academics and accelerate the pursuit of her future career. Not only did she complete her associate degree (while still in high school), but she also served our country at the same time in the Air Force Reserves.
Through the College-NOW Business program, she became a full-time college student during her junior and senior years, allowing her to graduate high school with an associate’s degree. Weaver’s College-NOW classes met in Ashland, but were taught by professors from NC State.
“I chose to pursue the College-NOW Business program, which allowed me to work on my Associate of Arts in Business Administration,” she explained. “After two years, I ended up graduating both high school and North Central State College in the spring of 2024.”
Choosing NC State was important for Weaver because of College Credit Plus (CCP) and the College-NOW opportunities that allowed her to be enrolled in college and high school at the same time. She was the first student from Crestview in her grade to participate in the program. As she shared her experiences, more students became interested in the program, which also offers bioscience and engineering options.
“North Central gave me the work ethic and social skills that are highly sought after in any career path,” she said. “At first, adjusting from high school academics was challenging. I had a bad habit of procrastinating, but I knew I wanted a head start for my future career. The College-NOW program helped me learn how to study properly and put in the work needed for each class.”
In her junior year, she enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. She attended drill weekends once a month while finishing school and will leave for basic training in July, following her two graduations. Her drill weekends included briefings and training for basic skills needed in the Air Force.
The decision to join the Air Force Reserves was influenced by several factors, including financial assistance for college and the opportunity to travel. “I always knew I didn’t want to be trapped with debt for years after completing college,” she said. “The Air Force Reserves offer great benefits, and the job I chose, loadmaster, allows me to travel and handle cargo on C-130 planes.”
Balancing sports, a full college schedule, Air Force duties, and a part-time job was challenging, but she managed it all with determination and support from her family. “My dad always told me I had to do things others weren’t doing to get ahead. I have big goals, and I knew I had to get going sooner rather than later. My family has really pushed me to be the best version of myself my entire life, and I am thankful for it now,” she says. “I wouldn’t have gotten this far if it weren’t for them and North Central.”
“The instructors were wonderful, they always put so much into each student and gave us all of their attention and best effort.”
Her future plans include serving in the Air Force Reserves part-time while furthering her education in Marketing. She aims to either advance in the Air Force or work a civilian job while continuing to serve in the Reserves.
She encourages other students to take full advantage of CCP classes and the College-NOW program. “It offers students free college courses and can help them gain the skills they need for the future.”
At NC State, we congratulate Emily on her graduations, acknowledge her for breaking new ground for students from Crestview to follow, and thank her for serving our country in the Air Force Reserves.