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North Central State College honored one of its accomplished nursing graduates, Joia Crago, as Alumnus of the Year at the annual Scholarship Luncheon.  Crago was recognized for a career marked by professional achievement, compassionate leadership, community service, and a commitment to helping others discover their own paths to success.

For the honoree, the recognition is a meaningful reflection of a journey that began more than two decades ago at North Central State College.  At age 23, she was uncertain about what career she wanted to pursue.  What she did know was that she wanted to build a future while continuing to work and raise her family.

North Central State provided the opportunity she needed: an accessible, affordable college close to home with programs that allowed her to explore her options and discover her calling.

In 2003, she earned her LPN certificate from North Central State and soon began her nursing career after being hired for her first position on the Surgical Stepdown unit at MedCentral Hospital (now OhioHealth).  It did not take long for her to realize that nursing was more than simply a career choice.

“I am truly blessed to say that I immediately fell in love with nursing,” she reflected.  “I had found my calling.”

That discovery inspired her to continue her education.  Once again, North Central State College provided a pathway forward.  In 2009, she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing, allowing her to transition into the Surgical Intensive Care Unit as a registered nurse.  Her career continued to evolve from bedside nursing into healthcare leadership.  In 2012, she accepted her first leadership position as Nursing Manager at Bucyrus Community Hospital, part of Avita Health System.  Four years later, she was promoted to Director of Nursing for Avita Health System.

Reflecting on the path that brought her from LPN to healthcare leadership, Crago said North Central State opened doors she could not have imagined when she first arrived on campus.

“After six years as an LPN, I wanted more options, so I came back to North Central State.  I got my associate degree in nursing, and more doors opened.  Over the years, my career has taken me to places I could not imagine when I first set foot on campus,” she said.

Those opportunities have included leading nursing teams through difficult circumstances, developing innovative programs, opening a new hospital, and serving the community that helped shape her as a person.

Today, she oversees multiple areas of patient care, including the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Medical-Surgical Unit, Obstetrics Department, and the Forensic Nursing Program.

While her professional responsibilities have grown, her passion for nursing has remained at the center of her work.

“I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to say that I love what I do,” she said.  “I love being a nurse, and I love working in healthcare.  Even on the most challenging days, and through unimaginable experiences such as the COVID pandemic, I cannot picture myself doing anything else.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of her leadership role is working with future nurses and new graduates.  She finds their enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement for the profession inspiring and sees mentoring the next generation as an important part of her own career.

Her commitment to education has been strengthened through Avita Health System’s partnership with North Central.  The collaboration creates opportunities for employees to continue their education and advance their careers in healthcare.

She has had the opportunity to watch employees enter the organization as high school students and progress through PCA and LPN positions before ultimately becoming registered nurses.  Through partnerships such as this, North Central State helps make higher education and career advancement attainable for students and working professionals in the region.

She remains closely connected to North Central State serving on several nursing advisory boards, including the LPN and RN-to-BSN programs.  Her experience in health care leadership provides valuable perspective on workforce needs and strengthens the connection between nursing education and clinical practice.  For her, serving on the advisory boards is another way to give back to the college that played such an important role in her own career.

Her commitment to service extends throughout the community.  She currently serves as a board member for the Starfish Project of Richland County, an organization dedicated to connecting individuals struggling with addiction to treatment, recovery resources, and ongoing support services.

As a lifelong Mansfield resident who worked and raised her family in the community, she views service as both a professional responsibility and a personal commitment.

She credits North Central State with giving her more than a degree.  The college provided the knowledge, confidence, and support that allowed her to build a rewarding career and become a leader in healthcare.

“North Central State College gave me a place to begin, the confidence to keep moving forward, and the foundation upon which I have built a rewarding career in nursing and healthcare leadership,” she said.

For Crago, the value of North Central State extends beyond her own experience.  She understands that not everyone has the opportunity to leave home to pursue an education, and not everyone can follow a traditional educational path.

“That’s why North Central State matters so much, particularly to communities such as ours,” she said.

Reflecting on the people who supported her throughout her journey, she is especially grateful for those who encouraged her, challenged her, and believed in her potential.  Today, she hopes to offer that same encouragement to others.

“Today, my greatest aspiration is to do the same for others,” she said.

As she reflects on receiving the Alumnus of the Year honor, Crago remains humble by how far a single opportunity has taken her.

“I certainly never imagined that when I first walked through the doors at North Central State, I would be accepting this honor.  I am so grateful,” she said.

From an uncertain 23-year-old searching for a career path, to a respected healthcare leader helping the next generation of nurses, her journey exemplifies the possibilities that can begin at North Central State College.  With a passion for nursing, a commitment to her community, and a desire to open doors for others, she is excited to see where the next chapter will take her and who she might inspire along the way.

Preparing for the Badge

When Alyssa Detillion first began searching for a police academy, she knew she wanted something close to home, but she also wanted a program that would push her to become the best officer she could be.

After hearing about North Central’s Police Academy from a friend who had already completed the program and moved into law enforcement, she decided to take a closer look.

“What stood out to me was how they did things here,” she said.  “I wanted something that would challenge me and prepare me for the real profession.  I’m really happy with my decision.”

Detillion graduated from the academy in February and became a road patrol deputy for the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.

“It was definitely intimidating at first,” she admitted.  “Law enforcement has traditionally been male-dominated, and I knew I was walking into something new.  But everyone has been incredibly supportive, and it’s been going really well.”

Detillion scored an impressive 98% on the state test. Like many graduates, she describes the academic experience as one of the hardest and most rewarding challenges in her life.

“There were moments where I thought, ‘I can’t do this.’ It’s extremely challenging,” she said. “But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.  This academy teaches you everything you need to know, and I felt more than confident entering the profession afterward.”

Her success represents more than just a personal achievement.  It’s also an example for the next generation.

“I think it’s important for young girls to see women in this profession,” she said.  “We work with all kinds of people in the community, and I’ve already had interactions with young girls who look up to what I’m doing.  I want them to know they can do this too.”

Beyond the classroom and the training grounds, the academy also built lasting friendships among classmates.

“We became really close,” she said.  “There were 15 of us in the class, and we leaned on each other during the difficult moments.  Without that support system, I don’t know if I would’ve made it through.”

Today, she plans to continue serving locally while building her future in law enforcement, and she encourages anyone considering the profession to take the leap.

“I highly recommend this academy,” she said. “It will change you, but it will absolutely prepare you.”

The Ohio Association of Community Colleges has recognized North Central State College student Jesse Halfhill as one of the top-performing students among Ohio’s 23 community colleges.  The All-Ohio Academic First Team celebrates academic achievement, with honorees receiving a $1,000 scholarship and special recognition for their success.

At just 18 years old, Halfhill has already distinguished himself as a student leader, community servant, and driven young professional with a clear vision for the future.  As a participant in the College-NOW Business Administration program at North Central State College in partnership with Pioneer Career and Technology Center, he has transformed a single decision during high school into a defining journey, one marked by academic excellence, leadership, and purpose.

Halfhill’s story began during his junior year of high school when he enrolled in College-NOW, a program designed to give students a head start on their college education.  The program is a two-year, full-time program allowing high school juniors and seniors to earn an Associate of Arts in Business Administration degree while simultaneously completing their high school diploma.

During his senior year, Halfhill expanded his leadership roles significantly. He joined the Honors Council Advisory Board and accepted the position of Chapter President of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, taking on responsibilities that would challenge him to lead, collaborate, and serve at a higher level, all while still completing his high school education.

Halfhill approached the experience with intention.

“If I wanted to become great, I knew I had to dedicate myself to working, serving, and studying harder than I ever had before,” he said.

That mindset quickly propelled him beyond the basics.  What started as a way to get ahead academically soon evolved into a personal mission, one centered on growth, challenge, and contribution.  Halfhill began to see education not just as a requirement but as a tool to expand his understanding of the world and his role within it.

“These experiences have pushed me to think critically, ask deeper questions, and engage with complex ideas; skills that would continue to shape my academic path,” he explained.

But for Halfhill, growth wasn’t limited to the classroom.

As he became more involved in the Honors College, he also began connecting with local businesses and community leaders.  It was through these interactions that he recognized the profound impact individuals can have when they invest in their communities.  Inspired by that realization, he made a conscious decision to follow that example.

His academic achievements matched his leadership efforts.  Halfhill consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List, yet even with a demanding academic schedule, he remained deeply committed to serving.

Throughout the week, Halfhill stays actively engaged in the community, volunteering his time and supporting local seniors, assisting those in need, and tutoring fellow students while gaining a deeper understanding of local leadership and service.

For Halfhill, these efforts weren’t about adding activities to a resume; they were about living out a purpose.

“All of these were opportunities I took advantage of, not only to grow myself, but to give back to the community that made them possible,” he said.

That sense of purpose has become the foundation of his future goals.

Through his experiences at North Central State College, Halfhill discovered what he describes as a calling “to create,” to build something meaningful that extends beyond personal success.  He sees education as a springboard, not a destination, and is determined to use it to make a lasting impact.

In May, Halfhill will graduate from North Central with an Associate of Arts in Business Administration, and in the fall, he will take the next step in his academic career at Ashland University, where he plans to pursue a double major in Business Analytics and Finance.  In addition, he has been accepted into the Ashbrook Program, where he will study Political Economy, further expanding his understanding of the systems that shape business, government, and society.

Halfhill’s long-term vision is both ambitious and deeply rooted in community.  He hopes to begin his career on Wall Street, gaining experience and expertise needed to eventually return to North Central Ohio and establish the region’s first venture capital investment banking firm in Mansfield.

“I won’t simply be adding credentials to my resume,” Halfhill said.  “I will be able to create, and I will be creating for a purpose; to better the community around me.”

His leadership and perspective have already earned him recognition.  Halfhill was recently invited to speak at this year’s North Central Ohio Hall of Excellence, where he shared his story with community leaders, emphasizing the importance of opportunity, service, and the responsibility to give back.

Standing before that audience, he made it clear that his success is not his alone; it is the result of a community that invests in its people and creates pathways for growth.

For Halfhill, the message is simple but powerful: when communities commit to developing opportunities, and individuals commit to pursuing them fully, meaningful change becomes possible.