Mansfield, OH – 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.

(Pictured L-R Amber Wertman, Executive Director NCSC Foundation, Chrystal Escalara, Chair Alumni Committee at NCSC, Joia Crago, Alumnus of the Year, Dr. Dorey Diab, President, NCSC)

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.

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