MANSFIELD — North Central State College honored nursing leader Joia Crago as its Alumnus of the Year during the college’s annual Scholarship Luncheon.
Crago was recognized for her professional achievement, compassionate leadership, community service, and commitment to helping others succeed in healthcare.
For Crago, the honor marks a journey that began more than two decades ago. At age 23, uncertain of her career path but determined to build a future while working and raising her family, she turned to NCSC for an accessible and affordable education close to home.
She earned her licensed practical nurse certificate from NCSC in 2003 and took her first job on the surgical stepdown unit at MedCentral Hospital, now OhioHealth.
“I am truly blessed to say that I immediately fell in love with nursing,” Crago said. “I had found my calling.”
That passion prompted her to return to NCSC, where she earned an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2009. She then transitioned into the surgical intensive care unit as a registered nurse before moving into healthcare management.
In 2012, Crago accepted her first leadership role 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.
“After six years as an LPN, I wanted more options, so I came back to North Central State,” Crago said. “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.”
Her expanded role has included leading nursing teams through crises, developing clinical programs, opening a new hospital, and serving her home community.
Today, Crago oversees multiple patient care areas, including the emergency department, intensive care unit, medical-surgical unit, obstetrics department, and forensic nursing program.
“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.”
A central highlight of her position is mentoring future nurses and recent graduates. Through Avita Health System’s partnership with NCSC, she has watched employees enter the organization as high school students and progress from patient care assistants to LPNs and registered nurses.
Crago maintains close ties to NCSC by serving on several nursing advisory boards, including the LPN and RN-to-BSN programs, offering workforce perspectives to bridge clinical practice and education.
A lifelong Mansfield resident, Crago also serves on the board of directors for the Starfish Project of Richland County, an organization connecting individuals facing addiction to treatment, recovery, and support services.
“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,” Crago said. “That’s why North Central State matters so much, particularly to communities such as ours.”
Looking back on her journey from an uncertain student to a respected executive, she credited the mentors who encouraged her and expressed a desire to support others entering the field.
“Today, my greatest aspiration is to do the same for others,” Crago said. “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.”