Circle of Excellence

Deputy Warden of Special Services, Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution

Corey has dedicated his career to rehabilitation, leadership, and community engagement within Ohio’s correctional system. With an Associate of Technical Studies focused in Corrections, dual Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Bluffton University, and a Master’s in Leadership from Bellevue University, he has consistently sought programs that can help him to lead in the reduction of recidivism and provide second chances for the individuals he encounters on a daily basis.

Serving as Deputy Warden of Special Services at Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution, he played a pivotal role in security, programming, policy implementation, and staff development. His tenure as Interim Warden saw AOCI achieve its highest ACA audit compliance rating. His work has extended beyond prison walls, serving on community boards such as the Citizens Review Board and Mizpah Community Center.

A passionate advocate for rehabilitation, Foster spearheaded job placement and reskilling programs to ensure returning citizens transition successfully. One of his most impactful initiatives was bringing the Lima Symphony Orchestra into AOCI, demonstrating music’s power to heal and inspire. His leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2022 Outstanding Citizen of the Year and the 2016 “I Have a Dream” Award for Leadership & Community Involvement.

As an adjunct professor at Tiffin University and an active member of professional organizations, Foster’s commitment to criminal justice education and reform is unwavering.

Coordinator, Healthcare Technology & Simulations, Rhodes State College

Joel began his journey at Lima Technical College as a non-traditional student in 1984, pursuing Respiratory Care after earning a BA in Psychology from Ohio University. Named Outstanding Student in 1985, he graduated in 1986 and launched his career at St. Rita’s Medical Center. By 1987, he became Director of the Cardiopulmonary Department at Bluffton Community Hospital, where he spent a decade excelling in leadership and expanding his expertise.

Committed to education, Harris joined LTC in 1997 as a faculty member in Respiratory Care. He played a pivotal role in transitioning video-based courses to online learning and developed a phlebotomy certificate program to provide students with entry-level healthcare opportunities. Recognizing the power of clinical simulation, he became Rhodes State’s first Coordinator of Simulation in 2000, designing the college’s initial simulation lab.

His dedication to lifelong learning led him to earn an M.Ed. from Bowling Green State University in 2009 and achieve advanced credentials, including Adult Critical Care Specialist (2016) and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (2022). He was named Faculty Member of the Year in 2014 and promoted to full professor in 2024.

A mentor, innovator, and leader, Harris has transformed healthcare education at Rhodes State.

Michael, a 1977 Accounting graduate of Lima Technical College, built a distinguished 30-year career at Rhodes State, rising from Adjunct Accounting Faculty to Dean of Business and Public Services. A first-generation college student from a working-class farming family, he credits Rhodes State for providing an accessible and affordable path to his success.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, and Economics from the University of Findlay and an MBA from Ashland University, all while working full-time.

At Rhodes State, Mike was instrumental in launching the Franklin University/Rhodes State 3+1 transfer partnership, expanding degree opportunities for students. He also delivered over 1,500 hours of continuing education in management and supervision to local businesses, often during evenings and weekends. Recognized for his excellence in teaching, he was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges in 2000.

Beyond his professional contributions, Mike has remained deeply involved in the Rhodes State College community, serving on the Rhodes State College Foundation Board after retirement. He takes immense pride in seeing his children and grandchildren attend and graduate from Rhodes.

As his daughter and Chair of Business, Marketing and Accounting at Rhodes State, Cara Hurd notes, “Mike is probably the biggest Rhodes State cheerleader I know. He truly believes in the power of a community college education.”