Since 1988, each year, Rhodes State College has recognized one alumnus who has been exemplary in their career, service to community and College, and continued education with the Outstanding Alumni Award. To date, the College has recognized 36 such outstanding graduates, representing 19 of the College’s degrees including health sciences, technology, engineering and human service.
The 2024 Rhodes State College Outstanding Alumni Award recipient is Nicholas J. Pratt, MD, RN, a 2014 Nursing graduate from New Haven, CT. Dr. Pratt is one of the nation's few graduates of nursing school and medical school. He is currently a resident physician at Yale University. He has authored several peer-reviewed publications on important topics like the impact of artificial intelligence and social media. Additionally, he was named the Featured Artist at the “Helen Beiser, MD Art Show” in New York City, “The Arts at Yale Health Show” in New Haven, Connecticut, and the “In Good Hands: Healthcare Workers Make Art Show” in Guilford, Connecticut.
In 2014, Dr. Pratt earned his Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Rhodes State and went on to attain two bachelor’s degrees, one in Nursing from The Ohio State University, and the other in Health Science from Cleveland State University. In 2022, he earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and went on to his residency at the Yale University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry.
He began his career in the medical field as a Patient Care Technician in the Cardiac Intervention Unit at Lima Memorial Health System in 2013. He moved on to Blanchard Valley Health System as a Registered Staff Nurse and, then, to the Vascular Institute as a Critical Care Nursing Intern. He returned to Lima Memorial Health System in 2015 as a Registered Nurse in Critical Care. And, from there, went on to medical school.
Pratt currently serves as a member of the American Psychiatric Association and Alpha Omega Alpha. At Rhodes State, Dr. Pratt has returned to encourage and instruct students in study habits and test-taking as well as served as the featured speaker at the 2017 Scholarship Awards Reception. As a student, he served on a Shared Governance Committee, as Vice-President of the Student Government Association and the Anatomy Club, as a Professional and Peer Tutor, and as a Structured Learning Facilitator.
“My time at Rhodes State College has tremendously impacted my personal and professional life,” said Pratt. “I would characterize it as my most impactful academic experience. It provided me with real-world experience, ignited my passion for the healing arts, and kickstarted my career. My journey at Rhodes enriched me with invaluable mentorship and a community that championed my ambitions. Rhodes State College provides our community with transformative impacts. I am proud to have represented Rhodes State on both the national and, now, international scale. I look forward to continuing to do so.”
Established in 2018, the Rhodes State College Alumni Circle of Excellence recognizes Associate Degree graduates of Rhodes State College and Lima Technical College who are doing exceptional work in their career field, community and for the College. In addition to Pratt, the 2024 Alumni Circle of Excellence Inductees include:
Mr. Richard Kortokrax (Business Management, 1982) – Banking Community President, Huntington National Bank
Richard attained his associate degree in Business Management in 1982 and immediately found himself in a banking career in which he has grown and through which he has invested in the Lima community. He has been instrumental in the success and the growth of the Lima West Market of Huntington National Bank. He also serves on the Lima Convalescent Home Board, in the Lima Rotary Club, and in the Kalida Lions Club. At Rhodes State, Rick has been an active member of the Rhodes State College Foundation Board since 2018.
“When I came out of high school, I didn’t have the resources to go away to college,” he said. “Lima Technical College gave me the opportunity to live at home, work a part time job and go to school to further my education. It was economically sound for me, and it gave me flexibility to work and attend school. Upon graduation, I was able to gain an entry level position at my employer and pursue a professional career for which I have been eternally grateful.”
Mr. E. Warren Pughsley (Business Management, 2003) – Fire Inspector, Lima Fire Department; US Army Veteran
Warren attained his associate degree in Business Management from Rhodes State in 2003. In addition to his service in the Unites States Army until 1994, Warren has served on the Lima Fire Department since 1996, currently as a Fire Inspector. He has coached basketball for Lima City Schools, Spencerville Local Schools, OSU-Lima/Rhodes State College, and is currently a coach for Band of Brothers, a local AAU program. He serves as a member of the Northwest Ohio Fire Prevention Association and commits his volunteer time to Team Focus, mentoring boys who need a positive male role model, Commitment 2 Kids, a local organization serving children and families; Positive Lifestyles, a minority speaking group who shares about career development and overcoming cultural obstacles; and Team Monica, as the lead organizer of the Adopt-A-Family event.
Of his time at the College, he said, “Attending Rhodes State College was a great experience for me. At the time, I was working at the Lima Fire Department and coaching basketball, so my time was limited, but I always wanted to go to college and get a degree to be able to show my players and my peers that, not only was it valuable, but if they wanted a degree, there was time to make it happen. The staff at Rhodes made that possible for me.”
Melissa States (Early Childhood Development, 1992) – Preschool Intervention Specialist, Allen County Educational Service Center
Melissa graduated with her associate degree in Early Childhood Development in 1992. After her graduation from Lima Technical College, she went on to achieve her bachelor’s degree in Child Development in 1994 from Bluffton University. She has served as a Preschool Intervention Specialist and teacher at the Wood County Educational Service Center, Zion Lutheran Childcare, and the Allen County Educational Service Center. She also tutors preschool age children to achieve IEP goals/objectives and other kindergarten readiness skills.
“At the time of my enrollment at Lima Technical College I was facing a life decision that would have a major impact on my future,” Melissa said. “I knew the road of college would be long and hard, but "my village" was there to support me as I worked hard to make a life for myself and my child. The professors and staff at LTC soon also became my village and encouraged me to fulfill my goals. It is because of their support and encouragement that I am here today…with the blessing of a career that I enjoy going to every single day.”
Ezekial Wiechart (Respiratory Care, 2016) – Program Director of Respiratory Care, Edison State Community College
Ezekial graduated in 2016 with his associate degree in Respiratory Care. After his graduation from Rhodes State, Ezekial worked in Respiratory Therapy and, later, as Clinical Care Coordinator at Blanchard Valley Health System. He began as a Clinical Instructor of Respiratory Therapy at Rhodes State in 2021 and became the Program Director of Respiratory Care at Edison State Community College in 2023. His first role, as a therapist, allowed direct access to patient care. He moved on, then, as an instructor, and this afforded him the chance to enhance other therapist’s ability to provide exceptional care. Currently, as the Program Director for Respiratory Care at a community college, he has the opportunity to serve students who are building Respiratory Care careers.
“Rhodes State Respiratory Department has given me everything I have professionally,” he said. “I had guidance from [the Respiratory Care faculty] along the way, and as great as they were as instructors, they are better people. I was a scared young man, and Rhodes gave me hope and a future.”
Dr. Pratt and the Circle of Excellence Inductees will be recognized at the Outstanding Alumni Dinner on May 3rd at 5:30 p.m., held at the Keese Hall Multipurpose Center at Rhodes State College. Dr. Pratt will also be honored and give remarks at the 2024 Rhodes State Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4th at 10:00 a.m.
Questions about the Rhodes State College Outstanding Alumni Award or the Circle of Excellence can be directed to Kim Miller, Director of Alumni Relations & Development at miller.k9@rhodesstate.edu.
