Mia Allmond

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) is the “community’s college,” welcoming everyone who pursues an associate degree, prepares to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree, enrolls to obtain a workforce training certificate, or seeks to upgrade skills to move into a better job. Tri-C provides several advantages for members of the community compared to a four-year university: low tuition and fees, flexible curriculum and schedules, an open access/admission policy, and strong supportive/wrap-around services.

Mia Allmond decided to attend Tri-C for some of those very reasons, saying “I felt it was an economically sound decision. ”Tri-C’s campus locations also appealed to Mia. Her Tri-C journey started with an intentional focus on studying science, with an ultimate goal of obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude from Tri-C’s Eastern Campus with an Associate of Arts degree, Mia was on her way to making a difference in the in-demand field of nursing.  She transferred to Cleveland State University and reached her goal when she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. 

Mia recalls how her organic chemistry instructor at Tri-C made an impact early in her educational journey.  “I did poorly on the first exam,” she said. “And I met with this instructor who was patient, positive and extremely intelligent”  Together, they reviewed her responses and developed a few study techniques, including using a tutor and taping lectures.  Her hard work and determination paid off and she received an “A” in the course for the semester. Mia’s education continued and in 2017, she graduated from Ursuline College with a Master of Science degree in Nursing and is currently certified as an Adult Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist. 

Mia is currently employed with the Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System serving our nation’s veterans as the Spinal Cord Injury Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (SCI ALS) Nurse Coordinator.  Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive nervous system disease affecting brain nerve cells and the spinal cord, and is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Mia said her responsibilities as an ALS Nurse Coordinator includes the care coordination and overview of veteran’s health care needs, often collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care for this specialized veteran population.  She is also passionate about promoting awareness of veteran issues and services.

When asked about her time at Tri-C, Mia said, “Tri-C prepared me through promoting autonomy, supporting my independence, and encouraging me to flourish.”  Her advice to future Tri-C students would be:  “Stay focused, remain positive, never give up, or let others discourage you. Surround yourself with others who strive for success, learning is a 24/7 process, and one can always learn from someone else, so listen.”