Sharon Mlecik

When Sharon Mlecik started her educational journey at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) immediately after high school, she quickly gravitated toward the nursing program, inspired by her concurrent work as a nurse's assistant.

In 1994, while balancing numerous jobs, she earned her associate degree in nursing from Tri-C. The recent loss of her brother inspired Mlecik to pursue cardiac nursing, where she distinguished herself as an integral member of the open-heart surgical teams. This presented her with opportunities at MetroHealth and the Cleveland Clinic, serving as an assistant nurse manager for the Heart and Vascular Institute.

Despite the challenges of single parenthood — including giving birth to twin daughters at age 32 — Mlecik pursued further education, exhibiting courage and determination when she applied to Ohio University. Her Tri-C credits, earned a decade earlier, transferred seamlessly.

Mlecik earned her B.S. in nursing, graduating summa cum laude. She went on to pursue a Master of Health Administration at Ohio University, once again graduating with high honors. She cherishes her Tri-C experience as a transformative phase, giving her the strength, self-assurance and comprehensive hospital experience to hone her expertise in nursing. Her commitment transcended mere professional duty as she embraced her nursing oath with heartfelt dedication.

Today, Mlecik is the clinical director of surgery at the Vision Surgery Center. She is also a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nurses. 

This has been a year of reflection for Mlecik, as her twin daughters pursued Tri-C classes while in high school through the College Credit Plus program, following in their mother's footsteps at the College. Both graduated from high school summa cum laude and were accepted to Baldwin Wallace University with prestigious presidential scholarships. They have already completed 50 credits with 4.0 GPAs.

Mlecik acknowledges that while she experienced financial challenges, Tri-C provided a platform that led her family toward remarkable success in their respective futures. Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring students considering Tri-C. It encourages them to embrace the College’s nurturing community, discover their passions and leave a lasting, positive legacy. Mlecik’s unwavering dedication — fostered by Tri-C's support — epitomizes the transformative power of education, illuminating a path to success and fulfillment.