Stark State alum Dr. Jerome West is proof that challenging times may just be the beginning of something greater

When Stark State alum Dr. Jerome West talks about education, he doesn’t believe in perfect grades or taking the fastest path to graduation. Instead, he stresses the importance of resilience through the journey.

Jerome arrived at Stark State in 2001 with a 1.6 high school GPA and 30 Ds on his transcript. He graduated with an associate degree in 2006 after five years of part-time study and admits college wasn’t something that came naturally to him.

“I didn’t see myself as a strong student,” Jerome said.

While he earned an associate of applied science in human and social services, he found something even more valuable than a degree.

“Stark State taught me how to fall in love with the educational journey,” Jerome said. “It helped me understand that education is about resilience, growth and not giving up on yourself.”

Jerome chose human and social services because he wanted to help individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Through the program, he discovered a professional path that aligned with his passion for serving others.

Along the way, supportive faculty helped him develop confidence in his abilities. For the first time, Jerome began to see himself as someone capable of academic success.

After graduating from Stark State, he earned degrees from Malone University, Liberty University, Western Governors University, and Oklahoma State University. He most recently completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Winebrenner Theological Seminary and passed the National Counselor Examination, earning his license as a Professional Counselor in the State of Ohio.

Today, the father of three is a healthcare leader and behavioral health advocate. He serves as tobacco prevention, treatment and research manager at MetroHealth and was selected as a 2024 National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellow.

He encourages students who may be facing academic challenges to keep moving forward.

“Don’t be embarrassed if your journey takes longer than expected,” he said. “You may start with struggle, but you do not have to end there. Your journey is your journey.”