Tom Kluding named '2021 Outstanding Alumni' at North Central State College

MANSFIELD — Tom Kluding, of Norwalk was announced as "2021 Outstanding Alumni" at North Central State College in Mansfield. The event took place earlier this month. A plaque will be permanently displayed on the main campus of the college. It will read: Tom KludingClass of 1975Applied Business — Computer ProgrammingTom Kluding acknowledges NC State for opening the door to his career in education, "My associate degree provided me the most opportunities. It set the foundation for my future." After earning both bachelor's and master's degrees from Ashland University, he worked with Pioneer Career and Technology Center, Ashland County West Holmes Career Center and EHOVE Career Center. He was the Coordinator of the High School That Works (HSTW) initiative within 16 states in the Southern Region Education Board network. Kluding became the Director for College Tech Prep at NC State, later becoming the Chief Administrator for the Central Region of College Tech Prep serving sixteen Career Technical Planning Districts covering fourteen counties. After serving as Director of Dual Enrollment at Pima Community College in Tucson AZ he returned home to work with Lorain County Community College, Pioneer CTC and the HSTW Northwest Region housed at the University of Toledo. Kluding served on the Norwalk City Schools Board of Education and on the Board of Education at EHOVE Career Center; and volunteers with the Huron County Board of Elections and Fisher-Titus Memorial Hospital. Tom is a proud Vietnam veteran having served honorably for four years in the U.S. Air Force. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion and Knights of Columbus.