Meet Misty Mesimer - Program Director, Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting

“As a first-generation college student and community college graduate, I know the impact that a community college education has,” says Misty Mesimer, program director for the dental hygiene and dental assisting program at Germanna. “Going to community college was a way for me to make a significant change in my life.”

Now, almost 25 years later, Ms. Mesimer is still dedicated to the community college system, educating future healthcare professionals and leading Germanna’s allied dental programs—a role she wouldn’t have had without her community college experience.

Pursuing a college education was never a thought that crossed Ms. Mesimer’s mind when she was in high school. Though she was smart, she took more of an interest in working. “I did not attend high school as much as I should have,” says Ms. Mesimer. “I was a bit of a rebel, and I hated rules.”

It wasn’t until her father gave her an ultimatum that she considered community college as an option.

“My dad gave me three options after I graduated: I either needed to move out of his house, go into the military, or go to college. I chose to go to college.”

At the time, Ms. Mesimer was working part-time in a dental office, where she was introduced to the dentistry profession. Her mentor in the office was a dental hygienist, and after seeing the role first-hand, Ms. Mesimer decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

Ms. Mesimer attended Virginia Western Community College, where she earned an associate degree in dental hygiene. She then went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University, and while she was wrapping up her program, she heard that Germanna was looking for adjunct faculty. She applied to the position in 1999 and has been working at Germanna ever since.

“What I love about Germanna is that it feels like a family. Since I’m originally from the area, I feel like Germanna is home. I’m very grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to achieve my goals and grow in my profession here.”

Ms. Mesimer attributes this family-like environment to the people.

“Germanna people are like no other—the students, the patients we get to serve, the staff and faculty—everyone here brings goodness.”

One specific Germanna figure who has made a personal impact on Ms. Mesimer is Dr. Patti Lisk, Dean of Nursing and Health Technologies. As a Germanna employee for nearly 40 years, Dr. Lisk has been a part of Ms. Mesimer’s Germanna journey every step of the way, first as a colleague, then as a supervisor.

“I always tell Dr. Lisk that she’s an honorary dental professional because she’s worked so hard to understand the ins and outs of the dental program and always advocated for us,” says Ms. Mesimer.

Though Dr. Lisk will be retiring from Germanna this summer, her impact will remain ever-present at the College and will especially stick with Ms. Mesimer, whose daughter recently graduated from Germanna’s nursing program under Dr. Lisk’s leadership.

“Dr. Lisk was so proud of my daughter, which is exactly how I feel when I see my students graduate,” says Ms. Mesimer. “I’ve witnessed students go through a lot while pursuing their degrees—family losses, divorces, weddings. Seeing my students succeed always reminds me of how thankful I am to be in this profession.”

An impactful and dedicated member of the Germanna family, Ms. Mesimer continues to inspire and support her students, just as the faculty did for her when she was a community college student. She plans to continue leading in higher education, as she is currently completing a PhD in community college leadership from Old Dominion University.