Mount Pleasant, IA – August 13, 2021 — It is an exciting time for the Iowa Wesleyan University Nursing program. Along with celebrating 50 years of nursing education on the Mount Pleasant campus, IW is excited to welcome Mary Tobin ‘86 and Michelle Prisner ‘98 back to the IW campus as our newest additions to the Nursing program.
Mary Tobin, Ph.D., is joining the IW faculty as the new Chair and Professor of Nursing. Dr. Tobin has taught at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, since 2003 before serving as the Nursing Chair from 2016 to early 2021. In addition to her time serving as Chair, Dr. Tobin has worked at multiple educational facilities including Iowa Wesleyan in 1992-1993 as an Instructor of Nursing. She also comes to IW with extensive clinical experience through part-time and volunteer positions.
DeWayne Frazier, University Provost, stated that “we find it particularly fitting that one of our most accomplished nursing graduates is coming home to lead our program. IW could not ask for a more qualified, passionate, and prepared nurse to lead our program moving forward. Dr. Tobin is well known throughout the state as an outstanding nurse and as a compassionate and caring professional. Under her leadership, we expect to see great strides for our program as we look to increase enrollment and further our strong academic reputation.”
Michelle Sue Prisner, Ph.D., is also joining the IW faculty as the new Assistant Professor of Nursing. Dr. Prisner joins the Nursing faculty with 25 years of healthcare experience and seven years as an advanced practice provider.
“Dr. Prisner has had a very decorated career in private care for the last decade in Southeast Iowa and is well known in the region for her tireless efforts toward improving health care in the region. Our students will benefit greatly from her real-world application of healthcare in the classrooms,” stated Frazier. “Having the opportunity to add two of our outstanding Iowa Wesleyan nursing graduates as part of our faculty is certainly special. Professor Lisa Kongable ‘86 has been with Iowa Wesleyan for numerous years, and she serves as our Assistant Chair. With our recent addition of Dr. Tobin as our new Chair, the addition of Dr. Michelle Prisner was an excellent move for the institution.”
These recent additions to the IW Nursing faculty illustrate a push for growth within the program. Dr. Tobin said, “I hope to innovate and use our evolving partnerships to broaden access to nursing education, especially in Southeastern Iowa, and to help students receive the same amazing nursing education I received at Iowa Wesleyan.”
Iowa Wesleyan University – As Southeast Iowa’s regional comprehensive university, Iowa Wesleyan University is a transformational learning community whose passion is to educate, empower and inspire students to lead meaningful lives and careers.