Montgomery County Community College Dental Hygiene Assistant Professor Rosemary Herman has a unique ability to connect with students because she used to be right where they are 50 years ago. A member of the College’s first class of dental hygienists to graduate in 1975, Herman has considered the College her home ever since. Now after 31 years of teaching, she is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of excellence that was recently recognized.

At the 58^th Commencement ceremony May 15, Herman received the Gladys and Raymond Pearlstine Teaching Excellence Award. Teaching excellence awards recognize full-time and part-time faculty whose teaching is intellectually stimulating, accessible for all students and demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of students both inside and outside of the classroom.

“It’s very humbling,” said Herman of the award, “and very much a surprise.”

After graduation, Herman began working in the specialty practice of periodontics for nine years and then continued into general practice for 15 years. In 1994, she went back to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, specializing in dental hygiene education, from Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Allied Health Sciences. She then began working as an adjunct faculty member at MCCC. She earned a master’s degree in education from Penn State University, majoring in Adult Learning and Instructional Design, graduating in 2000.

"Montco was my home. I wanted to come back and give that to students.”-Rosemary Herman

Four years later, Herman began working at Harcum College, as the first-year dental hygiene program coordinator, while also continuing to work at MCCC. Then in 2009, she became the full-time dental hygiene program’s first-year coordinator at MCCC. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Herman served as the advisor for the Beta Zeta Chapter of Sigma Phi Alpha, the national dental hygiene honor society.

Herman’s love of teaching stems from watching her students develop their skills day by day over their first year in the program.

“From the very first semester, I love to see that growth,” she said. “I love to see that excitement continue. Students will say, ‘I’ll never remember this.’ You watch that growth as they sometimes surprise themselves at what they have accomplished. That first year, it’s the unknown. I was nurtured and supported as a student in the first class and wanted to give back what Montco had given me as a student. I realized that in private practice and then again as an instructor within the dental hygiene program. I think I never forgot what it was like to be a student.”

She credits her mentors, former Dental Hygiene Professor Phyllis Dickert and the first Dental Hygiene Director Kathy Miller, for giving her the same wisdom she’s tried to impart on her students.

“They instilled my passion for dental hygiene,” she said. “Montco was my home. I wanted to come back and give that to students.”

Herman thinks many of her students also appreciated her because she understood how much was going on for them outside the classroom, she said.

“I think they knew that I was very understanding of what they were going through with not only their dental hygiene studies but also what may be affecting them personally,” she said. “I try to make every student feel they are important. Some study and work differently. Some get it quicker than others, but eventually they all get it.”

Her students had nothing but glowing comments. At the 58^th Commencement Ceremony, Dr. Chae Sweet, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs & Provost, read some of those comments in Herman’s nomination for the award.

“Professor Herman goes above and beyond for her students to succeed. She spends countless hours creating study activities and projects to make sure our knowledge of a topic is thorough, and we are prepared,” Dr. Sweet said. “Professor Herman has a true passion for dental hygiene, and it shows when she teaches her students. Seeing how much she loved her career as a hygienist and a teacher of hygiene made me fall in love with the field.”

“I could not have made it through my first year without Mrs. Herman. Not only is she kind, she does everything she can to prepare students with information and resources and encouragement. Absolute jewel,” Dr. Sweet continued. “Professor Herman is the most compassionate teacher and instructor I’ve ever had. She cares immensely about her students’ success not only in the school setting but also in our personal lives. She spends countless hours preparing for class and clinic and ensures that we get the best possible education we can receive.”

Lastly, one student noted Herman’s impact extends far beyond the classroom.

“I work in the dental field, and I’m frequently asked if Rosemary Herman is still teaching and how she is doing,” read Dr. Sweet. “She makes a lasting effect on every one of her students and I appreciate her dedication more than I can explain in words.”

With her time at the College coming to an end, Herman said she’s looking to take some well-deserved “me time” in retirement.

“After the first year, we’ll see,” she said. “I’m taking it day by day.”