Michelle Roman ’98

What have you been up to since graduation?

Completed 23 years military service, completed bachelor’s, master’s degree, practicing dental hygienist since 1998 and currently completing a doctorate in educational leadership.

What is one of your greatest achievements since graduating from MCC?

Coming full circle. In 2017, I was hired by my Alma Mater, Middlesex County College to serve as the chairperson for the Dental Hygiene department, the same program I graduated from 19 years ago. The experience and guidance I received here as a student helped shape me into the person I am today. I want to provide that same guidance to students as they are figuring out who they’re going to be and what they’re going to do.

What is your fondest memory of MCC?

The professors were here because they want to help us succeed, that was clear. They were tough, but they displayed a willingness to take time out to guide and instruct us.

What was your favorite place on campus, why?

Dental Hygiene Clinic-it is where I learned clinical skills and treated all my first patients.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

This is hard…I had a few: Professor Dorothy Defoe and Professor Cathy Reilly. They were nurturing and pushed me to follow my dreams to continue my education and serve my country.

If you could offer a current MCC student advice, what would it be?

Set your goal to achieve, ask for help when you need it, be persistent and learn for the sake of learning.

Why was attending MCC the right decision for you?

I attended MCC 19 years ago, because it offered the Dental Hygiene program.