New chair, faculty to lead nursing division at Wesleyan

The Iowa Wesleyan University nursing program is welcoming two alumnae back to the university.

The school announced Mary Tobin, Class of 1986, and Michelle Prisner, Class of 1998, as the newest additions to the nursing program.

Tobin joins the faculty as the new chair and professor of nursing.

She has taught at Coe College in Cedar Rapids since 2003 before serving as the nursing chair from 2016 to early 2021.

In addition to her time serving as chair, Tobin has worked at multiple educational facilities, including Iowa Wesleyan in 1992-93 as an instructor of nursing.

She comes to Iowa Wesleyan with extensive clinical experience through part-time and volunteer positions.

“We find it particularly fitting that one of our most accomplished nursing graduates is coming home to lead our program,” University Provost DeWayne Frazier said. “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.”

Prisner is joining the Wesleyan faculty as the new assistant professor of nursing.

Prisner joins the nursing faculty with 25 years of health care 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,” Frazier said. “Our students will benefit greatly from her real-world application of health care in the classrooms. Having the opportunity to add two of our outstanding Iowa Wesleyan nursing graduates as part of our faculty is certainly special.

“Professor Lisa Kongable (1986) 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 Iowa Wesleyan University nursing faculty illustrate a push for growth within the program.

"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," Tobin said.