Silver
Misti Silver, Mayland Community College’s Human Services Program Coordinator and Instructor, was recently awarded the Teaching Excellence: Faculty Member of the Year honor.
Silver was born and raised in Mitchell County and graduated from Mitchell High. She earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Silver went on to earn a master of science in social work from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After finishing her studies, she returned to Mitchell County aiming to positively influence lives.
She has served in community mental health and non-profit sectors but has found her calling to be education, which brought her to Mayland Community College where she has been pivotal in molding the Human Services program.
Nationally certified as a Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner and Mental Health Adult and Youth First Aid trainer, Silver brings a wealth of real-world experience to her classroom. She is a committed member of the National Organization of Human Services and is the chair of the Mitchell County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. Her approach to teaching bridges academic theory with hands-on experiences. Under her guidance, students not only gain insights from textbooks but also valuable real-world exposure through internships and community volunteer service.
“Misti stands out not just for her academic excellence but for her heart for the community and students,” said Rita Earley, vice president of instruction at Mayland. “Her consistent drive and dedication make her an invaluable asset to our institution, and this recognition is well-deserved.”
Silver said she’s glad to offer tips on serving the community with a human services degree, or even just share thoughts about Carolina basketball.
The Human Services Program at Mayland Community College is dedicated to preparing students for a range of careers in social work, counseling and community support. The program emphasizes both academic knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring that graduates are ready to make a positive difference in their communities. For more details, go to mayland.edu.