ACC Staff Spotlight: Paige McEvoy
It's time for an ACC Staff Spotlight. Let's get to know Paige McEvoy, Associate Dean of Allied Health at ACC.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I began my career in dentistry after earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Management from the University of Northern Colorado in 1997. I found an interest in dentistry after having approximately 29 reconstructive surgeries as a result of an accident that shattered my jaw in 1986.
I began initially working as a dental assistant in 2000. I became a registered dental hygienist in 2005 upon graduating from the Community College of Denver Dental Hygiene program. Throughout my career, I have primarily focused on periodontal practices handling severe disease and complex medical dental cases. I also provided temporary hygiene services through my company, Temporary Toothpickers, LLC. Additionally, I offered CPR certification training to dental professionals through my other business, RDH To the Rescue, LLC.
In 2012, I joined the Community College of Denver Dental Hygiene Program, where I served as adjunct clinical and classroom instructor, then faculty and clinical coordinator for seven years. Most recently, I held the roles of Professor, Program Director, and Continuing Education Coordinator for the dental hygiene program before moving to ACC to become Associate Dean of Allied Health.
I also was appointed by two governors to the Colorado Dental Board, completing two full terms and serving as Panel Chair, Full Board Vice Chair, and Continuing Education Reviewer at various points in both terms. I hold a Master of Dental Hygiene Education from the University of Missouri Kansas City, and a Doctor of Education with an emphasis on Leadership for Educational Equity from The University of Colorado.
What is your job at ACC?
Associate Dean of Allied Health
What do you do at ACC (explain your role)?
In my role, I provide support to students and faculty within the Allied Health programs. Additionally, I assist the Dean of Health and Public Services in the development of innovative learning experiences. This encompasses the creation and revision of curriculum, advising faculty and students, supervising full-time faculty members and adjunct instructors, and ensuring compliance with third-party accreditors and CTE program requirements. Drawing on my extensive experience with the Curriculum Committee and SFCC at my previous institution, I am committed to enhancing the educational mission at ACC for those I serve.
How long have you been at ACC?
I started in January 2024
Are you a part of any clubs / organizations / committees at ACC or outside of ACC? What are they and why did you choose them?
Currently, I am involved with the Shared Governance Task Force at ACC, contributing to various hiring committees, participating in Learning Leadership activities, and engaging with the Inclusive Excellence Council as my schedule allows.
Additionally, I am a fellow with the American Dental Hygienists' Association and serve on multiple committees within the Colorado Dental Hygienists' Association. I also volunteer as a clinician provider, when possible, teach continuing dental education courses as invited and am participating in initiatives like the Colorado Mission of Mercy, which offers free dental care to individuals in need throughout Colorado.
My experience with the Dental Board was incredibly rewarding and has sparked my desire to continuously seek leadership opportunities. I am committed to further developing my skills as a leader and mentor, both personally and professionally.
Why did you choose ACC?
I selected ACC because I sought an opportunity to broaden my educational experiences beyond the dental education programs offered at community colleges. I was particularly interested in engaging with diverse areas of healthcare education.
During my job search, I appreciated the leadership team I encountered and expressed a strong desire to contribute to their organization. It appeared to be a motivating environment where I could make a positive impact on both students and colleagues while gaining valuable knowledge from others.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
So far, my experience has involved familiarizing myself with the processes and changes associated with our new school. I take great pride in the contributions I have made to support the various programs I serve in achieving their academic goals. While I may not yet identify one significant achievement so early in my tenure with ACC, I am confident that, given my commitment to this role, remarkable accomplishments are on the horizon.
What is your mountain (ultimate goal)?
I aspire to become a Dean in the future, and I believe there are limitless opportunities beyond that role. I have discovered that setting incremental goals (smaller mountains) enables me to pursue opportunities that align with my evolving interests, so with that in mind I can see myself conquering a variety of mountains.
I also would love to pay off my student loan debt...
What's your favorite ACC memory so far?
Having been with ACC for a brief period, I think my favorite thing so far is the supportive and collaborative working relationships I have developed with my department members, dean, and the colleagues I have encountered thus far. It is invigorating to work in an environment where everyone is exceptionally kind and professional. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day.
Tell us a fun fact about you / Something people may be surprised to find out about you.
A good friend of mine and I make it a point to visit the "quirkiest" pubs in the locations we visit when we travel. So, we've been to the oldest pub in the world, the smallest pub in the world, a pub that was actually a bartender and tap in the middle of a busy hardware store, that sort of thing. It makes for an interesting and sometimes scary, visit anywhere for sure.
Top 5 Vacation Spots
- Playa Del Carmen
- Ireland
- Anywhere with historic old pubs
- Anywhere Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland, Victoria - Canada)
- Japan (never been want to go)
What is your advice to future and current students at ACC?
Don't be afraid to seek help but to also challenge yourself and your ability to find answers to questions and solve problems. You really can do anything you put your mind to. And I cannot stress this enough...read the syllabus!
Do you know a student, staff member, faculty member, instructor, or alumni that you would like to nominate for an ACC Spotlight? jessica [dot] horning [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (Let us know!) Or if you would like to be spotlighted on the ACC blog, complete our Spotlight form.