Mistie Bibbee named Housing and Residence Life Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient for 2026

Introducing this year’s Distinguished Alumni, Mistie Bibbee whose career and commitment to student development have been shaped by the transformative experiences she had as a student and staff member at Ohio University. From her first involvement with Jefferson Hall Council to serving as a Resident Assistant in the Atkinson House and Smith House and taking on leadership roles in tRAC and NRHH, Mistie found opportunities to grow, discover her confidence, and develop the skills that would guide her throughout her career.

Her time with OHIO Housing and Residence Life opened doors to new perspectives, relationships, and experiences that helped her understand the importance of diversity, inclusion, mentorship, and personal growth. Today, as the Director of Housing and Residence Life at Marshall University, she carries those lessons forward in her work with students and staff, championing the transformative power of the college experience and the role higher education plays in helping students discover their potential. The mentorship and support Mistie received at OHIO continues to inspire the way she leads, develops others, and builds meaningful connections. Her journey from an undergraduate RA to a Housing and Residence Life leader reflects the lasting impact of OHIO's Housing and Residence Life and the enduring legacy of an OHIO Bobcat.

Tell us about your experience working for OHIO Housing and Residence Life.
My Housing and Residence Life journey at Ohio University began during my freshman year as a member of the Jefferson Hall Council. During my sophomore year, I became a Resident Assistant (RA) in the Atkinson Complex and remained on staff until I graduated. I served in Atkinson for two years and Smith for one year. I keep bricks from both buildings in my office today as a reminder of my roots and the impact those experiences had on my life.

Through my involvement in hall council, I also became active in tRAC and NRHH, serving on the executive boards of both organizations.

My time working in Housing and Residence Life at Ohio University was a transformative experience. It was during this time that I discovered who I was, developed confidence in myself, and began building many of the skills that would ultimately shape my future career.

What are you most proud of from your time on staff?
There are so many experiences from my time on staff that make me proud and provide lasting memories. The thing that stands out most is my personal growth and the self-confidence I developed through the opportunities I was given.

When I was in high school and started college, I was quiet, shy, and introverted. Self-confidence was not one of my strengths. Growing up in southeastern Ohio, I was somewhat sheltered and had limited exposure to diversity. My time in Housing and Residence Life opened doors for me. I was exposed to the broader world around me and developed a deep appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and different perspectives.

I also learned how to become more confident and step outside of my comfort zone. Those experiences not only helped me grow personally but also enabled me to support other students as they navigated their own journeys of self-discovery and development.

Have you been able to stay connected with your co-workers and peers?
Absolutely! I developed many lifelong friendships and professional connections through Housing and Residence Life at Ohio University. I still keep in touch with many former friends, fellow staff members, residents, supervisors, and mentors.

While social media has been the primary way I stay connected with many people, I have also been fortunate to maintain face-to-face relationships with several individuals over the years. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work alongside former Ohio University Housing and Residence Life colleagues at institutions such as Georgia Southern University and Western Carolina University.

One particularly special memory was reconnecting with my freshman-year RA, Stacy Fete, for dinner in Las Vegas when we happened to be there at the same time. Another connection from my OHIO days remains especially meaningful: one of my former tRAC advisors made what she might call a questionable life choice when she selected me to be the godmother of her daughter.

As I have progressed from graduate student to seasoned professional, many of my former supervisors have remained valued mentors and friends. I would not be where I am today without their support, guidance, and belief in me.

What was your biggest challenge as a staff member?
Learning effective time management was probably my biggest challenge during my time at Ohio University.

Between my academic responsibilities, my role as an RA, serving on the executive boards of tRAC and NRHH, and working as a substitute Security Aide, balancing my commitments required significant effort. At the same time, I wanted to spend meaningful time with friends, staff members, and residents while ensuring that my academics remained a priority.

Through those experiences, I developed foundational skills in time management, balance, organization, and prioritization that continue to serve me throughout my professional career.

What is one of your most memorable moments at Ohio University?
I have countless memories from my time at Ohio University. One that stands out is working with fellow tRAC executive board members to develop a bid to host the regional GLACURH conference at Ohio University. Although our bid was ultimately unsuccessful, the process of collaborating with campus partners, developing the proposal, and presenting at the conference was an invaluable learning experience that I will never forget.

One of my favorite memories involving pure silliness, or what my residence director, Karen Petko, might have called obnoxiousness, occurred during a semester fire drill. My fire buddy, Gerry Ulrich, and I were often trouble when we teamed up. We purchased a bag of circus peanuts because the drug store on Court Street was out of marshmallows and gave them to Karen when we picked up the submaster key for the drill. We even attached a note that read: "In case of an actual emergency, insert stick, hold over burning building, and toast." Looking back, it still makes me laugh.

What lessons did you learn during your time at Ohio University that remain important to you today? How have they impacted your current work?
This question really ties back to what I am most proud of: my personal growth and self-discovery.

That journey was critical to my development and continues to shape my professional philosophy today. For me, student growth, life skills development, and personal transformation are among the most important aspects of the college experience. While students come to an institution to pursue their academic goals, we also have a responsibility to help them develop the skills they need to succeed in all areas of life.

College provides students with opportunities to learn about themselves, redefine who they are, explore perspectives different from their own, and better understand the communities and world around them. Those experiences are often among the most meaningful outcomes of their time on campus.

We help students create lasting memories, build friendships and connections, and experience defining moments that shape who they become. These are the values I encourage my staff to remember as they work with students every day. The foundation I developed at Ohio University continues to guide my approach to supporting student growth and development.

What does it mean to you to be the 2026 HRL Distinguished Alumni Award recipient?
Receiving this recognition is one of the most meaningful honors of my career.

Ohio University Housing and Residence Life took a chance on me and saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. The mentorship, guidance, and opportunities I received through the department helped shape both the professional and the person I have become.

Throughout my career, I have hoped to have the same positive impact on students that OHIO had on me. To be recognized by Ohio University's Housing and Residence Life department in this way is incredibly humbling. I hope it reflects that I have been able to help students discover their potential, support their growth, and contribute to the development of future student affairs professionals who will continue making meaningful differences in the lives of others.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
I owe a tremendous amount of my success to Karen Petko, Jim Sand, Jackie Carr McHargue, and many others who invested in me during my time at Ohio University. They recognized potential in me as an undergraduate student and provided opportunities that challenged me, encouraged me, and helped me become the professional I am today.

Their mentorship, guidance, and belief in me have had a lasting impact on both my career and my life, and I will always be grateful for the role they played in my journey.  This recognition should be as much for them as it is for me.

This interview with Mistie Bibbee, recipient of the 2026 HRL Distinguished Alumni Award, celebrates her remarkable contributions and enduring impact on Ohio University’s Housing and Residence Life community. Through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to others, Mistie exemplifies the values and spirit of Housing and Residence Life. Her continued accomplishments and meaningful contributions reflect the lasting influence of her HRL experience and the legacy she has built as a distinguished alumna.

To learn more and to give to the Housing and Residence Life Foundation visit www.ohio.edu/housing/support-housing.