MESA, Arizona -- November 19, 2025 -- ROLFS Global Institute Founder and CEO Francis Tesmer was honored as Mesa Community College’s (MCC) 2025 Hero of Education for her outstanding leadership, philanthropy and commitment to expanding  educational opportunities for beauty and wellness professionals nationally and internationally.

Tesmer was recognized during the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Heroes of Education Celebration held November 13, 2025 at the Heard Museum in Phoenix.

Tesmer collaborated with Mesa Community College and Arizona State University (ASU) to launch a first-of-its-kind higher education pathway for beauty professionals. Through this innovative program, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Beauty and Wellness from MCC and seamlessly transfer to ASU to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Leadership.

“This recognition affirms the global impact of Lead | ROLFS Global Institute’s mission to transform the lives of beauty professionals through higher education,” said Francis Tesmer. “By creating real, accredited college pathways, we are elevating the profession, opening the doors to leadership, and empowering students to build meaningful, prosperous futures.”  

Demonstrating her deep commitment to student success, Tesmer continues to award full scholarships to students enrolled in the program. Building on this success, a new transfer partnership with Northern Arizona University (NAU) was established in July 2025, giving graduates the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Leadership.

“MCC is proud to honor Francis Tesmer as our 2025 Hero of Education,” said MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel. “Francis’ visionary leadership, generous support and unwavering commitment to accessible education have opened life-changing opportunities for thousands. Through our enduring partnership, she has been instrumental in shaping a groundbreaking academic pathway—one that is transforming the beauty industry and expanding opportunities for professionals around the world.”

Since its inception in 2006, Heroes of Education has raised nearly $2.9 million in scholarships and program funding to support students at 10 Maricopa Community Colleges. The annual award celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting students and educational opportunities.

To learn more about the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, visit mcccdf.org. Additional information about MCC’s Beauty and Wellness program is available at mesacc.edu/programs/beauty-and-wellness.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892.

The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, with its donors and partners, supports the Maricopa County Community College District, its students, faculty, and staff, through scholarships, programs, equipment, and financial and human capital. Visit www.mcccdf.org to learn more.

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.