For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”
1 Peter 3:18
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Keith Quesenberry, marketing professor, was selected to present an AI workshop at the Society of Business, Industry and Economics (SOBIE) national academic conference. The session “Open AI Moved My Cheese: AI Integration Processes and Frameworks for Educators in Any Discipline” is being given at the conference today in Florida.
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Drs. Joanna Behm and Jim Foster, professors of occupational therapy, taught a short course entitled “Tech-Savvy Therapy: How OT’s Can Use AI to Transform Daily Living” at the American Occupational Therapy Association Inspire annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3.
Drs. Kim Duetsch and Joanna Behm, professors of occupational therapy, taught a short course entitled “Addressing Student Wellness Through an Embedded Peer Support Wellness Initiative” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3. They also presented a poster entitled “Using Indirect Serving Learning to Address Social Determinants of Health Among Women Survivors of Human Trafficking.”
Associate professor of occupational therapy Dr. Leanne Rutt, along with students Madeline Simonds, Vita Roitman and Corryn Baker, presented a poster entitled “How prepared are novice occupational therapy practitioners for school-based practice?” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3. Dr. Rutt, along with alumni Hannah Brezinski, Arianna Ramsaran, Jane Seitz and Nathan Smith, also presented a poster entitled “Provider and Caregiver Perspectives on the Family-Guided Routines-Based Intervention Approach in Early Intervention” on April 4. Along with alumni MaKenna Bailey, Abigail Chez, Katelyn Correll, Emily Nunn and Ashley Schott, Dr. Rutt also presented a poster entitled “Sensory Rooms in Schools” on April 5.
Assistant professor of occupational therapy Dr. Kim Duetsch, along with students Paige Bond, Hailey Conrad and Brianna Foster, presented a poster entitled “Preventing Burnout: Whose Job is it Anyway? Exploring the Relationships Between Individual and Organizational Supports on Professional Quality of Life” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3.
Assistant professor of occupational therapy Dr. Jim Foster, along with students Amy Lindner, Alli Mills, Bethany Paulding and Leyla Vazquez, presented a poster entitled, “Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Occupational Therapy: A Survey of Current and Future Anticipated Applications” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3. Dr. Foster, along with alumni Arianna Blose, Hannah Davis, Megan Miller and Eveny Miller, also presented a poster entitled, “The Impact of Peer Support on Social Participation for Burn Survivors” on April 4. Along with students Jordan Donelson, Alexa Elicker, Megan Leong, Shelby Sullivan and Leyla Vazquez, Dr. Foster presented a poster entitled, “The Use of Virtual Reality and Psychosocial Strategies to Address Self-Perceived Anxiety in College Students.”
Associate professor of occupational therapy Dr. Carrie Gorman, along with alum Paige Inch, presented a poster entitled, “OT Students’ and Graduates’ Perspectives on Traditional & Nontraditional Level I Fieldwork Experiences” at the AOTA Inspire conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 3. Dr. Gorman, along with alumni Hannah Mumau and Grace Peters and occupational therapist Mikaela Raimondo, presented a poster entitled, “OT as a Consultative Service for a Community-Based Nonprofit Organization: Using Your Skills to Serve Others.”
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The Registrar’s Office is pleased to announce the following staffing transitions and additions.
Sarah Darr has been hired as the new assistant registrar for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (replacing Nancy Markley). Sarah joined Messiah as the graduate enrollment and communications specialist on the SGPS enrollment management team in 2021. In her new role, Sarah is responsible for degree certification, student records management and website maintenance.
Hilary Hoover has been promoted to senior associate registrar: curriculum management and degree certification. In her new role, Hilary will continue to give leadership and support to academic areas in curricular change management, and the undergraduate credential application and certification process.
Anne Narber has been promoted to associate registrar for undergraduate studies (replacing Beth Moshier). Anne joined the Registrar’s Office as the undergraduate academic services coordinator in January 2024. Since that time, she has developed into an effective member of our team by instituting efficiencies and applying care and attention to her responsibilities. In her new role, Anne will give leadership and support to undergraduate current and new/transfer student registration and schedule production, classroom assignments and system curriculum updates.
In addition, I am pleased to announce that Jennifer L. Good is joining the Registrar’s Office as the new academic compliance and services manager. Jennifer joined Messiah in 2023 and served as administrative assistant to the dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Health, and the state authorization, licensure and compliance manager. Jennifer will be responsible for university-wide state authorization, state licensure, financial value transparency and gainful employment compliance as well as National Student Clearinghouse enrollment reporting, processing transcript requests and providing administrative support to the Registrar’s Office.
Please join us in congratulating Anne and Hilary and welcome Sarah and Jennifer as the newest members of Team Registrar.
It is with sadness that we announce Beth Moshier will be leaving Messiah on April 16 to pursue an exciting new chapter of life in Colorado. Beth first came to Messiah as a psychology major in the early 2000s. She returned as a resident director in 2017. In January 2022, Beth stepped into her current role of associate registrar for undergraduate studies. Throughout her career at Messiah, Beth has loved serving students and employees with a sense of humor and grace. We will miss her!
Please join us in wishing Beth the absolute best in her next adventure.
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Oksana Moroz, an assistant professor of English, participated in the Conference on College Composition and Communication (CCCC) in Baltimore on April 10-12. She was a discussant on a panel, “Language, Teaching, and Learning in Time of War: Voices of Ukraine.” Next, she participated in a focus group from McGraw Hill Publishing and co-presented on “Relevant Implications of Hybrid Contract Grading as a B-side Approach in First-Year Composition Courses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Finally, she co-facilitated a workshop on “You Are Entirely More than the Job Market”: Crafting Prefigurative Counterstories on the Job Market.”
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Dr. Brenda Elliott, director of the graduate program in nursing, was invited to present at a special session of the national Nursing Education Research Conference (NERC) in Washington, D.C., on “Building a successful team in nursing education research.” Her co-author on this project was Dr. Katie A. Chargualaf, University of South Carolina.
Brenda also engaged in two additional podium presentations during the conference. “A qualitative analysis of faculty experiences teaching RN-BS students” was co-authored with colleagues from The College of St. Scholastica. Minnesota; The University of Texas at Tyler; and Minnesota State University Moorhead. “Preparing nursing faculty to teach military veteran’s care” was co-authored with colleagues from The University of South Carolina and Widener University.
Brenda’s connections with nursing faculty at other institutions and presence at national conferences such as NERC evidences the reputation of our graduate nursing program. It is gratifying to acknowledge and honor her accomplishments in this arena.
Kristen Slabaugh, assistant dean of nursing
BID FAREWELL
Nance McCown Retirement Celebration
Please mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate our beloved Nance on Wednesday, April 23, 4 – 6 p.m., Howe Atrium.
While many think of Dr. Nance McCown ’85 as professor of public relations, her contributions to the Messiah community stretch back over 40 years, including her time as a student. She began working at Messiah 39 years ago in the admissions mailroom, before launching her public relations career in the Office of Marketing and Communication. During the years she served as residence director in Smith, editor of the Bridge, and an adjunct instructor.
Nance eventually completed her Ph.D. in public relations to become a full-time faculty member, and she designed the courses and curriculum of the PR program here. She served as co-chair of the Communication Department for several years along the way. She created the COMMunity portmanteaux that has come to identify the department.
Her contributions to the Messiah community go far beyond a list of tasks completed, though. Her colleagues describe her as some who sees others and values them as people, a shepherd who cares for others around her, both students and employees. Her famous bucket of candy for class is a familiar sign of a much deeper commitment to her students.
Nance committed most of her life to Messiah, and we are a better community for it.
AROUND CAMPUS
Homecoming 2025 events – Planning to host?
Hello from the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations,
Are you thinking about hosting an event during Homecoming 2025 (Oct. 3 and 4)? If you have plans or an idea for an event, please contact us by Thursday, May 1.
With over 60+ events taking place last year during Homecoming Weekend, it is important that all events be approved by and planned through the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations by the deadline mentioned above. Please reach out to Emily Lint by email (elint@messiah.edu) or phone (ext. 5252) to inquire about adding your event to the Homecoming schedule.
The full Homecoming Weekend schedule will be made available online in early July at messiah.edu/homecoming.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know. We look forward to sharing this time of celebration with you and our al
Exploring Careers in Healthcare Day Camp
The School of Science, Engineering, and Health is pleased to offer Exploring Careers once again in Healthcare summer day camp, June 9-11, for students entering 10th – 12th grades this fall. Our camp is designed for students to explore some of the most dynamic healthcare professions, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, applied health science, nutrition and dietetics, and lab sciences, from a faith-based perspective. Patient case studies will provide context for engaging, hands-on activities, demonstrations and panel discussions in state-of-the-art facilities on our main campus and at Winding Hill, led by Messiah’s expert faculty, students, and professional practitioners. If you or someone you know is interested, we invite you to learn more and register at https://www.messiah.edu/healthcareerscamp before May 19.
- A 10% discount is available to children of Messiah employees.
- Scholarships are also available. Email healthcareerscamp@messiah.edufor discount codes and with any questions.
Psychology Camp 2025
We are excited to invite high school students (entering 10th – 12th grade in fall 2025) to attend Psychology Camp this year, June 22-27! Psychology Camp provides a fun opportunity for students to explore psychology and the question, “Why do humans do what they do?” This year, we are offering both an overnight residential option and a day-camp commuter option. This enriching summer camp environment will help students gain knowledge and explore various branches of psychology including clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology and biopsychology.
If you know someone who would be interested in attending, we invite you to learn more and register at: www.messiah.edu/PsychCamp before June 1.
Also, there is a special offer for dependents of Messiah University Employees!
Contact PsychologyCamp@messiah.edu for more information.
Oakes Museum summer camps
The Oakes Museum of Natural History has several exciting summer camp opportunities this year for students entering grades 3 through 12.
Field Biology Camp from June 9-13, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. This field-based class will introduce students to field biology using live traps, telemetry, and other investigative equipment to study a variety of animal communities. This camp is only open to students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2025.
Vertebrate Anatomy Camp is offered July 15-18, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and teaches dissecting techniques while giving students an overview of vertebrate anatomy. Dissections will include a variety of vertebrates including a frog, shark and fetal pig. This camp is only open to students entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2025.
Ecology Camp is offered July 7-11, 9 a.m. – noon*
Campers will learn about the interactions between different life forms and their environments with hands-on observations and experiments in the museum and the living laboratory of campus. This camp is open to students entering grades 6, 7 and 8 in Fall 2025.
Explore It Camp is offered June 16-20, 9 a.m. – noon*
Each day we will investigate a different topic, ranging from fossils to the sun to following a raindrop on its path across campus. Join us as we Explore It! This camp is open to students entering grades 3, 4 and 5 in Fall 2025.
Animals Camp is offered June 23-27 and July 21-25, 9:00 am – noon*
Using the museum and the surrounding natural world, each day campers will learn about a different animal group (invertebrates, fish, reptiles/amphibians, birds and mammals). This camp is open to students entering grades 3, 4 and 5 in Fall 2025.
*Before camp care is available on these weeks from 8 – 9 a.m. for an additional fee.
For more information, pricing, and to register, please visit: https://www.messiah.edu/info/22784/the_oakes_museum/4254/summer_camps
Interlibrary Loan physical lending temporarily suspended
Murray Library users will be unable to request physical Interlibrary Loan materials (books, DVDs, CDs) between April 17 and May 12, so that the library can migrate to a new Interlibrary Loan (ILL) software.
How will this impact the Messiah University community?
- There will be no impact on requests for digital materials (journal articles and book chapters).
- Between April 17 and May 12, no new requests for physical materials may be placed.
- All physical materials requested prior to the pause on April 17 and/or received during the pause (as a result of requests placed before April 17) will be due at the end of the semester (for students) or no later than July 15 (for faculty).
- When ILL resumes on May 12, requests for physical and digital materials will use the new system and due dates will return to the standard loan period for each user type.
- Instructions on how to use the new system will be shared prior to the new system’s launch.
Questions? Additional details are available on the library’s website. Please contact Janet Vogel, director of the Murray Library, if you have additional questions.
Haydn’s “Creation”
April 25, 7:30 p.m., Parmer Hall
Pre-concert Lecture at 7 p.m.
Q&A Talkback following the concert
Sponsored by the Performing Arts Series
Haydn’s “Creation” is a stunning choral orchestral masterwork that portrays the seven days of creation in colorful, dramatic and unique ways. The text of this oratorio includes passages from “Genesis” and paraphrases of the “Psalms” and John Milton’s “Paradise Lost.” The Messiah University Symphony Orchestra and the Messiah University Choirs (Choral Arts, Concert Choir, Men’s and Women’s Ensembles) will combine with student and faculty soloists to present this masterpiece in English, with its familiar story and exciting choruses.
Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $5 for Messiah University students (with ID) and youth (18 and under). To purchase, please contact the Messiah University Box Office at 717-691-6036 option #1 or online at messiah.edu/tickets.
Visit arts.messiah.edu for more information.
SPLICE Film Festival!!
Please join the Communication Department as we celebrate our student filmmakers at the 2025 SPLICE Film Festival!
Sunday, April 27, 2 – 4 p.m., at Parmer Cinema, Boyer Hall.
Reception to follow in Howe Atrium.
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
Development – Annual Giving has an opening for a full-time administrative assistant for Giving Programs. Job related questions may be directed to Tovah Wilson at twilson@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29311.
Office of the Provost has an opening for a full-time executive assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Christine Gardner at cgardner@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29315.
The Financial Aid Office has an opening for a part-time financial aid office assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Mike Strite at mstrite@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29291.
Admissions has an opening for a part-time admissions hospitality assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Kristin Thomas at kthomas@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29297.
Admissions has an opening for a temporary admissions traveling recruiter. Job related questions may be directed to Shayna Mark at smark@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29304.
The Department of Intellectual Disabilities Certificate has an opening for a full-time NEXT Steps resident life educator. Job related questions may be directed to Amber Brisbane at abrisbane@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29081.
Graduate Enrollment and Student Services has an opening for a full-time enrollment communication coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Diane Titter at dtitter@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29102.
Conference Services – Sound and Lighting has an opening for a full-time sound and lighting technician. Job related questions may be directed to Spencer Rennels at srennels@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29086.
Residence Life has an opening for a full-time residence life educator. Job related questions may be directed to Annastasia Bonczyk at abonczyk@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28943.
The Office of Development has an opening for a full-time regional advancement representative. Job related questions may be directed to John Zeigler at jzeigler@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28806.
Residence Life has an opening for a temporary summer residence director. Job related questions may be directed to Annastasia Bonczyk at abonczyk@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28958.
Facility Maintenance has an opening for a full-time general maintenance mechanic (zone). Job related questions may be directed to Amy Stephan at astephan@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29089.
Dining Services has an opening for a full-time cook II PM. Job related questions may be related to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28988.
Dining Services has an opening for a full-time culinary assistant. Job related questions may be related to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29328.
Campus and Building Services has an opening for a full-time campus and building services worker, Residence Hall. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29048.
Grounds Services has an opening for a full-time groundskeeper/crew leader. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Graybill at mgraybill@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28255.
Grounds Services has an opening for a part-time groundskeeper. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Graybill at mgraybill@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit:https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29118
Grounds Services has an opening for a part-time seasonal groundskeeper. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Graybill at mgraybill@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29281.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a 1st shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Daniel (Brad) Neuenschwander at dneuenschwander@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28975.
The Department of Safety has an opening for 2nd shift safety officer/dispatcher. Job related questions may be directed to Daniel (Brad) Neuenschwander at dneuenschwander@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28594.
Department of Communication has an opening for an assistant professor of public relations. Job related questions can be directed to David Dixon at ddixon@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28514
The Department of Education has an opening for a full-time faculty in education. Job related questions may be directed to Ashley Thomas at amthomas@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/27681
The Department of Computing, Mathematics and Physics has an opening for a part-time adjunct physics instructor. Job related questions may be directed to Niklas Hellgren at nhellgren@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29013
Free
Free for pickup. Graco highchair, approximately 9 years old. The straps need a deep cleaning, otherwise in good condition with a very clean tray. Must be picked up at my home near campus. Contact Ted Davis: tdavis@messiah.edu.
Wanted
Baskets. I am looking for small to medium baskets. If you have baskets, you know longer need, please let me know at rfeather@messiah.edu.
OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS
Menkis Works Pottery Spring Open Studio and Pottery Sale
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Menkis Works Pottery
2401 Arcona Road, Mechanicsburg PA
Menkis Works Pottery is a small-batch family business run by husband-and-wife team and Brian and Naomi Menkis. We make hand-crafted, beautiful and functional pots for daily use such as: mugs, bowls, vases, teapots, pitchers and much, much more! Every year we open our studio for a Spring Open Studio and Sale. In addition to having hundreds of pots available, there will be wheel throwing demonstrations, kids clay activities, refreshments and guest artisans. This year we will be joined again by Sholley’s Craft Shop! Stop by to find a new favorite mug or pick out a special vase for Mom with Mother’s Day just around the corner! Find out more at www.menkisworks.com
Now hiring music instructors
Cadence Music and Arts Program offers private lessons for students age 6 through adulthood. Cadence is looking for experienced music educators to join their team. Instructors are needed for the Dillsburg, Hershey, and Linglestown locations from 4-8pm. Send your resume to service@cmaprograms.com.
For more information, visit cmaprograms.com or contact Dan, dcampbell@messiah.edu.
