“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.” – Romans 12:2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
New leadership in SSEH
A reminder that the School of Science, Engineering and Health has new leadership in two departments. Assistant professor of mathematics and statistics Nick Weaver is now department chair of Computing, Mathematics and Physics. Associate Professor of biological sciences Isis Rivera-Walsh is department chair of biological sciences. I am grateful to the CMP department for their flexibility during a year of interim leadership in 2025-26 and to Erik Lindquist for his years of service in biology department leadership. Nick and Isis are well-prepared to lead their departments that support a wide array of academic programs and students.
NEXT Steps welcomes new RLE
We are excited to welcome Cherish Hawkins to the NEXT Steps team as our new residence life educator! Cherish is beginning her fourth year in a live-in Residence Life role at Messiah University and we’re thrilled to have her join our program. In this role, she will support our students both inside and outside the classroom, helping them build independent living skills and thrive in campus life. If you see Cherish around campus, be sure to congratulate her as she begins this exciting new journey with NEXT Steps!
Welcome
The Department of Nursing is pleased to welcome Carol Fleagle as the new administrative assistant for the graduate program in nursing and the nurse aide training program. Carol began her role on August 3 and will serve in a part-time capacity. A proud Messiah alumna (Class of 1993) and mother of two Messiah alumni, Carol resides in Camp Hill with her husband, Brad, and their three children. We are delighted to have Carol join our team and look forward to the contributions she will bring to our department. If you see Carol around campus, please join us in extending a warm welcome.
Brenda Elliott, director, graduate program in nursing
Dr. Devin Manzullo-Thomas featured locally and nationally
This summer, Dr. Devin Manzullo-Thomas (associate professor of American religious history and director of archives) offered significant leadership in two events that showcased the rich historical resources of the university’s archives and special collections.
First, he was recognized by Messiah Lifeways (a local residential living community for older adults) as a key collaborator in creating an exhibit showcasing the organization’s 130-year history, complete with historical artifacts and photographs.
Second, Dr. Manzullo-Thomas served as a presenter and interviewer at the Brethren in Christ Historical Society’s annual meeting, held during the denomination’s General Assembly gathering in Miami, Florida. The annual meeting focused on the growth and development of the Brethren in Christ community in South Florida, which is predominantly Hispanic. Dr. Manzullo-Thomas provided a short historical overview of these congregations, based on materials gathered through the archives’ BIC Hispanic Leaders and Congregations Collecting Initiative. Dr. Manzullo-Thomas and BIC Historical Society executive director, Joshua Holt, interviewed Anler Morejon, a young BIC pastor in Miami. This lively event was even featured on a social media post from the Brethren in Christ US. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Manzullo-Thomas on his work benefitting both local and national communities!
BID FAREWELL
Kathie Shafer’s retirement celebration
The President’s Office invites you to attend Kathie Shafer’s retirement celebration on Thursday, Aug. 13, in Martin Commons. Please stop by between 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. or later that evening between 9:30 – 10:30 p.m., to wish Kathie well as she steps into retirement! Kathie has served at Messiah in several roles including director of Conference Services and director of Safety, Event and Facility Services, before being named vice president of Operations in 2005. There is not a patch of grass or corner of campus that Kathie has not seen! We are deeply grateful for Kathie’s 40 years of faithful service and countless contributions to Messiah University. Be sure to stop by to congratulate her and wish her joy in this next season!
AROUND CAMPUS
Murray Minute: Free Library of Philadelphia access
Did you know all Pennsylvania residents can get a free virtual library card from the Free Library of Philadelphia? This gives you access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks through Libby. It’s a great way to read or listen on the go this summer. Pair it with your Murray Library access for even more options. Best of all; it’s completely free. https://catalog.freelibrary.org/register/online
Community Day 2026
All employees are warmly invited to attend Community Day on Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 9 -10:15 a.m. in the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts. This ceremonial launch of the new academic year for employees features a retrospective video, worship led by SEVEN, and the State of the University update from President Jon Stuckey. Light refreshments and T-shirts will be available immediately following the event in front of the High Center. All offices and departments (except for Dispatch and Dining Services) will close from 8:45-11 a.m. to allow employees to enjoy the Community Day experience. If you have any questions, please contact Karin Bisbee, executive coordinator for the president’s office and board of trustees, at kbisbee@messiah.edu.
Behind the scenes: Explore the New Cumberland library archives
Every community has a story – and many are presented in the library’s archives. Join the Friends of Murray Library for a special tour of the New Cumberland Library Archives, where you’ll explore unique historical collections and gain a deeper appreciation for how the community’s history is preserved.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, Aug.18
- Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- Location: Meet at the New Cumberland Library (participants will drive themselves)
- Directions: Emailed to registered attendees before the event
- Capacity: Limited to 14 participants
Registration:
Register online by Aug. 17
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover stories preserved in the library’s archives!
AI Tools in Library Resources Office Hours
Do you have questions about the library database AI tools that were recently turned on in May or want to see how they work? Join Murray Librarians Rachael Jasitt and Janet Vogel for our final AI Tools in Library Resources Office Hours on Thursday Aug. 13 from noon – 1p.m. Join either in person in the library Athenaeum or on Zoom (Meeting ID 996 2583 8158 https://messiah.zoom.us/j/99625838158).
Benefits open enrollment
Open Enrollment is almost here! Sept. 1 -18
This year, we’re making it easier to get the information and support you need. You’ll have several ways to learn about your benefits and ask questions.
In-person meetings:
- Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m., Boyer 137
- Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 3 p.m., Boyer 131
- Monday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m., Hostetter Chapel
Virtual meetings:
- Thursday, Aug. 20 at 12:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Noon
Join us live from your desktop! Links to Microsoft Teams meetings will be made available soon.
Still have questions? Stop by to meet one-on-one with a PAISBOA or HR representative:
Drop-In Hours:
- Friday, Sept. 11 at 1 – 4 p.m., Old Main 235 (2nd Floor)
All changes must be made in PlanSource by Sept.18. Don’t miss out!
CLASSIFIEDS
Job opportunities
Please find current job openings below and check jobs.messiah.edu for additional positions that will be available.
The Department of Theatre and Dance is hiring a full-time technical drector. Job related questions may be directed to Deborah Hawkins at dhawkins@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Technical Director link
The Dean of General Education, Common Learning and Academic Support and the director of assessment/director of advising are hiring a full-time admin assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Kate Oswald Wilkins at koswaldwilkins@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Administrative Assistant to the Dean of General Education, Common Learning & Academic Support and to the Director of Assessment/Director of Advising link.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy Clinical Education program is hiring a part-time admin assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Rebekah Ostby at rostby@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Part Time (20 hours/week) Admin Assistant, Doctor of Physical Therapy Clinical Education posting link.
Student Success has an opening for a part-time student success coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Jocelyn Chavous at jchavous@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Student Success Coordinator posting link.
Dining Services has an opening for a full-time chef I-PM. Job related questions may be directed to Shannon Bivens sbivens@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Chef I PM link.
Dining Services has an opening for a part-time cook II-PM. Job related questions may be directed to Shannon Bivens sbivens@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Part-time Cook II PM-link.
Campus and Building Services has an opening for a full-time 2nd shift supervisor. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: Campus and Building Services Supervisor, 2nd Shift link.
Campus and Building Services has an opening for a full-time residence halls worker. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: Campus & Building Services Worker, Residence Halls shift link.
Campus and Building Services has an opening for a part-time residence halls worker. Job related questions may be directed to Laura Price lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: part-time Campus & Building Services Worker, Residence Halls link.
The Department of Athletics has an opening for the position of head coach, women’s flag football, game day administrator. Job-related questions may be directed to Sarah Gustin-Hamrock, executive director of athletics at sgustinhamrock@messiah.edu For more information and to apply, please see: Flag Football Head Coach.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time third shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: 3rd shift safety officer link.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time first shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: 1st shift safety officer link.
The Department of Safety has an opening for a full-time second-shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: 2nd shift safety officer link.
Grounds Services has an opening for a part-time seasonal groundskeeper. Job related questions may be directed to Artie Palese at palese@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: seasonal grounds keeper link.
FREE
Free Yamaha Upright Pianos. The Dept of Theatre has 2 brown, Yamaha upright pianos available. These instruments are in fair condition and will require tuning and adjustment. The pianos are from the Theatre Department practice wing which were recently replaced with electronic pianos. For more information or to view photos, please contact Deb Hawkins at dhawkins@messiah.edu.
Free Wall Hanging. Murray Library is giving away a wall hanging that is no longer needed for free. Please contact Tracy Sheaffer at tsheaffer@messiah.edu if you’re interested!
Wanted
Roommate wanted. My daughter is looking for another Christian woman to be a roommate (grad student, faculty member, employee) to be a roommate in a Camp Hill townhouse for 6-12 months. For more information please contact, karaschmi@gmail.com
