Archive for 2025

August 7

Thursday, August 7th, 2025

 

“Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.”

Proverbs 4:23

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Enrollment management staff honored and share expertise at Christian higher education conference

In May during the NACCAP conference at Houston Christian University, Virgil Angeles, associate director of admissions, social media, was honored with the Regional Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the enrollment management profession. Known for his creativity, relational approach, and dedication to prospective students, Virgil builds lasting connections that often extend beyond the admissions process into students’ experiences on campus. He has elevated the admissions’ social media presence to help students build community before stepping foot on campus, supported students of color through advising and mentorship, and brought joy and excellence to every aspect of his work. This award celebrates his impact on the Messiah team, our students, and the broader Christian higher education admissions community.

At the NACCAP conference, Sierra Kinslow, associate director of admissions, multicultural recruitment, gave two presentations to enrollment management colleagues from other Christian institutions. Titled “Honoring Differences and Navigating Difficult Conversations”, Sierra shared effective approaches and tactics for challenging conversations and encounters within the workplace. Additionally, she presented with JR Harris, executive director of Student Financial Services, on “Bridging the Gap: Recruiting and Retaining Underserved Populations”, highlighting how enrollment management and student financial services offices can work together to help underserved populations like students of color and first-generation students see a pathway to higher education and serve their needs as current students. They used Messiah as a framework for other schools to understand how they can work across departments to better serve students from high school through college graduation.

AROUND CAMPUS

Exploring AI in the workplace: Effectively Using AI Ethically, Legally, and Securely

Curious about using AI at work? This workshop introduces generative AI tools like ChatGPT,
explains how they work and how to use them ethically, legally, and securely. Learn how to
generate more effective AI prompts while understanding key risks and best practices for
privacy and responsible use. No technical experience needed. Led by Librarians Janet
Vogel and Beth Transue and Director of Information Security Allen Snook.

Date: Thursday, Aug. 14
Time: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Kline 235

Please register in advance. If you plan to use work time, you must obtain supervisor
approval.

Wellness and compliance information for the school year
The University is required by law to communicate certain compliance and safety information to the campus community on an annual basis. A link to the booklet that contains this information and reminders of employee responsibilities is available on FalconLink (search for Wellness and Compliance Information for the School Year). Over the next few weeks, please read this document in its entirety and retain it as a resource and reference. If you have any questions or would like a hard copy of the booklet, please contact Human Resources at humanres@messiah.edu or ext. 5300.

Agapé Center update: Requirement for international travel
All educators traveling internationally with Messiah University in the upcoming academic year must complete a brief Qualtrics survey by Aug. 15. We understand this may feel early in the process; however, it is essential for us to

  1. Provide our international insurance provider with accurate and timely travel information. This will streamline our documentation and ensure all travelers are properly covered while abroad.
  2. Ensure educators complete necessary approvals prior to their scheduled travel. In the future, we will send this survey at the end of the academic year (early May), allowing ample time for completion. However, due to timing adjustments this year, we are sending it out a bit later than usual and appreciate your prompt attention. Please complete the survey by Aug. 15 using the following link: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eFhVR9BHk2iFZ1YWe sincerely appreciate your continued flexibility and willingness to support this improvement. Your collaboration helps us better care for and support everyone representing Messiah through off-campus travel and meaningful global learning experiences. After the survey is completed, the Agapé Center (off-campus programs) will follow up with the next steps. Please reach out to either Kate Narber or Paula Holtzinger with questions.

*Note: Cross-cultural trips are exempt from this requirement.

New enrollment staff

We’re delighted to introduce several new colleagues who have recently become part of our Enrollment Management team. Please join us in giving them a warm Messiah welcome! Jessica Houtz is joining undergraduate admissions as our seasonal traveling recruiter. A graduate of Shippensburg University with a degree in education, Jessica brings valuable experience from a variety of teaching roles, including most recently at Hanover Public Schools and as a literacy specialist teaching English online. She’s excited to step into the world of higher education and bring her passion for students and learning to this new role. Jessica’s first day on campus is Aug. 4, and after several weeks of planning and preparation, she’ll hit the road throughout Sept. and Oct., representing Messiah at college fairs and high school visits. We’re thrilled to have her energy and enthusiasm on the team!

The Financial Aid Office is also celebrating the addition of two new team members dedicated to supporting our students and families: Victoria Williamson joined the team in June as a part-time financial aid assistant. She brings over a decade of administrative experience as an office manager and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Lycoming College. Victoria will typically work from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving as the first point of contact for financial aid inquiries and assisting with processing private scholarship checks and supervising our amazing student workers. We’re so grateful for the care and professionalism she brings to this important role.

Jeremy Lippert ’01 has made a meaningful transition from campus safety to financial aid, stepping into the role of financial aid counselor following the completion of his MBA from Messiah. With a background in education and a heart for service, Jeremy is well-prepared to guide students and families through the financial aid process and collaborate with campus partners to ensure a smooth path to enrollment for each student.

Department of Safety update

Over the past several months, the Department of Safety has experienced exciting changes and welcomed new team members.

Leadership update: We’re pleased to share that Maranda Hogue is now serving as the interim director of the Department of Safety. She provides vital oversight to the department and the clery coordinator, with a work schedule that flexes based on departmental needs.

Officer promotions: Congratulations to David Weimer (2nd shift) and Brian Milore (3rd shift), who have both been promoted to senior officers/FTO. They’ll lead their respective shifts and play a key role in training staff, including our newest officers.

New team members: We’ve also recently welcomed new faces to our department:

  • Laura Weakland joins us as our administrative assistant.
  • Stephan Palmer will serve as a 1st shift officer.

Department Operations and Contact Information

As a 24/7 department, our officers typically work four 10-hour shifts to ensure continuous coverage across campus. Please note that this schedule may occasionally impact communication and response times.

  • For emergencies or immediate assistance, call Dispatch Services at 717-691-6005.
  • If you’re working with a specific officer on an event or case, feel free to reach out to them directly via email. Keep in mind they may be off shift for a day or two before responding.
  • For general inquiries or support, email safetydepartment@messiah.edu — this inbox is monitored throughout the day and messages will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member.

Please join me in celebrating these promotions and warmly welcoming our new team members. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Department of Safety.

For questions, feel free to reach out to Kathie Shafer.

CLASSIFIEDS

Job openings

The School of Science, Engineering and Health is now hiring a full-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Angela Hare at ahare@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29949.

Admissions has an opening for a full-time admissions counselor. 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/29957.

Dining Services has an opening for a part-time dining services associate. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29901.

Dining Services has an opening for a part-time dining services associate, Winding Hill campus, summers off. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29896.

Dining Services has an opening for a full-time operations assistant for campus restaurants – summers off. Job related questions may be directed to Drew White at awhite@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29897.

Dining Services has an opening for a full-time sous chef. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29822.

Dining Services has an opening for a part-time PM cook. Job related questions may be directed to Mark Wirtz at mwirtz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29703.

Development has an opening for a full-time senior regional advancement representative. Job related questions may be directed John Zeigler at jzeigler@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29719.

Campus and building services has an opening for a part-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/29799.

Campus and building services has an opening for a part-time campus and building services worker, part time 1st shift. 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/29833.

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/29745.

Campus and building services has an opening for a full-time campus and building services worker, 3rd Shift – Sunday-Thursday 9 p.m.-5:30 a.m. 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/29933.

The Registrar’s Office has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Kathee Clark at kclark@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29633.

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.

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/29998.

Grounds Services has an opening for a full-time athletic field spray applicator/aeration coordinator. 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/29463.

The Department of Safety has an opening for 2nd shift safety officer/dispatcher. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/28594.

The Department of Safety has an opening for 1st shift safety officer. Job related questions may be directed to Maranda Hogue at mhogue@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/29967.

Campus Store Hiring – mail services staff
The Messiah University Campus Store is seeking to hire part-time mail services staff. Main job responsibilities are to intercept local delivery carriers and to sort, receive, and shelve department and student mail and packages. Must be able to lift to 50 lbs. This is an ideal opportunity for a part-time Messiah employee looking for additional hours. Employment is with Slingshot, the operator of the Campus Store, and not with the university. Work hours are currently Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. year-round. Pay rate is $14/hr. If interested, please email campusstore@messiah.edu. Feel free to pass along this job posting to others outside of the Messiah community.