“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Dr. Jason Renn appointed associate director of the Honors Program
The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jason Renn, associate professor of politics and international relations, to the position of associate director of the Honors Program. In this position, Dr. Renn will assist Dr. James LaGrand, director of the Honors Program, in managing programming, personnel and administrative tasks associated with the program.
Founded in 1998, Messiah’s Honors Program has grown to serve over 500 current students through specific honors courses, special honors program events and the Book of the Year program, among other enrichment activities. The popularity of the Honors Program and increased student involvement make the addition of supplemental administrative support helpful for maintaining this high-quality level of honors programming. The addition of Dr. Renn to the Honors Program staffing structure ensures that future honors students will continue to experience transformative educational opportunities in the program.
Although taking on a new role, Dr. Renn is no stranger to Messiah, having taught in the Department of History, Politics and International Relations since 2018. At present, he also serves as the director of the peace and conflict studies program. Dr. Renn will continue to make a positive impact on students in the classroom even as he expands the scope of that impact in this new role in the Honors Program. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Renn on this appointment.
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
Intercom Schedule Update
Please note Intercom will not be published on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Regular publication will resume on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Any submissions received for the Aug. 6 edition will automatically be carried over to the Aug. 13 issue.
If your announcement is time-sensitive and cannot wait until Aug. 13, we encourage you to send it as a mass email to the Messiah community.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
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) 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.
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 director. 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 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.
The Teacher Education Program has an opening for a full-time field placement, internship, and certification coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Beverly Pitcher Johnson at bjohnson@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Field Placement, Internship, and Certification Coordinator posting link.
Nursing has an opening for a part-time patient simulation lab coordinator. Job related questions may be directed to Beth Aumen at baumen@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Patient Simulation Lab Coordinator 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 full-time cook II-PM. Job related questions may be directed to Shannon Bivens sbivens@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Cook II 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.
Dining Services has an opening for a full-time operations assistant – retail. Job related questions may be directed to Drew White at awhite@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: Operations Assistant – Retail 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 Athletics has an opening for the position of assistant coach/admin coordinator and recruiter for women’s lacrosse and game day manager. Job-related questions may be directed to Casey Stone at cstone@messiah.edu For more information and to apply, please see: this link.
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.
For sale
Home electric organ. We have a Lowery electric organ which we are looking to sell at a token cost. Interested parties must be able to pick it up and transport it from our cottage in Messiah Lifeways. Although old, to best of our knowledge is completely functional. Photos upon request. Contact Steve Funck: sfunck@messiah.edu
Teddy bed with bookcase. Ordered from Way Fair. Still in the box. Never used. Natural color. Paid $243. Asking for $175 or best offer. If interested contact Karen: kgarlinger@messiah.edu For more information on this product: Loon Peak® Teddy Bed with Bookcase & Reviews | Wayfair
Dmasun rower for sale – Like new! I thought I would like rowing but, alas, I did not. My loss is your gain. This is a really nice rower with a solid handle, ability to set different modes, tension dial to increase/decrease the difficulty of your exercise. The machine folds and there are wheels on the front leg for easy portability and storage. The back leg has levelers so you can be assured of a level machine. 350 lb. capacity. Email lsarago@messiah.edu for pictures or more info. Asking $50.
NIB 2020 Google Nest thermostat for sale. The Google Nest Thermostat is designed to install yourself in 30 minutes or less. You can easily program the Nest Thermostat in the app and then adjust anytime you want. smart, Wi-Fi-enabled home devices that optimize your HVAC system for comfort and energy savings. You can control it remotely from your smartphone, receive maintenance alerts, and save an average of 10-15% on your heating and cooling bills. Email lsarago@messiah.edu for pictures or questions. Price $75.
FREE
FREE fixtures are available until Aug. 5
The Campus Store is disposing of fixtures that we no longer need. University use will be prioritized but will open to employees for personal use if not claimed by a department. Departments or individuals will be responsible for arranging or moving fixtures from the Textbook Express by Aug. 5. All fixtures are constructed of metal and laminate and supported by sturdy casters. Shelves may or may not be included. To view in person, please inquire at the Campus Store during summer business hours of 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Mon-Fri, or email campusstore@messiah.edu to set up an appointment. Any fixtures remaining after Aug. 5 will be promptly discarded.
OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS
A little comfort can make a big difference.
No one should have to walk through grief, uncertainty or life’s hardest moments alone.
The Comfort Project Foundation, founded by Amber Miller- Garlinger, a 2022 Messiah graduate, provides thoughtfully assembled comfort kits filled with encouragement, hope and reminders that someone cares. Whether someone is grieving a loved one or pet, navigating trauma or simply facing a difficult season, we would be honored to serve them.
Do you know someone who could use a little comfort? Request a Comfort Kit today.
Your support also helps us continue sharing hope—one kit, one prayer and one heart at a time.
