March 7

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Associate professor of marketing Keith Quesenberry has published the Fourth Edition of Social Media Strategy: Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations for the Consumer Revolution with Roman and Littlefield. It’s been completely revised for today’s social media landscape with many updates to make it more student, professor, and professional-friendly. With an integrated cross-discipline approach, Social Media Strategy serves as a core textbook for a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate social media college courses. Nearly 10 years after the first edition it’s become a go-to text in business and communications departments for marketing, advertising, public relations, and communications programs.
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538180112/

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The Office of Faculty Development is pleased to announce our Faculty Development Fellows for academic years 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. Faculty Development Fellows are members of the Ranked Faculty who have demonstrated excellence in their roles and displayed commitment to their professional growth and development.

Jason Renn, associate professor of politics and international relations, will serve as Faculty Development Fellow focusing on giving leadership to the Faculty of Color Thriving and Networking group, co-directing the Inclusive Excellence in Teaching Academy, and developing programmatic support for faculty scholarship.

Jenell Paris, professor of sociology and anthropology, will continue as a Faculty Development Fellow for Christian Faith and the Academic Vocation (CFAV). She will support faculty in exploring, understanding, and articulating connections between the Christian faith and their vocations as teacher-scholars. Her focus includes facilitating the CFAV dialogue sessions for faculty preparing for initial review and planning Christian Scholarship Colloquies.

David Owen, professor of computer science, and Krystal Robinson-Bert, associate professor of occupational therapy, will serve as Faculty Development Fellows for Teaching and Learning. In this capacity, they will work closely with Leah Clarke, director of teaching and learning, to support faculty in fulfilling the expectations for quality teaching at Messiah University.

Please join us in congratulating these faculty colleagues as they take on new or renewed terms as Faculty Development Fellows. We’d also like to express our deep gratitude for the good work of Devin Manzullo-Thomas, assistant professor of American religious history and interdisciplinary studies, and Erin Boyd-Soisson, professor of human development and family science, who will each conclude their service this spring after having served for two consecutive terms as Faculty Development Fellows for Teaching and Learning.

We are grateful for the many contributions of our Faculty Development Fellows to the work of the Office of Faculty Development and to Messiah University.

Cynthia Wells, associate dean for faculty development

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The Office of Faculty Development supported a strong representation of educators at 2024 Lancaster Learns, a one-day conference held on Friday, Feb. 23. Messiah University contributed as a conference sponsor. Additionally, several Messiah University educators contributed as break-out session presenters during the event. Jennifer Fisler, Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and Professor of Education, presented Candid and Kind: Developmental Feedback on Teaching; Michelle George, associate professor of social work, and Sarah Jones, associate professor of nursing, collaborated on Utilizing Interprofessional Collaboration for Student Success in Diverse Professional Settings; Mindy Smith, assistant professor of applied health science, and Vanessa Lee, assistant professor of physical therapy, presented Undergraduate and Graduate Collaboration in Service-Learning Pedagogy; Karen Harrington, Interdisciplinary Studies, presented Utilizing the Question Formulation Technique (QFT) to Increase Critical Thinking, Inquiry, and Reflection in Higher Education Classrooms; Jennifer Dose, Professor of Management, presented Low-Stakes Quiz Design: Maximizing Learning vs. Minimizing Cheating; Melinda Burchard, professor of special education, and Sarah Myers, public service librarian, collaborated on Translating Information from Scholarly Sources to Community; Joanna Behm and Kimberly Duetsch, assistant professors of occupational therapy, presented Integrated Student Wellness Initiative; Brooke Dunbar-Treadwell, director of writing, and Robin Lauermann, professor of politics, presented A University-Wide Approach to Writing That Supports Students in Building Critical Thinking Skills Through Research; Joanna Behm and Jim Foster, assistant professors of occupational therapy, presented AI and the Classroom: Practical and Ethical Use; Cindi Kerns and Rocky Allinger, instructional designers, presented Visual Metaphor in Instructional Design: Increase Engagement and Accessibility and Sheila Rodriguez, associate professor of Spanish along with her student, Kiana Haldeman, Senior, Spanish with Teaching Certification major, presented Practice Makes Perfect: Intentional Target Language Use in the Foreign Language Classroom.

Additional attendees included faculty members Elizabeth Eveler, assistant professor of graduate education, Braden Lawson, assistant professor of graduate athletic training, Amy Porto, director and professor of nutrition and dietetics, Anne Reeve, professor of chemistry, Kelly Waltman, assistant professor of criminal justice, Nick Weaver, assistant professor of mathematics, Sean Strehlow, assistant professor of sport management and Leah Clarke, director of teaching and learning, and director and professor of the Graduate Program in Counseling.

Please join me in thanking these colleagues for their commitment to excellence in teaching.

Cynthia A. Wells, associate dean for faculty development
Director of The Ernest L. Boyer Center
Professor of Higher Education

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Michael Zigarelli, professor of leadership, published an article in the latest edition of Christian Scholar’s Review entitled “Near-Death Experiences and the Emerging Implications for Christian Theology.” The article may be of special interest to those seeking evidence for whether an afterlife exists, as well as those looking for an alternative way to lead others toward God. It is available online at https://christianscholars.com/near-death-experiences-and-the-emerging-implications-for-christian-theology

BID FAREWELL

Murray Library bids farewell to Kimberly Steiner, interlibrary loan specialist, as she embarks on an exciting new chapter of her career journey. Since 2015, Kimberly has been an invaluable member of our Murray Library family, bringing forth innovations and efficiencies to our interlibrary loan process. Her dedication and expertise have not only facilitated access to rare and foreign language materials but have also elevated ILL services to new heights.

Kimberly’s impact extends far beyond the realms of interlibrary loan. She has been a true champion of campus partnerships and student-focused programming, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to enhancing the student experience. Her original events such as Clue, CrafTea, and Mini Golf have become beloved traditions at our library, highlighting her boundless creativity and passion for engaging students. Kimberly’s involvement in significant initiatives like MLK Day planning and Living Library programming embodied her dedication to fostering inclusivity and dialogue. She has also served as a leader on Agape Center service trips. The library is a better and more beautiful place thanks to her attention to displays and details.

As Kimberly sets sail for new horizons at Dickinson College as the associate director of campus life for orientation and campus activities, we will undoubtedly miss her infectious energy and innovative spirit. Her final day is Friday, March 22. You are invited to submit sendoff messages to Liz Kielley (ekielley@messiah.edu) by March 8 to compile into a book of well wishes, as we express our gratitude and best wishes for Kimberly’s future endeavors.

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The Department of Nursing bids farewell to Ashley Ringquist, graduate clinical coordinator, as she embarks on a new career chapter. A department celebration was held for Ashley on Wednesday Feb 28, her last day at Messiah.

Ashley’s started at Messiah in July of 2014, and for nearly ten years, she served as both an administrative assistant and graduate clinical coordinator. In 2021, her role split, and she served as the graduate clinical coordinator until her departure. At Messiah, she was crucial in establishing clinical partnerships across the United States. Ashley went above and beyond to help students find good learning experiences for the various nursing students we serve (Family Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Educators, Nursing Administrators, and RN-BSN students).

Outside of her day-to-day role, Ashley was instrumental in helping assemble our annual Department Newsletter, serving on the social committee, and serving on various other Department committees as needed. She was with us through several rounds of accreditation and adopting a new clinical tracking software program, leaving us in exceptionally good hands. She worked to connect other departments that use the same clinical tracking program to troubleshoot challenges. Her persistence in ensuring the platform was user-friendly and everyone was trained to use it was invaluable.

Please keep Ashley in your prayers as she takes on a new role at Rasmussen University, where she will serve as a remote clinical coordinator for their Florida-based nursing program. We will miss Ashley dearly. If you would like to wish her well, please email baumen@messiah.edu for contact information.

AROUND CAMPUS

Young Writers’ and Young Filmmakers’ Summer Academic Camps

This summer, the Young Writers’ and Young Filmmakers’ will
hold their academic camps with commuter and resident options.
The Young Filmmakers’ Workshop provides college-level film-making skills for
students in rising grades 10-12. Students will leave with an understanding of how to
be a writer, director, actor, cinematographer and editor. This camp is being held on
June 23 – 28. To learn more about this camp, visit the website at
http://www.messiah.edu/filmmakersworkshop

The Young Writers’ Workshop provides college-level writing skills development for
students in rising grades 9 – 12. The workshop offers intensive courses in creative
writing taught by published faculty and writers, poetry readings and a variety of activities.
This camp will be held on June 23– 28. To learn more about our Young Writers’ Workshop, visit the website at http://www.messiah.edu/writersworkshop.

A 25% discount off the tuition for either workshop is offered to the dependents of Messiah employees.

Exploring Careers in Healthcare Summer Day Camp

The School of Science, Engineering, and Health is pleased to once again offer Exploring Careers in Healthcare summer day camp, June 10-12, for students entering 10th, 11th and 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 and nutrition and dietetics, 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 June 2. Please email healthcareerscamp@messiah.edu with any questions.

Looking for “books” for the Living Library

The Living Library: Many stories, One Community (formerly the Human Library Project) is where Messiah students, faculty and staff become open books, sharing their personal stories with readers. The Living Library is designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. The Living Library is a place where real people are on loan to readers.
Please consider participating as a “book” in the Living Library @ the Murray Library on Wednesday, April 10. As a living book, you would be sharing your story with others in the Messiah University community in a moderated 25-minute session.
Please complete this application to be a book no later than Friday, March 15: https://messiah.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_37v5VgYD9SA3g5D

Questions may be directed to Todd Allen, vice president for Diversity Affairs at tallen@messiah.edu or Liz Kielley, Discovery and metadata librarian at ekielley@messiah.edu

Tech Support – Did you know?

  • Qualtrics – Qualtrics has changed their licensing from unlimited responses to a set number of responses allotted to Messiah. This allocation of responses should be sufficient for the needs of Messiah this year. However, if you are using Qualtrics for basic processes such as a sign-in/sign-out system there may be another software that can save Messiah responses and still meet your needs. Please refer to the knowledge base https://blogs.messiah.edu/ETS/kb/forms-forms-on-campus/ for some information about the different form/survey tools on campus and/or contact techsupport@messiah.edu for more detailed guidance.
    • Chrome, Edge, or Firefox? – Chrome and Edge can be signed into using Messiah credentials, and will synchronize with the Messiah password, making it easy to back up and restore bookmarks, passwords, etc. Firefox requires an account that will NOT synchronize with the Messiah credentials requiring you to remember another password. There is no longer a recommended browser to use on campus.
    • Zoom Phones/Caller ID – As the campus switches to the new Zoom phone system, please note internal caller id numbers will appear as 223-285-xxxx instead of their extension until the system is completely switched. Please continue to use the 4-digit extension and not the 10-digit phone number to contact others on campus.

Boyer Legacy Award and Class of 1964 Carlton Wittlinger Award

The Boyer Legacy and Wittlinger Awards section committee, which is comprised of Cynthia Wells, Devin Manzullo-Thomas, and Jon Stuckey, is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients.

2024 Boyer Legacy Award: Rachel Baksa

The Ernest L. Boyer Center annually bestows a Messiah University junior with this award in honor of the legacy of Ernest L. Boyer, Sr. Recipients demonstrate Dr. Boyer’s broad accomplishments and convictions, including his passionate commitment to viewing education as a means to solving societal challenges and his ardent emphasis that leadership is grounded in service.

This year’s recipient is Rachel Baksa. The selection committee greatly appreciated her thoughtful essay, highlighting her commitments to serving students that our educational systems neglect and her efforts toward building community among teachers.

Thank you to Sarah Fischer who nominated Rachel for the award.

2024 Class of 1964 Carlton Wittlinger Award: Isabella Farrington

A graduate of Messiah Junior College in 1935, Dr. Wittlinger returned to Messiah and served over 35 years as a teacher and visionary administrator. The Class of 1964 Wittlinger Award seeks to honor students who demonstrate Dr. Carlton Wittlinger’s broad academic accomplishments, including his qualities of persistence and unselfish dedication, as they pursue and develop their own leadership skills.

This year’s recipient is Isabelle (Bella) Farrington. The selection committee was deeply impressed by the many ways Bella seeks to inflect service, leadership, and reconciliation into her various commitments on- and off-campus.

Thank you to Jason Renn who nominated Bella for the award.

Both awards carry a $1,500 cash prize.

We are grateful to the COE for all nominations and look forward to another round of awards in 2025!

 CLASSIFIEDS

Job opportunities

The Department of Engineering has an opening for a full-time director, Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research. Job related questions may be directed to Brian Swartz at bswartz@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26566.

Graduate Studies: Administration has an opening for a full-time state authorization and licensure manager. Job related questions may be directed to Jennifer Fisler at jfisler@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26532.

The Department of Engineering has an opening for a part-time, temporary administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Philip Tan at ptan@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26328.

The Admissions Office 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/26174.

The Agape Center for Local and Global Engagement has an opening for a part-time administrative assistant. Job related questions may be directed to Paula Holtzinger at pholtzinger@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26176.

The Registrar’s Office has an opening for a part-time records and registration 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/25904.

Dining Services has an opening for a full-time dining room supervisor. Job related questions may be directed to Todd Christopher at tchristopher@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26390.

The Department of Network Services has an opening for a full-time system administrator/analyst. Job-related questions may be directed to Tony Wyland at wyland@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/23892.

Campus and Building services have a variety of full and part-time openings. Job related questions can be directed to Laura Price at lprice@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu

The Department of Education has an opening for a full-time faculty in education. Job related questions may be directed to Beverly Pitcher Johnson at bjohnson@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/25934.

Dining services is now accepting applications for summer Lottie workers. Job related questions may be directed to Todd Christopher at tchristopher@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26530.

Campus and Building Services is now accepting applications for summer workers. Job related questions may be directed to Denise Blackley at dblackley@messiah.edu. For more information and to apply, please visit: jobs.messiah.edu/postings/26554.