In The News

Kim Phipps announces plan to retire as president of Messiah University in June 2025

In October 2023, President Phipps was named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania. This award recognizes, “extraordinary women for their outstanding service and contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” President Phipps and other women leaders were honored at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence with a ceremony by Governor Josh Shapiro and DDPA President Bibiana Boerio.

• Featured in a story from The Sentinel about women holding the presidency at all four universities in Cumberland County (January 2019)
• Featured in a Salvation Army magazine story, "Taking The Lead," about women presidents at Christian colleges and universities. The entire digital magazine can be viewed here. (March 2019)

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  Inducted into the Central Penn Business Journal's Circle of Excellence, a recognition for women who are "the icons of their industry and hold a sustained leadership role in their organization and the community." (May 2019)

• Diverse Education features President Phipps and Dr. Todd Allen in their story "Aligning Faith With Diversity," focusing on Messiah's emphasis on diversity.

• Spoke on the Women in Leadership panel at the Council for Christian Colleges and University's (CCCU) Presidents Conference on January 26, 2017.
• Presented on the president's panel at the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Association for Multicultural Education (PA-NAME) at Dickinson College on March 3, 2017. 

• Recipient of the 2014 Centennial Award by the School of Communication Studies at Kent State University.

• Contributed an op-ed to the Harrisburg Patriot-News in June 2013 about proposed state legislation that would assist middle income families with college affordability.

• In January 2012 President Phipps was invited by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) to present at the "Lessons from Thriving Colleges" conference. President Phipps spoke to more than 100 college presidents about "Courageous and Collaborative Leadership."
• The July 2012 issue of "Business Woman" features President Phipps on its cover and includes an in-depth interview inside.
• The Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC name President Kim Phipps its 2012 Athena Award recipient for her demonstration of excellence, creativity and initiative in her profession; her commitment of time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community; and her willingness to assist women in reaching their full leadership potential.
• Named the 2012 Salvation Army Civic Honoree by the Salvation Army of the Harrisburg Capital City Region in recognition of her exemplary service and social responsibility.
• Christianity Today names President Phipps one of "50 Women You Should Know" in its October 2012 cover story

• In May 2011, President Phipps began her role as a community columnist for the Harrisburg Patriot-News. She maintained the column in the op-ed section for six months.
  • May, 2011: A college degree pays in the long run
  • June, 2011: College students, alumni lend helping hand to better Harrisburg
  • July, 2011: What happened to civil dialogue?
  • August, 2011: Enjoy your college freshman's transformation, but don't overdo it
  • September, 2011: Saving environment has become serious business
  • October, 2011: Division III student-athletes show they are true sport
• The Asian Beacon, a contemporary Christian magazine based in Malaysia, profiles President Phipps' spring 2011 visit to the Pacific Rim in their August-September issue.
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• A March 14, 2010 Harrisburg Patriot-News article examined the backgrounds and lives of several prominent mid-state women, including President Phipps who discussed the value of mentoring among female leaders as well as the important perspective women can provide in team decision-making.
• Recognized as one of the 25 most influential women in central Pennsylvania by Central Penn Business Journal in 2010.

• In 2009 "Women-CONNECT" magazine profiled President Kim Phipps among other female leaders in higher education in their summer issue.
• A March 30, 2009 Harrisburg Patriot-News story about assertiveness training and confidence building among young women shares President Kim Phipps' thoughts about the challenges of being an assertive, yet nurturing, female leader. Phipps is noted as an example of a successful local leader.
• A blogger from University Business magazine examined what college presidents are reading during the summer months. Messiah's own Kim Phipps weighed in with a few of the titles on her nightstand in 2009.
• President Phipps writes a column on the importance for colleges and universities to listen, learn, and proactively respond in order to counter the cynicism of students. The column appeared in the Fall 2009 issue of "Advance," the newsletter of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). 
• President Kim Phipps and Provost Randy Basinger co-wrote an op-ed for the October 11, 2009 Harrisburg Patriot-News that highlights the College's active engagement in the Harrisburg region for 100 years
• Awarded “Women Who Care” recognition by Open Stage of Harrisburg (a regional professional theatre and education program) for her contributions to the arts and Harrisburg community in 2009.
• Named a “Mover and Shaper” by Harrisburg magazine in 2009.