New branding, same great academics
Messiah College became Messiah University July 1, 2020.
Education is a transformational journey. The institution has been transforming students and helping them see anew since 1909. However, the core values have not changed. Sharpening intellect, deepening our faith and inspiring action as followers of Christ continues to be the core values that bring everyone together.
With the proven ability to leverage academic strengths across our undergraduate and graduate programming for the benefit of our students –our new university name simply reflects more accurately who we already are.
Along with the name change, the institution underwent a brand refresh, as well. For the enhancement of the logo, which was a collaboration of the Messiah design team, students and alumni, the flame still represents the light of spiritual and academic knowledge that sharpens intellect, deepens faith and inspires action as followers of Christ. The three pillars still signify the Christian Trinity and the tri-part foundation of the University’s mission: intellect, character and Christian faith along with service, leadership and reconciliation. The new logo balances the symbol of the everlasting mission with the momentum of a promising future.
In addition to the new logo, we’ve updated the look of the stained glass metaphor--each student bringing a distinct perspective but combined with individual contributions into a community that is more beautiful together, like a stained glass window--with circular graphics to complement better the shape of the stained glass elements.
Another part of our transformation to University is extending our mission to educate undergraduate, graduate and adult degree students, cultivate learning for life, grow our global outreach opportunities and inspire scholarship, research and engagement.
An important part of our journey to university has been the extension of our mission to emerging new populations of students—particularly through our use of technology and online learning. In addition to international student recruitment, adopting university status opens new doors for Messiah University for other global partnerships including internships, study abroad, scholarship and research connections, as well as ministry, outreach and service opportunities.
Messiah University continues to serve our residential undergraduate students with distinction, while providing innovative “learning for life” opportunities for emerging nontraditional student populations through outstanding, affordable and flexible educational programs. Messiah students enjoy a wide range of scholarship, research and engagement opportunities such as prestigious national and international scholarship competitions; the Collaboratory for Strategic Partnership and Applied Research; national and international service learning, community service and engagement, a rich network of off-campus and international programs and undergraduate research.
“Messiah College becoming Messiah University is an important and natural next step in the growth and maturation of our institution. In many ways, university status is a much more accurate reflection of how Messiah has functioned for several years now. With our comprehensive offering of undergraduate and graduate programs in both the liberal arts and applied sciences—including our expansion to master’s and doctoral programs—Messiah’s educational profile is already well-positioned with the academic distinction of a nationally recognized, private Christian university,” said President Phipps.
— Molly McKim ’23