Unity Through Diversity

We Want You to Feel at Home

At Messiah, we want every student to feel comfortable and at home within our community.

So, whatever our students' racial/ethnic heritage, Messiah has programs to help them find their niche on campus. The following staff and programs are dedicated to promoting diversity and unity on campus.

The Office of Multicultural Programs

Under the leadership of the Associate Dean of Multicultural Programs & Special Assistant to the Provost for Diversity Affairs, the Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP) at Messiah College supports the institution’s overall mission of reconciliation  in church and society based on the life of Christ. They provide tangible ways for faculty, students and staff of every racial/ethnic background to constructively, thoughtfully, and compassionately address issues of reconciliation  and the establishment of a more welcoming and inclusive  campus culture for all people.

Apart from organizing the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Week, as well as all the ethnic heritage months, the OMP serves as a place of resource for students from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds, international students, missionary kids, and third culture kids. The Coordinator of Multicultural Programs serves an advisor for the Multicultural Council, The Net, as well as an advisor to the following student groups:

African Students Union

Designed to foster unity between fellow Africans on Messiah’s campus, the African Students Union was established to emphasize the fact that the African community at Messiah is one part of the ever-growing diversity on our campus.

For those who hold leadership positions in the organization, it becomes a chance to fine-tune their leadership skills, as well as giving them the chance to share their visions for Africa's future.

International Students Association/MuKappa

ISA/MuKappa aids international students and missionary kids in making cultural adjustments, and provides an on-going network of encouragement, fellowship, and understanding among its members. ISA/MuKappa also works at bringing world awareness to the college community and to the community outside of Messiah College.

La Alianza Latina (LAL)

LAL is an organization that supports students from Latin American descent and educates the campus concerning Latin American culture. Composed of students from all different backgrounds, LAL sponsors events like dinners, dances, and other opportunities for students to learn more about their own culture or explore a culture that is different from their own.

Asian Student Association

The Asian Student Association celebrates and explores the different Asian cultures that exist on campus. Trips to various churches, neighborhoods, and restaurants are some of the activities that the organization sponsors. The Chinese New Year's celebration is one of the highlights of the year and brings new life to the Messiah community.

National Christian Multicultural Student Leadership Conference

Launched by Messiah's director for multicultural programs in the early 1990s, this annual conference gives leadership training to students, advisors, and anyone concerned about multicultural issues on their campus. Hosted by different Christian colleges, this conference brings together people from different backgrounds for a time of sharing, interaction, growth, and fellowship.