President's Cabinet

Todd Allen, Ph.D., joined the President’s Cabinet in 2017 as Vice President for Diversity Affairs. In this role, Dr. Allen directs the department of Multicultural and International Student Programs and provides focused attention to university-wide policies and practices that promote inclusive excellence through the pursuit of diversity across the university.

Allen received his B.A. in communication from Geneva College, an M.A. in rhetorical studies from the University of Akron, and a Ph.D. in rhetorical studies from Duquesne University.

As Chief of Staff/Executive Vice President (COS/EVP), Amanda serves as a senior executive partner to the president and plays a central role in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the University. In a season when the President will devote significant time to external engagement and fundraising, the COS/EVP ensures continuity and coordination of leadership on campus. The COS/EVP monitors institutional priorities, oversees strategic initiatives, and keeps the president fully informed of campus developments, opportunities and risks. In this role, Amanda oversees the Division of Operations, which includes the departments/offices of: Grounds, Campus Building Services, Dining Services, Compliance, Facilities, Safety, and Human Resources. She also co-chairs Messiah’s Crisis Management Team and facilitates the University’s risk management efforts.

Carla Gross oversees the Division of Communications and External Relations, providing strategic leadership for Messiah’s Offices of Marketing and Communications, Conference and Event Services, and Messiah Press. Since joining Messiah in 1996, she has served in a variety of leadership roles advancing the university’s brand, visibility and reputation, with experience in marketing communications, public relations, crisis communications, strategic planning, executive communication and issues and change management. She also serves as chief communications officer to the president, chair of Messiah’s Commencement Committee, and co-chair of the university’s Crisis Management Team.

She holds a Master of Science in public relations from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications and a Bachelor of Arts from The Pennsylvania State University School of Communications.

Laura Miller oversees the Division of Finance and Technology, including the offices of Budget and Accounting, Institutional Research, Procurement Services, Treasury and Investments, and Information Technology Services. Since joining Messiah in 2009, she has served in a variety of leadership roles supporting the University's financial, strategic and technology operations. Her experience includes long-range financial planning, budget development, enrollment and net tuition revenue forecasting, institutional research, and technology leadership. She has partnered closely with university leadership to support resource allocation, accreditation efforts, strategic planning, and data-informed decision-making.

She earned a Master of Science degree from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Emerson B. Powery, Ph.D., joined the President’s Cabinet as interim provost in June 2026. In this role, Dr. Powery serves as the chief academic officer of the institution and is responsible for providing leadership for academic programs, faculty, cocurricular educators, student success and strategic initiatives while advancing academic excellence, innovation and the University’s mission.

Powery earned his Ph.D. from Duke University in Religion (Biblical Studies), an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his B.A. in biblical studies from Lee University. Prior to this appointment, he served as Messiah’s dean of the School of Arts, Culture and Society. He has served in various other leadership roles at the University, arriving at Messiah in 2008 as a faculty member in the Department of Biblical, Religious and Philosophical Studies, and has published widely in biblical studies and cultural hermeneutics.

Sarah Wade serves as Vice President for Enrollment Management, providing strategic oversight for Undergraduate and Graduate Enrollment, Enrollment Technology and Communications, Financial Aid, and Student Financial Services. Sarah brings both institutional knowledge and outside industry perspective to her work. A 1999 graduate of Messiah College, she began her career as an admissions counselor at Messiah before leaving in 2005 to serve in enrollment leadership roles at other institutions. She returned to Messiah University in 2013 and rose to Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management. She was named to President’s Cabinet as Vice President of Enrollment Management in 2025.

Doug joined the President's Cabinet as Vice Provost for Student Success and Engagement and Dean of Students in March 2026. In this role, Doug serves as the University's chief student affairs officer, providing leadership for the Student Success and Engagement Division, including Residence Life and Housing, Student Success, Student Engagement, First-Year Experience, Career and Professional Development, Campus Ministries, student health and counseling (The Engle Center), the Agapé Center for Local and Global Engagement, the NEXT Steps program, student conduct, and related student support services. He works collaboratively with colleagues across the University to cultivate transformative learning and developmental experiences that prepare students for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation.

Doug has served in higher education for more than 35 years. Since joining Messiah in 1997, he has held a variety of student-focused leadership roles, culminating in his appointment as Vice Provost for Student Success and Engagement and Dean of Students. Earlier in his career, he served at Malone College and Houghton College. Doug earned a B.A. in communication from Houghton College and an M.S.Ed. in higher education from Alfred University.