Kim S. Phipps, Ph.D., was inaugurated as the eighth president of Messiah University on Oct. 14, 2005. In June 2024, Dr. Phipps publicly announced her plans to retire from the presidency at the end of June 2025.
This website shares an overview of Kim Phipps’ 20-year presidency and the significant contributions she has made to the Messiah community. Please enjoy these highlights, tributes, expressions of gratitude and reflections of President Phipps’ 20 years of transformational leadership at Messiah University.
A legacy of leadership
President Kim S. Phipps reflects on her time at Messiah and looks ahead to what the next chapter holds.
To support the next generation of Messiah students, learn more about the Phipps Family Scholarship.
A Messiah University Timeline
July – December 2004
Kim Phipps serves as interim president
Kim Phipps serves as interim president of Messiah College following the retirement of President Rodney Sawatsky
2004
Created and Called for Community
Launch of the new first-year core curriculum and co-curriculum that is holistic, student-centered and focused on the College’s mission and identity — including introducing the core course “Created and Called for Community” and a first-year common reading experience
December 14, 2004
The Board of Trustees names Kim S. Phipps
The Board of Trustees names Kim S. Phipps as the 8th president of Messiah College
October 14, 2005
Inauguration of President Phipps
Messiah celebrates the inauguration of President Phipps with a weeklong schedule of special events for students, employees, alumni, community members and friends — culminating with the inauguration ceremony and festivities.
2005
Athletics History
Messiah makes athletics history by becoming the first NCAA Division III soccer program to win the men's and women's championships in the same year.
2005
$50.5 million raised
Completion of the To Serve and To Lead Campaign ($50.5 million) — Messiah's largest campaign to date — including the construction of Boyer Hall, Larsen Student Union, and the expansion of Climenhaga Fine Arts Building.
2006
National Endowment for the Humanities
The Center for Public Humanities receives a competitive $200,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
2008
Online course offerings
Launch of Messiah's first online undergraduate courses (Messiah Summer Online) with 18 courses enrolling 222 students.
2008
Compassion Forum
Messiah hosts the Compassion Forum, a nationally televised, unprecedented conversation with presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, on the integration of faith and public policy.
2009
First graduate program launches
Messiah launches its first graduate program — an online Master of Arts in counseling
2010
See anew campaign
Messiah launches its “see anew” brand campaign.
2011
Diversity Strategic Plan launches
Messiah establishes the Office of Diversity Affairs and launches its first campus wide Diversity Strategic Plan.
2012
50 years of NCAA athletics
Messiah celebrates 50 years of NCAA intercollegiate athletics.
2013
Centennial Campaign
Completion of the $46.2 million Centennial Campaign— culminating in the opening of the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts
2014
American Degree Transfer Program
Messiah and the Methodist College of Kuala Lumpur partner to launch an American Degree Transfer Program, with Messiah as their Christian college anchor.
2015
Messiah launches first doctoral degree
Launch of Messiah’s first doctoral degree, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
2016
Winding Hill facility opens
Messiah opens its Winding Hill facility to house its new Master of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs.
2017
Falcon Fitness Center opens
Completion of the $6.5 million Campaign for Wellness — resulting in the opening of the Falcon Fitness Center and renovations to Sollenberger Sports Center (including Jordan Court, Sawyer Gymnasium and Fredricksen Natatorium)
2017
Finance Lab opens
Opening of the Ralph S. Larsen Finance Lab
2020
COVID-19 pandemic response
Messiah begins its two-year response to the COVID-19 pandemic; keeping students and employees safe, remaining open for an in-person, on-campus educational experience — and providing online learning options for those who need it.
2020
First accelerated degree program
Launch of Messiah’s first accelerated degree program (Master of Occupational Therapy 5-year program)
July 1, 2020
Messiah University
Messiah College officially becomes Messiah University
2020
Kim S. Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center opens
Opening of the Kim S. Phipps Admissions and Welcome Center
2022
Cyber Center opens
Opening of the Messiah University Cyber Center
2023
Bridge Center opens
Creation of the Office of University Partnerships and the Bridge Center for Continuing Education
2023
Completion of The Campaign for Messiah University
Completion of The Campaign for Messiah University: Learning for Life, Transforming the World ($83.4 million) — the largest campaign in the university’s history
2023
Engle Center for Counseling and Health Services
Completed expansion and renovation of the Engle Center for Counseling and Health Services
2024
Warmer Welcome Campaign Phase I
Completion of Phase I of a Warmer Welcome Campaign (Sawyer Pavilion and Witmer Family Lacrosse Stadium)
2024
President Phipps retirement announcement
President Phipps announces her plans to retire at the end of June 2025
Through the lens: A presidential journey
Take a look back at the Phipps presidency in photos.
Best Wishes, President Phipps!
Messages of thanks and well wishes for Kim S. Phipps