Dorothy Gish '55
Messiah University mourns the loss of Dorothy Gish, academic dean emeritus, who passed away in November 2022. After graduating from Messiah Junior College in 1955, she returned in 1972 after 17 years of teaching and serving internationally and earning her Ph.D. from Penn State University. Something of a legend at Messiah and known for her trademark hats, Gish served in many roles, including as chair of what was then known as the Department of Home Economics; acting dean of students; assistant dean for faculty growth and development; and academic dean. Her achievements as dean include adding 20 new faculty members and increasing gender, ethnic and age diversity. She also launched various new programs, including the Early Childhood Education Lab School. She retired in 1998 and was honored with the title academic dean emeritus by the Board of Trustees in recognition of her meritorious service to her alma mater. In retirement, she remained as active as ever, working for the Brethren in Christ, including serving as dean of equipping for ministry and serving on numerous boards. Throughout her esteemed educational career, she conducted research and presented her findings in a host of international settings.
“Dr. Dorothy J. Gish was an inspiration!” said Raeann Hamon ’83, who followed in Gish’s footsteps and is current chair of the Department of Human Development and Family Science. “As an undergraduate and then later as a young faculty member at Messiah, Dorothy served as an important role model and mentor for women on campus, including me. She truly shattered the glass ceiling at Messiah, serving as our first female academic dean, teaching us a great deal about effective women in leadership. Even in her later years, Dorothy maintained her commitment to empowering women in their pursuit of leadership and was thrilled when our department initiated the Dr. Dorothy J. Gish Women in Leadership Award endowment. I’m so delighted that Dorothy’s influence and passion for leadership will live on.”
President Kim S. Phipps, who was named Gish’s successor as academic dean in 1998, said at the memorial service, “Dorothy was an exemplary administrator, educator and lifelong learner. She believed in the transformative power of education to improve and enrich the lives of others. Dorothy was a selfless servant. She fulfilled whatever role was needed, whenever it was needed and she did it with competence and grace. Dorothy was a gracious, embracing Christian who understood the gospel’s clarion call for reconciliation. She worked tirelessly to recruit and retain a more diverse faculty and to improve the experiences of multicultural students on our campus. At Messiah University, we continue that journey toward reconciliation today. Dorothy made a significant difference in the life of Messiah faculty and staff and the lives of the students who attended during her 26-year career at the University. For the gift of her life and for every good work and every moment of joy she brought to our community, we thank her and we thank God.”