View source for Messiah University

{{Short description|Private university near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, US}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2025}}
{{use mdy dates |date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox university
 |name              = Messiah University
 |former_names      = Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home (1909–1921)<br />Messiah Bible School (1921–1951)<br />Messiah College (1951–2020)<ref>{{cite web |title=A brief Messiah University history |url=https://www.messiah.edu/info/20013/our_history |website=messiah.edu |publisher=Messiah University |access-date=25 September 2023}}</ref>
 |native_name       =
 |image             = Messiah univ seal.png
 |image_size        = 150
 |caption           =  
 |latin_name        =
 |motto             = Christ Preeminent
 |mottoeng          =
 |established       = {{start date and age|1909}}
 |closed            =
 |type              = [[Private university]]
 |religious_affiliation       = Founded by [[Brethren in Christ Church]]; currently [[Interdenominationalism|interdenominational]]
 |endowment         = $132.3 million (2024)
 |rector            = 
 |officer_in_charge =
 |chairman          =
 |chancellor        =
 |president         = Kim Phipps
 |vice-president    = 
 |superintendent    = 
 |provost           = Christine J. Gardner
 |vice_chancellor   = 
 |principal         = 
 |dean              = 
 |director          =
 |head_label        =
 |head              =
 |faculty           = 173 full-time
 |staff             =
 |students          = 
 |undergrad         = 2,495
 |postgrad          = 736
 |doctoral          =
 |other             =
 |city              = near [[Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania]]
 |country           = U.S.
 |coor              = {{Coord|40.1553|-76.9933|display=inline,title}}
 |campus            = Suburban/rural
 |free_label        =
 |free              =
 |sports            = 
 |colors            = {{color box|navy}}{{color box|white}} Navy & white
 |colours           =
 |sports_nickname = [[Messiah Falcons|Falcons]]
 |mascot            = Flex the Falcon
 |athletics_affiliations = [[NCAA Division III]], the [[Middle Atlantic Conferences]]
 |academic_affiliations      = [[Christian College Consortium]], [[Council for Christian Colleges and Universities]]
| website           = {{URL|https://www.messiah.edu/|messiah.edu}}
| footnotes         =
| publictransit     =
| logo              = Messiah univ textlogo.png
| logo_size         = 200
}}

'''Messiah University''' is a [[Private university|private]] [[Interdenominationalism|interdenominational]] [[Evangelicalism|evangelical Christian]] university in [[Upper Allen Township, Pennsylvania]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/DC20BLK/st42_pa/place/p4248868_messiah_college/DC20BLK_P4248868.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Messiah College CDP, PA|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=2024-09-09}}</ref> near [[Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania|Mechanicsburg]].

==History==
The school was founded as "Messiah Bible School and Missionary Training Home" in 1909 by the [[Brethren in Christ Church]].<ref>Sider, E. Morris. ''Messiah College: A History.'' Evangel Press (Nappanee, IN: 1984).</ref> Originally located in [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]], in the home of Messiah's first president, [[Samuel Rogers Smith|Samuel Rogers (S.R.) Smith]], a local businessman and leader in the Brethren in Christ Church, the school was moved to [[Grantham, Pennsylvania|Grantham]] in 1911, following the construction of the campus' first building, Old Main. (The university now uses a Mechanicsburg mailing address, but its main campus is still located in Grantham.) The building was constructed on land donated by S.R. Smith, who had moved his home and various business interests outside of the city to allow for growth in the farmlands surrounding Grantham. In the early years, the school offered a high school curriculum and several Bible programs. By 1921, it had also become a junior college, making it the second junior college in Pennsylvania, and changed its name to "Messiah Bible School".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.messiah.edu/centennial/history/index.html |title=Messiah College: Centennial Celebration |publisher=Messiah.edu |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref> The campus covers 375 acres.

By the 1950s, the school offered four-year college programs and accordingly in 1951 it changed its name to "Messiah College".<ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 448</ref>  Messiah discontinued its high school program in 1959 and added liberal arts programs during this period.  It was accredited as a four-year college in 1963, and continued to expand its liberal arts programs.

In 1964, Messiah College took over the operations of "Upland College" in [[Upland, California]], a Brethren in Christ Church college that had been operating since the 1920s.  The Upland campus was closed and all operations were consolidated to Pennsylvania. Four years later, Messiah College opened its Philadelphia Campus in a partnership with [[Temple University]]. This campus closed at the end of the Spring 2014 semester.<ref>[https://www.messiah.edu/departments/communication/documents/ImportantPhillyTransitionAnnouncement-webdocument.pdf "Important Philly Transition Announcement"]. Messiah.edu. Retrieved December 16, 2017.</ref>

[[file:Messiahcollegebridge2.jpg|thumb|left|Historic [[covered bridge]] on Messiah University campus]]
In 2002, Messiah College's Harrisburg Institute was founded in [[Downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|downtown Harrisburg]]. Its purpose was to serve as an academic and research center and connect students with the unique needs of an urban environment. The institute also provided housing for up to 25 students.<ref>{{cite web |author=Messiah College |url=http://www.messiah.edu/offices/residence_life/housing_options/hrbg_institute/index.html |title=Residence Life at Messiah College &#124; Messiah, a private Christian College in PA |publisher=Messiah.edu |date=2015-08-27 |access-date=2016-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124075241/http://www.messiah.edu/offices/residence_life/housing_options/hrbg_institute/index.html |archive-date=2014-01-24 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Following the [[2006 dismissal of U.S. attorneys|US Justice Department Scandal]] involving alumna [[Monica Goodling]] in 2007, several members of the media ridiculed Messiah College. [[Jon Stewart]] on ''[[The Daily Show]]'' referred to Messiah as a school "where people have faith that they'll receive a quality education, and yet somehow it never arrives,"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-july-30-2008/illegally-blonde|title=The Daily Show with Trevor Noah|access-date=9 September 2016}}</ref> and "that everyone in the God business knows (Messiah) is a 'savior school'."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-may-24-2007/as-goodling-as-it-gets|title=The Daily Show with Trevor Noah|access-date=9 September 2016}}</ref> [[Bill Maher]] also mocked Messiah, calling it "the home of the Fighting Christies."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/monica-goodling |title=Quotes About Monica Goodling (1 quote) |publisher=Goodreads.com |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref>

Even though it is no longer owned by the Brethren in Christ Church, Messiah continues to be influenced by its traditions, primarily in the [[Anabaptist]], but also the [[Radical Pietist]] and Wesleyan [[holiness movement]]s.<ref name="Shantz2013">{{cite book |last1=Shantz |first1=Douglas H. |title=An Introduction to German Pietism: Protestant Renewal at the Dawn of Modern Europe |date=2013 |publisher=JHU Press |isbn=9781421408804 |language=en}}</ref> Today, it is a nondenominational Christian college, with a faith base that is broadly evangelical and includes students and employees from a variety of denominations and Christian faith traditions.<ref name="messiah.edu">{{cite web |work=messiah.de |url=http://www.messiah.edu/about/glance/at_a_glance.pdf |title=Messiah College: Distinctives 2010-2011 |access-date=2011-08-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814120654/http://www.messiah.edu/about/glance/at_a_glance.pdf |archive-date=2011-08-14 }}</ref>

In July 2020, Messiah College became Messiah University.<ref>{{cite web |first=Steve |last=Marroni |url=https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/messiah-college-receives-university-status-changing-name-to-messiah-university.html |title=Messiah College receives university status, changing name to Messiah University |work=pennlive.com |date=July 1, 2020 }}</ref>

[[File:Messiah College - Fall 2016.jpg|thumb|Photo of the Messiah University campus taken from above Kline Hall in the Fall of 2016]]

===2008 Compassion Forum===
The [[Compassion Forum]] was a question-and-answer session hosted by Messiah in which CNN commentators [[Jon Meacham]] and [[Campbell Brown (journalist)|Campbell Brown]] as well as select members of the audience posed questions about Faith and Politics to Democratic political candidates [[Hillary Clinton]] and [[Barack Obama]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0804/13/se.01.html | work=CNN | title=CNN.com - Transcripts}}</ref> The forum took place on April 13, 2008, and was given live national coverage by [[CNN]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.messiah.edu/compassion_forum/|title=The Compassion Forum at Messiah College|access-date=9 September 2016}}</ref> The event was organized by the religious organization [[Faith in Public Life]]. [[John McCain]] was invited to participate in the event but declined the invitation, citing a schedule conflict.{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}

==Academics==
Messiah University offers more than 150 undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations, teaching certificates and pre-professional advising options <ref>{{cite web|author=Messiah College |url=http://www.messiah.edu/academics/majors/index.html |title=Majors, minors, and programs &#124; Messiah College |publisher=Messiah.edu |date=2015-08-27 |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref> in two schools: the School of Arts, Culture and Society; and the School of Science, Engineering and Health. In addition to major requirements, there is a general education curriculum, required for all students. [[General education requirements]] include but are not limited to one or more classes in theology, philosophy, literature, social sciences, art, world views, and physical education. Students are also required to take first year and senior seminars.

Messiah University awards Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in the liberal and applied arts and sciences. Specialized programs include extensive off-campus study, individualized majors, independent study, service-learning, internships, allied health programs in partnership with other institutions<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.messiah.edu/academics/three_plus/ |title=3+ Allied Programs &#124; Messiah College &#124; Grantham PA |access-date=2011-08-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814115632/http://www.messiah.edu/academics/three_plus/ |archive-date=2011-08-14 }}</ref> and a College Honors Program.<ref name="messiah.edu"/> Some majors allow students to graduate one or two semesters early, depending on their particular field of study.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.messiah.edu/admissions/three_years/ |title=Three Ways to Three Years @ Messiah College |access-date=2011-08-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829010018/http://www.messiah.edu/admissions/three_years/ |archive-date=2011-08-29 }}</ref>

In 2009, Messiah University launched its first graduate programs, and currently offers master's programs. It also offers certificate programs along with an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.messiah.edu/academics/graduate_studies/ |title=Messiah College: Graduate Programs |access-date=2011-08-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824113336/http://www.messiah.edu/academics/graduate_studies/ |archive-date=2011-08-24 }}</ref>

Messiah University students have earned academic honors and fellowships such as [[Rhodes Scholarship|Rhodes]], [[Fulbright Program|Fulbright]], [[Carnegie Scholar|Carnegie]], [[Truman Scholar|Truman]] and [[Boren Scholar|Boren]] scholarships.<ref>{{cite web|author=Messiah College |url=http://www.messiah.edu/info/21079/national_scholarship_competitions |title=National Scholarship Competition &#124; Messiah, a private Christian College in PA |publisher=Messiah.edu |date=2015-08-27 |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref> Joy Yu-Ho Wang became Messiah University's first Rhodes Scholar in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/1997-12-08/news/25554623_1_messiah-college-rhodes-scholarship-trust-women-travelers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122224523/http://articles.philly.com/1997-12-08/news/25554623_1_messiah-college-rhodes-scholarship-trust-women-travelers |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 22, 2014 |title=2 Main Line Residents Are Rhodes Scholars Joy Yu-ho Wang And Julie Levison Are Among 32 Americans Who Will Attend Oxford University. - philly-archives |publisher=Articles.philly.com |date=2013-11-26 |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref>

Messiah University's academic year is divided into Fall and Spring Terms. The January Term, or J-Term, was a three-and-a-half-week period where students could choose to take one course intensively, participate in a cross cultural study program or simply stay home for an extended vacation. J-Term was discontinued in 2021.

The university is accredited by the [[Middle States Commission on Higher Education]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Info724 Ltd. |url=https://www.msche.org/institutions_view.asp?idinstitution=295 |title=Middle States Commission on Higher Education |publisher=Msche.org |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref> Academic programs in engineering, dietetics, nursing, athletic training, music, social work, education, theater, business, art and design, counseling and occupational therapy are each accredited by professional associations.

===International programs===
In 2015, the institution was ranked 25th among all undergraduate institutions in the country that send students to study abroad by the Institute for International Education's Open Doors Report. In 2014–2015, more than 500 Messiah students earned academic credit by studying abroad in more than 40 different countries.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |author=Messiah College |url=http://www.messiah.edu/info/20018/messiah_distinctives |title=Messiah distinctives &#124; Messiah, a private Christian University in PA |publisher=Messiah.edu |date=2015-08-27 |access-date=2016-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902092612/http://www.messiah.edu/info/20018/messiah_distinctives |archive-date=2016-09-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:High-center.jpg|thumb|The Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts is a {{convert|92,000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} facility with classroom, office and rehearsal space for the School of the Arts. The centerpiece of the building is Parmer Hall, a performance hall complete with a choir loft and pipe organ. Also within the center is the High Foundation Recital Hall.]]

Cross-cultural courses are offered during May term. These trips are led by faculty members, and students earn credits by participating in an intense three-week study of a particular geographic region or culture. Messiah University students can also participate in the International Business Institute (IBI),<ref>{{cite web|author=Messiah College |url=https://www.messiah.edu/departments/business/ibi/ |title=Department of Business &#124; Messiah College |publisher=Messiah.edu |date=2015-08-27 |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref> an overseas program in international economics and business designed to give students an opportunity to integrate academic study with international field experience. Students who travel with IBI during the summer visit corporate headquarters, manufacturing plants, and government and international agencies across Europe and Asia. Students can also work in a variety of fields through an international internship.<ref>{{cite web|author=Messiah College |url=http://www.messiah.edu/info/20698/off-campus_programs |title=Off-Campus Programs &#124; Messiah, a private Christian College in PA |publisher=Messiah.edu |date=2015-08-27 |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref>

==Spiritual life==

===Community Covenant===
Students at Messiah University are required to sign a Community Covenant<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.messiah.edu/offices/student_affairs/documents/CommunityCovenant.pdf |website=messiah.edu |title=Community Covenant: All of Life Under the Lordship of Christ |access-date=2014-04-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930102553/http://www.messiah.edu/offices/student_affairs/documents/CommunityCovenant.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-30 }}</ref> upon entering. The document states that every person is created in the image of God, and that there are certain responsibilities of living in community that must also be assumed in relation to God, others, and his creation.

The Community Covenant affirms belief in God and the Bible. The Covenant requires commitment to academic integrity, responsible decision making in light of Christian values, and balancing personal freedom with concern for others. The Covenant bans both on- and off-campus the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco as well as gambling, profanity, "occult practices," sexual intercourse outside of marriage, and "same-sex sexual expression." It also prescribes the avoidance of drunkenness, stealing, and dishonesty. The covenant also prohibits certain attitudes, such as greed, lust, and jealousy, but allows that these attributes are typically expressed less outwardly.

====LGBT prohibition====
Messiah's student handbook prohibits "same-sex sexual expression" including identifying as a couple or expressing physical intimacy, although heterosexual couples are specifically allowed to do these things by the handbook. Unlike many religious schools with a similar policy, Messiah has never requested a [[Title IX]] exemption for permission to discriminate against LGBT students.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoopes |first=Zach |date=August 17, 2021 |title=Title IX complaints said to be filed against schools including Messiah University as part of religious exemption suit |url=https://cumberlink.com/news/local/title-ix-complaints-said-to-be-filed-against-schools-including-messiah-university-as-part-of/article_1d06d812-e5f4-53bc-859d-cedbad797f1f.html |work=[[The Sentinel (Pennsylvania)|The Sentinel]] |location=Carlisle, Pennsylvania |access-date=August 26, 2021}}</ref>

The university's stance on homosexuality, as stated in the Community Covenant, has been a source of contention and controversy amongst the student body, administration, and alumni. A number of articles have been published concerning the issue in the university's student newspaper, the ''Swinging Bridge'', as well as in local media.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/08/gay_at_messiah.html |title=Blurred Lines: Staying vague on gay penalties impacts Messiah student community |date=27 August 2013 |publisher=PennLive.com |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref>

An alumni group, Inclusive Alumni, was formed in support of Isaiah Thomas and aimed at changing the institution's policy. Isaiah Thomas was a student who decided to transfer out of Messiah in May 2011, after claims of harassment by students and also a professor. He also claims he received a death threat via Facebook. He claims that the institution said that they followed up on his claims but refused to change the policy.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Ivey |last=DeJesus |url=http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2011-05/messiah-alumni-rally-around-gay-students |title=Messiah alumni group supports gay students |magazine=[[The Christian Century]] |date=2011-05-24 |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref>

===Chapel===
Undergraduate students at Messiah University are required to attend 14 chapel services each semester.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.messiah.edu/ministries/Chapel/ |title=Messiah College: College Ministries |access-date=2014-04-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010084634/http://www.messiah.edu/ministries/Chapel/ |archive-date=2013-10-10 }}</ref>

In addition to chapel services, Messiah University provides discipleship groups, ministry outreach teams, community service, mission trips and other special programs such as "Powerhouse," a weekly student-led contemporary worship service.{{citation needed|date=May 2018}}

==Student activities==
Students at Messiah University can spend their free time playing in [[intramural sports|intramural sports leagues]], participating in various clubs, watching on-campus [[movie]]s, and hanging out at local [[diner]]s, among other things.  Underclassmen also participate in floor activities organized by their RAs. The [[Student Government Association]] funds 60+ organizations on campus that aim at providing for a co-curricular atmosphere conducive to a [[holistic education]] and enjoyable experience while enrolled at Messiah. The SGA also provides students with unique access towards influencing governance and overall institutional prerogatives.

Messiah University's Student Activities Board (SAB) is an executive organization that attempts to help students engage with [[popular culture]] by bringing different [[concert]]s, [[film]]s, and other forms of [[entertainment]] to campus.  In recent years, Messiah University has, through SAB, hosted such musicians and bands as [[Bob Dylan]], [[Counting Crows]], [[Katy Perry]], [[Chiddy Bang]], [[Fun.]], [[Jack's Mannequin]], [[Ingrid Michaelson]], [[Mat Kearney]], [[Owl City]], [[Brand New (band)|Brand New]], [[Guster]], [[Janelle Monáe]], [[Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band]], [[Anberlin]], [[Nickel Creek]], [[White Rabbits (band)|White Rabbits]], [[The Decemberists]], [[Regina Spektor]], [[Iron & Wine]], [[M. Ward]], [[The Low Anthem]], [[Mates of State]], [[Exit Clov]], [[Feist (singer)|Feist]], [[Wilco]], [[Rosie Thomas (singer-songwriter)|Rosie Thomas]], [[Copeland (band)|Copeland]], [[mewithoutYou]], [[Phantom Planet]], [[Erin McKeown]], [[Rilo Kiley]], [[4th Avenue Jones]], [[Lifehouse (band)|Lifehouse]], [[Jon Bellion]], [[Johnnyswim]], [[Jason Mraz]], [[Josh Ritter]], Magic, [[Twenty One Pilots|21 Pilots]], [[Colony House (band)|Colony House]], [[Smallpools]], NF, [[Lecrae]], [[Ben Rector]], and [[Vérité|VERITE]], and  as well as Christian artists [[Needtobreathe]], [[Andy Mineo]], [[Relient K]], [[Jeff Deyo]], [[August Burns Red]], [[Jars of Clay]], [[Cross Movement]], [[Matt Wertz]] and [[Out of Eden]], among others. They also plan dances, coffeehouses, cultural engagement and other special activities (like outings, Broadway trips, and festivals) for students. SAB hosts a free concert series throughout the semester, held in the Larsen Student Union building. Local, [[Independent music|indie]] and up-and-coming bands and artists play throughout the school year. These concerts are free not only to students, but to the public as well.

==Traditions==
[[File:Covered bridge at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.jpg|thumb|right|Covered bridge over the Yellow Breeches Creek, where the "creeking" tradition occurs]]

* White-Out March during homecoming 
* Midnight Scream during Finals week<ref>{{cite web |author=Messiah College |url=http://www.messiah.edu/info/20721/traditions |title=Traditions &#124; Messiah, a private Christian College in PA |publisher=Messiah.edu |date=2015-08-27 |access-date=2016-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830095603/http://www.messiah.edu/info/20721/traditions |archive-date=2016-08-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
* Candlelight service for new students and their parents before the start of the Fall semester<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Messiah University Student Handbook |url=https://www.messiah.edu/download/downloads/id/528/student_handbook_complete.pdf |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=www.messiah.edu}}</ref> 
* "Creeking": This tradition started out as a way of congratulating male students who had recently gotten engaged.  The student would be taken to the nearby [[Yellow Breeches Creek]] by his friends and thrown in. It is also common for people to be "creeked" on their birthdays.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.messiah.edu/offices/publications/the_bridge/fall05/stream_bank/index.html |title=The Bridge - Yellow Breeches |access-date=2007-05-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927023422/http://www.messiah.edu/offices/publications/the_bridge/fall05/stream_bank/index.html |archive-date=2007-09-27 }}</ref> The tradition has been extended to the female population. 
* Pancake night in Lottie Nelson Dining Hall
* Service Day: In April, the University sponsors a day of service in which faculty, staff, administration, and students serve in campus and local community service projects.<ref name=":0" />
* Tubing in the Yellow Breeches Creek

==Demographics==
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'''Messiah College CDP''' is a [[census-designated place]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/2010census/|title = By Decade}}</ref> located in [[Upper Allen Township, Pennsylvania|Upper Allen Township]], [[Cumberland County, Pennsylvania|Cumberland County]], in the [[U.S. state|state]] of [[Pennsylvania]]. It is located near Grantham and consists of the campus of Messiah University. It was first listed as a CDP in 2010.<ref name=GNIS/> Per the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]], the population was 2,841.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Messiah College CDP, Pennsylvania|url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Messiah_College_CDP,_Pennsylvania?g=1600000US4248868|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=February 17, 2023}}</ref>

The school district covering the CDP is [[Mechanicsburg Area School District]]<!--UNI 15030-->.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st42_pa/schooldistrict_maps/c42041_cumberland/DC20SD_C42041.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Cumberland County, PA|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=2024-10-17}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st42_pa/schooldistrict_maps/c42041_cumberland/DC20SD_C42041_SD2MS.txt Text list]</ref>

{{US Census population
| 2010=2215
| 2020=2841
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|publisher=[[US Census Bureau]]|access-date=}}</ref><br> 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2/> 2020<ref name=2020CensusP2/>
}}

===2020 census===
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''Messiah College CDP, Pennsylvania - Demographic Profile'''<br> (''NH = Non-Hispanic'')<br><small>''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''</small>
!Race / Ethnicity
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Messiah College CDP, Pennsylvania |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4248868&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!Pop 2020<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Messiah College CDP, Pennsylvania|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4248868&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=[[United States Census Bureau]]}}</ref>
!% 2010
!% 2020
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|2,015
|1,962
|90.97%
|69.06%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|49
|168
|2.21%
|5.91%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|2
|1
|0.09%
|0.04%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|56
|355
|2.53%
|12.50%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|0
|0
|0.00%
|0.00%
|-
|Some Other Race alone (NH)
|2
|1
|0.09%
|0.04%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed Race/Multi-Racial]] (NH)
|27
|133
|1.22%
|4.68%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|64
|221
|2.89%
|7.78%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''2,215'''
|'''2,841'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|}

==Athletics==
[[File:Messiah univ athletics mark.png|thumb|left|Messiah athletics wordmark]]
The Messiah University Falcons compete in [[NCAA Division III]] athletics with 22 intercollegiate athletic teams. Messiah is a member of the [[Middle Atlantic Conferences]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gomacsports.com/ |title=Middle Atlantic Conference |publisher=Gomacsports.com |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref> The Messiah University mascot is the Falcon, which was given the name Fandango in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.messiah.edu/offices/publications/the_bridge/spring06/mascot/meet.html |title=Messiah College: The Bridge - Mascot |access-date=2008-07-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929092736/http://www.messiah.edu/offices/publications/the_bridge/spring06/mascot/meet.html |archive-date=2008-09-29 }}</ref> Through the Senior Class Gift from the Class of 2017, the mascot changed his look and was renamed to Flex. Their local rival is [[Elizabethtown College]].

Messiah's men's and women's [[soccer]] teams both won the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] Division III National Championship in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2012. The Falcons men's soccer team are eleven-time national champions, winning the [[NCAA Men's Division III Soccer Championship]] in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gomessiah.com/index.aspx?path=msoc&tab=soccer |title=Messiah College Athletics |publisher=GoMessiah.com |access-date=2017-12-04}}</ref>  Messiah's women's soccer team has won the [[NCAA Division III Women's Soccer Championship]] in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gomessiah.com/index.aspx?path=wsoc&tab=_soccer |title=Messiah College Athletics |publisher=GoMessiah.com |access-date=2019-12-09}}</ref>  Messiah University is the only college in the NCAA to win both the men's and women's soccer national championship in the same year, and they have achieved that distinction four times (in 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2012). The men's and women's track & field teams have won 11 individual NCAA Division III National Championships. In 2010, Messiah was ranked by [[U.S. News & World Report]] as the third best school in the nation for soccer fans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/education/slideshows/9-of-the-best-colleges-for-soccer-fans |title=9 Top Colleges for Soccer Fans &#124; Education |publisher=US News |date=2010-06-21 |access-date=2016-09-08}}</ref>

The women's [[softball]] team won their first NCAA Division III [[Women's College World Series|national championship]] in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Messiah College Athletics |url=http://www.gomessiah.com/index.aspx?path=softball&tab=softball |access-date=2016-09-08 |publisher=GoMessiah.com}}</ref>

The women's [[field hockey]] team won their first NCAA Division III National Championship in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uaasports.info/sports/wsoc/2016-17/releases/wuncaatitle|title=WOMEN'S SOCCER NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! Washington University Outlasts Messiah in Penalty Kicks|date=3 December 2016|website=UAA}}</ref>

The men's wrestling team has won five individual NCAA Division III National Championships. The team finished as the national runner-up in 2016.

In 2017 Tim Moses became the first-ever NCAA Division III men's pole vaulter to earn All-American honors in every indoor and outdoor season (eight total).

==Notable people==
{{unreferenced section|date=July 2019}}

===Alumni===
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Vanessa Alfano]] (1999), founder of healthystyleny.com and former American weather anchor for WWOR-TV in New York City
*[[Jonathan Bean (illustrator)|Jonathan Bean]] (2003), author and illustrator of children's books
*[[Ernest L. Boyer|Ernest Boyer]] (did not graduate; transferred out), Chancellor of the [[State University of New York]], [[United States Commissioner of Education|U.S. Commissioner of Education]], and President of the [[Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching]]
*[[Chris Boyles]] (2002), [[decathlete]]
*[[Dave Brandt]] (1985), professional soccer coach
*[[Lynn H. Cohick]] (1984), New Testament scholar and provost at [[Northern Seminary]]
*[[Ray Crist]] (1916), [[chemist]] who participated in the [[Manhattan Project]]
*[[Brian Duffield]] (2008), filmmaker 
*[[Peter Enns]] (1982), Biblical scholar, theologian, and writer
*[[Monica Goodling]] (1995), U.S. government lawyer and [[George W. Bush administration]] political appointee
*[[Peter Greer]] (1997), anti-poverty advocate, author, and president and CEO of [[Hope International (Christian microfinance)]]
*[[Chris Heisey]] (attended 2003–2006, did not graduate), [[Major League Baseball]] player
*[[Derreck Kayongo]] (1995), CEO of the [[National Center for Civil and Human Rights]]
*[[Levi Landis]] (2003), curator, musician, festival producer, and CEO of [[GoggleWorks|GoggleWorks Center for the Arts]]. 
*[[Brian Sell]] (did not graduate; transferred out), [[long-distance running|long-distance runner]]
*[[Jay Smith (Christian apologist)|Jay Smith]], Christian apologist
*[[David J. Steinberg]] (1986), late actor
*[[Gregory Alan Thornbury]] (1993), president of [[The King's College (New York)|The King's College]]
*[[Steve Thurston]] (1998), journalist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Integrity Ministries (Integridad Network, Inc.)

===Faculty===
* [[Robin Collins]], American philosopher
* [[Douglas Jacobsen]], religious studies scholar and author, professor emeritus
* [[Donald Kraybill]], former Provost of Messiah College and former professor at Elizabethtown College
* [[Ron Sider]], theologian and social activist, professor emeritus
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons cat}}
* {{oweb}}
* [https://gomessiah.com/ Athletics website]

{{Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania}}
{{Christian College Consortium}}
{{CCCU}}
{{Middle Atlantic Conferences navbox}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Messiah University| ]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges established in 1909]]
[[Category:Universities and colleges in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:1909 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Evangelicalism in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Council for Christian Colleges and Universities]]
[[Category:Private universities and colleges in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Evangelical universities and colleges in the United States]]