“Education has been a passion of mine from the moment I got my first taste of school as a kindergartner in Long Island, N.Y. Now, as president of Messiah, my desire to see young men and women be transformed by their educational experiences has found a perfect home.”
--Dr. Kim Phipps
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Kim Phipps, President of Messiah College, recipient of Credo’s fourth annual Courageous Leadership Award.
“We could not think of a more deserving recipient for this award than President Kim Phipps. Kim is such an engaged educator and leader, who has given so much to her students and to higher education,” said Tom Gavic, President /CoFounder of Credo.
Presented each year during the Council for Independent Colleges (CIC) Presidents Institute, the Courageous Leadership Award is given by Credo to recognize an innovative leader in independent higher education. Recipients demonstrate one--or many--of the following achievements as a part of their institutional leadership*:
- Institutional growth across one or more key indicators: enrollment, fundraising, retention.
- A proven track record of fostering collaborative relationships among individuals and teams within his or her institution.
- Acknowledgement by peers and/or within the field of higher education as an advocate and champion of private higher education.
- Articulation and execution of a clear vision for the future of his or her institution.
- Next-practice innovation in operations, academics, net revenue, strategic planning, student success, or other critical areas.
- Strategic, game-changing planning for and investments in campus spaces and places.
President Phipps has achieved audacious milestones in each of these categories. Beginning her presidency at Messiah College in 2004, Dr. Phipps was known and respected on campus from her previous roles as interim president, provost, and academic dean. As a research educator, Dr. Phipps is author of multiple publications about the climate of higher education, and she speaks at national conferences about developing campus climates hospitable to thriving, innovative education.
At Credo’s dinner at the CIC Presidents Institute, President David King of Malone University spoke to the impact Dr. Phipps has had on leadership across the country in higher education as a mentor to both students and professionals, sharing stories of students who remembered and lifted up Dr. Phipps’ role in their own successes many years later
According to Dr. Phipps, “Teaching is simply in my blood. Now, as president of Messiah, it is my privilege to lead an institution that provides transformational education for its students.”
In her tenure as President, Dr. Phipps has come to be known as a tireless advocate for academic excellence and a champion of holistic learning. The College has grown under her leadership, introducing graduate programming, redefining the First-Year Experience, increasing student retention, building a new center for Worship and Performing arts, and raising $50.5 million for student enrichment through new facilities, academic programming, and financial aid.
Dr. Phipps’ reach of influence roots deeply throughout the campus of Messiah, and branches out across Central Pennsylvania. The impact of her successful mission to make Messiah a socially conscious institution is recognized and celebrated by her community. Dr. Phipps has been recognized by numerous local civil and cultural organizations. She was voted one of the region’s “25 Most Influential Women” by the Central Penn Business Journal in 2010, and was recipient of the Athena Award from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber/CREDC for her demonstration of excellent in her profession and commitment to mentoring women leaders.
Dr. Phipps, on behalf of the entire Credo team, thank you for all you do to positively impact the lives of students, faculty, and staff at Messiah College.
To find out more about Dr. Phipps, including her background, experience, and professional accomplishments, please visit her official Messiah College bio.
*To be considered for the Credo Courageous Leadership Award, a leader need not be a current or past Credo client.