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Messiah University President Kim S. Phipps recognized by Governor Shapiro as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania, Class of 2023

Kim S. Phipps, Ph.D., president of Messiah University, was inducted as one of 10 new members into the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania, Class of 2023. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and his wife, First Lady Lori Shapiro, recognized the new inductees during a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg on Oct. 11, 2023.

ºÚÁÏÍø the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania

Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania was organized in 1949 to honor women who had given distinguished service through their careers to their communities, the commonwealth and the nation. In the 75 years since then, a total of 555 extraordinary women of Pennsylvania have been recognized for their professional and volunteer accomplishments.

“For 75 years, the Distinguished Daughters have recognized the achievements of Pennsylvania women – leaders who make a difference in our communities every day,” said Governor Shapiro. “This new class of inductees builds upon that long tradition, and Lori and I are pleased to welcome an incredible group of women – leaders in public service, health care, business and education – into the ranks of Pennsylvania’s Distinguished Daughters. Your hard work showcases what we can accomplish for the good people of Pennsylvania when we all come together.”

ºÚÁÏÍø President Kim Phipps

In December 2004, Dr. Phipps, an advocate for academic excellence, holistic student learning, and community engagement, was named the eighth president of Messiah University. Her tenure at Messiah has been marked by implementing a School of Graduate and Professional Studies, the successful completion of significant fundraising campaigns totaling more than $185 million, and a rise in the University's regional and national visibility. Dr. Phipps actively models civic engagement by serving on local, regional and national boards, including the Harrisburg Symphony, Keystone Human Services, Susquehanna Art Museum, and YWCA. She has received numerous awards from the Salvation Army, Central Penn Business Journal, Open Stage of Harrisburg and more.

The Class of 2023

The other Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania Class of 2023 honorees are:

• KENDRA A. AUCKER, president and CEO, Evangelical Community Hospital
• DEBRA L. CAPLAN, executive-in-residence at The Forbes Funds
• JULIA A. HALLER, M.D., ophthalmologist-in-chief and William Tasman Endowed Chair at Wills Eye Hospital and chair of ophthalmology for Jefferson Health
• NINA JABLONSKI, Ph.D., anthropologist
• NANCY KUKOVICH, CEO of Adelphoi USA
• VIRGINIA MCGREGOR, treasurer of the Democratic National Committee
• RASHIDA NG, licensed architect, researcher and educator
• MARSHA PERELMAN, co-founder Clearfield Energy, chair, Calder Philadelphia
• DEBRA MCKLOSKEY TODD, J.D., LL.M, chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Learn more about the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania .

ºÚÁÏÍø Messiah University

Founded in 1909 and located near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Messiah University is a nationally ranked, private Christian university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences that enrolls more than 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students.

Cover photo image found here shows the Class of 2023 Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania being recognized by Governor Shapiro (center).