Christine J. Gardner Named Next Provost at Messiah

Christine J. Gardner, Ph.D., formerly the dean of the School of Graduate, Professional and Extended Studies at Gordon College, began as Messiah’s provost Aug. 1.

“After a rigorous, extensive national search, I am delighted that Dr. Gardner has accepted Messiah University’s invitation to serve as our next provost,” said President Kim S. Phipps. “She brings valuable experience as a faculty member, researcher and administrator at a diverse mix of respected faith-based and nationally recognized educational institutions. I look forward to the innovation, leadership and collaboration that she will provide in her role as Messiah’s chief educational officer. Her nationally recognized scholarship and her vision for Christian higher education’s unique ability to shape students’ lives and vocation make her an ideal fit for the Messiah community.”

Gardner comes to Messiah from her past role as dean of the School of Graduate, Professional and Extended Studies, and as chair of the Department of Communication Arts, Theatre and Art at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. Her academic leadership focuses on curricular innovation, program assessment, faculty development and change management. At Gordon, she led the college’s program innovation for graduate and precollegiate students, directing the development of new programs in business, public health and international education leadership. She also led the college’s work in global education, dual enrollment and summer term. As head of the undergraduate core committee, Gardner guided the campus through a core curriculum revision to incorporate the college’s commitment to shalom and reconciliation.

She earned a doctorate in communication studies from Northwestern University and holds a master’s degree in communications from the University of Washington. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in history as a member of the general honors program at Seattle Pacific University. She spent three years as a guest associate professor for the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Her early career included an associate professorship with tenure at Wheaton College and a visiting assistant professorship at Willamette University.

“I am animated by the mission of Christian higher education and I have profound respect for the ways in which Messiah is staying true to its mission ‘to educate men and women toward maturity of intellect, character and Christian faith in preparation for lives of service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.’ This mission statement reflects the head, heart and hands commitment of Christian higher education as we educate the whole person with the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to grow closer to our Creator God and reflect the Imago Dei in creative acts of service and vocational calling,” she said.

Gardner succeeds Provost Randall G. Basinger who retired in 2022, after 39 years of educational and administrative service to Messiah University.

–Staff report

WE’RE DELIGHTED THAT DR. GARDNER WILL SERVE AS PROVOST OF MESSIAH UNIVERSITY, SHE BRINGS RICH EXPERIENCE AND A DEEP COMMITMENT TO ADVANCE MESSIAH’S DISTINCTIVE CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONAL MISSION.

–Craig Sider, chair, Board of Trustees of Messiah University