Heather (Gazella) Messina '08

A Commitment to Growth and Leadership: Heather (Gazella) Messina’s Lifelong Journey with Marywood

Heather (Gazella) Messina, 2008 UG Communication Arts, 2011 Master Public Administration, 2024 PhD Strategic Leadership

For Heather (Gazella) Messina, Marywood University has been more than a place to earn degrees—it has been a constant partner throughout her academic and professional evolution. A three-time Marywood alumna, Heather earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Arts in 2008, a Master of Public Administration in 2011, and, most recently, a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership in 2024. Today, she serves as Associate Director of Research Administration in the College of Health at Lehigh University, where she focuses on building strong, sustainable research operations.

Heather’s connection to Marywood began as an undergraduate, drawn in by an admissions counselor who was “engaging, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the program” and by the Communication Arts curriculum’s blend of writing, design, and real-world experience. “That hands-on approach made it clear this was a place where I could develop practical skills while preparing for a professional career,” she says, making Marywood a natural choice when she later pursued advanced degrees. Throughout her time at the university, Heather was deeply influenced by the collective support of faculty, advisors, and mentors who challenged her academically, encouraged creativity, and provided guidance beyond the classroom—an experience she credits with building her confidence and sharpening her professional skills.

Professionally, Heather has achieved significant milestones. One of her proudest accomplishments came in October 2023, when she was recognized as a Future of the Field Rising Star by the Society of Research Administrators International. “This recognition reflects both my individual contributions and my broader impact within the field,” she shares. She is also proud of her work developing and expanding a research program within her college—onboarding new faculty, building sustainable processes, and implementing strategic improvements that support long-term research goals.

Heather credits Marywood with preparing her for leadership through both academic and co-curricular experiences. “My education at Marywood played a critical role in preparing me for this position by helping me develop both leadership skills and a strong sense of responsibility,” she says. Her time as editor of The Wood Word was especially formative, requiring her to lead peers, manage deadlines, and uphold professional standards while mentoring others.
Looking back, Heather sees her Marywood experience as essential to her personal growth. “One of my greatest lessons in personal growth is realizing that I don’t have to have everything figured out all at once,” she reflects. Embracing change and learning to pivot at life’s crossroads has helped her adapt and grow as her priorities evolved.

Heather also recognizes how the college experience has changed since she first arrived on campus. “College has changed significantly since 2004, largely due to the availability and accessibility of information,” she notes, pointing to the ways students today can more easily explore career paths and outcomes before choosing a major. Currently, Heather is especially passionate about “data-informed decision making, AI implementation, and continuous process improvement,” with a focus on building capacity and creating sustainable, scalable operations in higher education.

For today’s Marywood students, her advice is both timely and forward-looking: “Choose your field of interest and take time to learn how both employers and employees are using AI within it. Understanding real-world applications of AI in your industry will help you build relevant skills, stay competitive, and adapt as the field continues to evolve.”

Heather’s journey reflects a deep commitment to learning, leadership, and adaptability—values that continue to define her career and her enduring connection to Marywood University.