Jacqueline Messenger Retires With a 40-Year Legacy of Service

Story by V. Michelle Bernard  

Jacqueline Messenger, associate director for secondary education at the Columbia Union Conference, is retiring this week. Messenger has worked in her current role since 2016, and in Seventh-day Adventist education for more than 40 years. 

“Jacqueline has dedicated her life to advancing Adventist education. It has been a privilege and honor to have worked alongside her these past nine years,” says Donovan Ross, vice president for the Office of Education at the Columbia Union. “We will miss her sense of humor, leadership, diligence, expertise, knowledge, and mentorship.  We wish her all the best as she begins a new phase of her life. Enjoy your retirement, Jacqueline.” 

In her most recent position, Messenger provided leadership to the union’s secondary program, focusing on accreditation and curriculum. In addition, she led the union’s leadership training programs, among other duties. 

Messenger earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md., and a master’s degree in Education Administration from Hood College (Md.).  She began her teaching career in the Potomac Conference, then moved to the Chesapeake Conference in 1990. In her role as principal of Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) in Maryland from 1998–2005, she implemented a growth plan that doubled enrollment and helped the school establish senior academy status.  In 2005, she became the Chesapeake Conference associate superintendent, and in 2013, she was elected superintendent. 

Dawn Thompson, assistant director for secondary education and registrar at the union, first met Messenger in 2005 when they worked together at SAA. 
 
“Jacqueline is one of the most dedicated educators I have known. She brings that educator heart to everything she does. As a leader, she gets the job done in top-notch fashion. I feel so fortunate to have worked with her in all the various roles,” says Thompson, who shares the following anecdote describing Messenger’s dedication: 

“Back in 2005, Spencerville was still a small, growing school. Jacqueline took care of everything. She was the plumber, the roof repairer, the treasurer, substitute teacher, and just about any job that needed handling. (see photo on left). One of the other things she was conscientious about was the school’s financial well-being. She kept a notebook on her desk of delinquent tuition accounts. Almost every day, she would make calls to try to resolve accounts. She made detailed notes and worked with families to bring their accounts up to date.” 

Steve Laing, most recently the vice president for Education at the Potomac Conference, fills Messenger’s vacancy as the new associate director for secondary education at the union.