The Legacy of Ms. Diane Jefferson

A curriculum of hope

On June 21, 2025, Shippensburg University lost a matriarch, a mentor, a visionary, and a friend, with the passing of Diane L. Jefferson ’76, or as most knew her, Ms. Di.

Jefferson was a life-long resident of McConnellsburg, but for many students, alumni, faculty, and staff, she helped to make Shippensburg University a place they could call home. She first arrived to Shippensburg University in the early 1970s as a student, member of Afro Am, and Harmonic Voices of Truth Gospel Choir.

“Many of us were involved with church back home. Choir was a refuge for us,” she said.

After graduating from Ship with a BSEd in English, she earned a master’s in student affairs from the University of Iowa and later a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary.

Through her own educational journey, she developed a calling where scholarship met vision and she returned to Shippensburg University, first as an student advisor in 1984, and then, in 1989, as the founding director for Multicultural Student Affairs.

From Gilbert Hall, Jefferson fostered a sense of belonging for thousands of students. She reminded everyone, with unwavering passion, that identity is not a silo but a chorus. She often proclaimed, “It’s not a black thing, it’s not a white thing, it’s not a yellow thing, it’s not a red thing—it’s a human thing!”

She mentored scholars, student-athletes, first-generation students, and students seeking a community to call their own. Under her dedicated leadership, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs initiated cultural heritage celebrations, peermentoring programs, and service-learning projects.

“Each initiative was proof that diversity transforms a campus from a collection of separate groups into a resilient, purposedriven community where every member can contribute fully to learning, discovery, and service,” said Dr. Charles Patterson, president of Shippensburg University.

Through her efforts, retention rates increased, voices were amplified, and Ship’s halls echoed with the message that everyone is welcome.

“But the statistics, impressive as they are, will never fully measure Diane’s impact. Her real curriculum was hope. She shared it during midnight crisis calls, in spontaneous prayer circles, and was always there with a helping hand for anyone who needed it,” said Patterson.

As the friends, family, alumni, students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Jefferson during a memorial service on June 28, President Patterson encouraged all to look forward to ways the community can continue the work she started nearly 40 years ago.

“Her passion is a renewable resource, because she has passed it along to you, and now you carry that passion within you. I know you will, in turn, pass her passion and teachings to others within your sphere of influence,” Patterson said.

Patterson shared that her passion will be memorialized in a way that is visible and impactful for future generations of students. It may come in the form of a scholarship, a dedicated space, an annual lecture, or in some other form. But it is a decision Patterson said should not be rushed.

“Ms. Di dedicated 40 years of her life to Ship. We can take the time to be thoughtful and deliberate about this decision. And if you know me, you know that I don’t rush to make decisions. I am reflective, asking many questions, listening to diverse voices, and ensuring transparency throughout the process. And whatever we decide to do in support of Ms. Di, we will do it together, as a Ship community,” shared Patterson.

This summer, the university brought together stakeholders, including alumni, students, faculty, and staff to identify the appropriate tribute to the legacy of Diane Jefferson. An unveiling of this tribute will be shared in the fall. Regardless of what the tribute is, the university is committed to ensuring it continues to move forward the memory and mission of Ms. Di and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

A memorial fund has been established at the Shippensburg University Foundation in memory of Ms. Di. To make a gift to support this fund, visit qr.ship.edu/MsDi.

She was always empathetic and compassionate with students. But don’t be fooled, she could be tough and demanding. Often, she would lovingly and gently shout one of her favorite quotes, 'Mediocrity is not an option.'

—Dr. Anthony Ceddia, president emeritus, Shippensburg University

“I met her when I was a 22-year-old graduate student, eager to learn about student development and student affairs work. She helped me un-learn and re-learn, to find my voice and speak my truth, no matter how scared or nervous I might be.”

—Dr. Sarah Shupp ‘08m, interim vice president for Student Affairs, Lebanon Valley College

“Even in correction, there was compassion. Even in silence, there was a lesson. She was more than a campus leader, or a reverend. She was a pillar, a covering, a safe place for so many of us who were still learning who we were.”

—Miranda White ‘18

She was the epitome of strength and resilience. She taught so many Ship students what it means to stand up and speak your voice. I am so glad 21 more years of students were able to learn and grow while in her care.

—Stephanie Samantha

“Ms. Di was more than just a mentor and mother to many. She was a messenger of leadership, peace, solace, and strength. She single-handedly saw gifts of leadership in me, a young man growing up in Philadelphia, PA who loved ninth grade so much that I did it twice and she challenged me to be great for young men, like me, that grew up in poverty in non-traditional homes. She challenged me to work hand-in-hand, evenly yoked, with my classmate OrTelin Zahairagunn to create the group ‘Men of Culture’ in 1994, which remains a staple in MSA and become an active participant in the Building Bridges program to cultivate my confidence as a leader. These experiences have propelled me to the many opportunities of leadership as a teacher, administrator, superintendent, and Pennsylvania's Secretary of Education. I am so thankful!”

—Dr. Khalid Mumin ‘95, superintendent of Reading School District