University leaders share updates on academic programs, student success initiatives, and the future of Concordia’s mission-driven education.
Concordia University Wisconsin welcomed community members, business leaders, alumni and friends to campus June 17 for the latest Christian Leadership Series breakfast, Innovations & What’s Next at Concordia, sponsored by Port Washington State Bank.
The morning offered attendees an opportunity to hear directly from university leadership about current priorities, emerging opportunities and the work taking place across schools and programs.
President Dr. Erik Ankerberg opened the event by reflecting on Concordia’s mission and the university’s continued focus on preparing students for lives of service in the church, workplace and community.
“This event provides a wonderful opportunity for us to gather together, meet leaders from our community, learn from their experiences, consider the significant issues we all face today, and think in new ways about how to best live out our faith in our various leadership roles,” Ankerberg said.
Ankerberg also shared updates on institutional priorities and highlighted ways Concordia is building on its strengths while remaining grounded in its Lutheran identity.
Joining Ankerberg were three academic leaders who provided updates from their respective schools.
Preparing students for service
Jessica Leiberg, PhD, DNP, dean of the School of Nursing, discussed efforts to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals through Christ-centered education, student support and strong clinical partnerships. She highlighted the school’s commitment to meeting workforce needs while ensuring students are equipped to provide compassionate, high-quality care in a changing healthcare environment.
“Healthcare continues to evolve, but the need for caring, well-prepared nurses remains constant,” Leiberg said. “Through Christ-centered education, meaningful clinical experiences and strong support systems, we are preparing students to serve others with skill, compassion and purpose in every stage of their nursing careers.”
Rachel Ware Carlton, DMA, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, shared how the school is preparing students for both professional success and lives of service. She discussed efforts to strengthen the student experience through a reimagined core curriculum and new work in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, while helping students connect their education to their vocation.
“We have been thinking about the future of Arts & Sciences through a simple idea: the School of ‘&,’” Ware Carlton said. “That little word in our name captures something essential to Concordia. Students should not have to choose between career preparation and a life of purpose, practical skills and personal formation, or excellence and service.”
Leadership with purpose
Representing the Batterman School of Business, Clarke Griffin, EdD, associate dean of Academic Affairs, discussed the importance of experiential learning and mission-focused leadership. He emphasized that preparing students for today’s workforce requires both practical experience and a strong ethical foundation.
“Innovation is not just about new programs or emerging technologies,” Griffin said. “It is about preparing students to lead with purpose, serve with character and see business as a way to care for people. Through global learning opportunities, applied projects and partnerships across Concordia, we are preparing Christian business leaders ready to serve their communities and the world.”
Throughout the presentations, speakers emphasized Concordia’s commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose, service and leadership. The Christian Leadership Series continues to bring together university leaders and community members for conversations about faith, leadership and the issues shaping higher education.
View the photo gallery below for highlights from the morning’s presentations, networking and fellowship.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.