Dr. Jenny Mueller-Roebke has begun her work as provost of Concordia University, Nebraska. Called by the university's Board of Regents in the fall, she assumed her duties Jan. 2 as chief academic officer for the three colleges that make up the institution.
"We are extremely pleased that Dr. Mueller-Roebke has accepted the call to serve in the office of provost. Higher education is in a time of profound change and her dedication and insight will help to guide Concordia University, Nebraska," said Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia. "I look forward to continuing to work with her and the faculty as we educate students prepared to both serve and lead in the church and around the world."
Mueller-Roebke has been a faculty member at Concordia for 27 years, teaching English, freshman seminar and general studies courses. She has served as a department chair since 1995 and was instrumental in the development and implementation of the general studies program.
Mueller-Roebke's ties to the university reach back to her childhood. Both her parents worked at Concordia. Mueller-Roebke's mother, Laura Mueller, was the first dean of women at the school. Her father, Dr. Walter E. Mueller, taught English and served as the academic dean. The Mueller family lived just across the street from campus during Jenny's childhood, and she and her siblings grew up knowing college life firsthand. "We were always involved in the student activities-square dances, picnics, athletic events and watching TV in the student center," she said.
Mueller-Roebke was a member of one of the last classes to graduate from Concordia High School and would also go on to earn her bachelor's degree in teaching from Concordia as well. After teaching in Milwaukee and at the junior high school in Seward, she joined the English faculty of Concordia in 1980. Mueller-Roebke earned her master's from Concordia in 1982 and her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1990.
After a career and a lifetime with Concordia, she is looking to build on the past and get ready for the future. "This is an exciting time, and I think what we are doing at Concordia is excellent," said Mueller-Roebke. "But things are changing rapidly in higher education. We have to explore opportunities while remaining faithful to our mission and our identity."
She expects to rely heavily on her experience as a faculty member and chair to guide her decisions. "I can't imagine attempting to be provost unless you had lived this academic life. It is my hope to nurture my colleagues and enable others to do their jobs to the best of their ability. I also will look at our previous amazing academic leaders and work to gain their wisdom. I have been so blessed by opportunities here, that if there is anything that I can do to further that for other people, I think it's my time to give back."