Meet the President
On Dec. 1, Concordia University, Nebraska's Board of Regents announced Dr. Bernard Bull will become the university's 11th president, with his tenure beginning August 2021.
I’m humbled to heed God’s call to serve as the next President of Concordia University, Nebraska. I’ve long admired Concordia’s legacy of cultivating a rich, academically challenging, vibrant and Christ-centered higher education community and its inspiring track record of equipping men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world.
I pray for the wisdom to serve and lead with competence and integrity, joining with others to celebrate and amplify the many incredible strengths of Concordia while collectively seeking out and embracing new ways to serve, lead, learn and collaborate with others locally, in the church, nation and world.
As I went through the interview process, I learned more about Concordia’s four promises, each of which speaks to the challenges and opportunities of our present age. God willing, I look forward to joining the community in fulfilling the promise of providing a higher education within a distinctly Christian community, engaging in deep and rigorous academic exploration and inquiry, cultivating a sense of purpose and a deepened understanding of vocation and nurturing wisdom.
I believe that Concordia University, Nebraska is well-positioned to help students prepare to tackle some of the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities of this age. I can’t wait to discover what God has in store for us as a community and for the many students whom we are privileged to serve and support.
Dr. Bernard Bull
President
Concordia University, Nebraska
Get to know Concordia Nebraska's 11th president, Dr. Bernard Bull, with this Q&A series!
Discover Dr. Bull's secret talent, the role of Lutheran education in society and one thing he's always wanted to do.
Education
- Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology, Northern Illinois University, 2007
- Master of Liberal Studies / Humanities, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, 2005
- Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, Concordia University Chicago, 1997
- Bachelor of Arts in Education, Theology, & History, Concordia University Wisconsin, 1994
Previous Experience
- Goddard College, 2018-21
- President
- President
- Concordia University Wisconsin, 2006-18
- Vice Provost for Curriculum and Academic Innovation
- Chief Innovation Officer
- Assistant Vice President of Academics
- Associate Professor of Education
Books Authored, Co-Authored and Edited
- The Pedagogy of Faith: Essays in Christian Education
- Missional Moonshots: Insights & Inspiration for Educational Innovation
- What Really Matters: Critical Issues in Contemporary Education
- Adventures in Self-Directed Learning
- Digitized: Spiritual Implications of Technology
- Imagine the Possibilities: Conversations on the Future of Christian Education
- Prep Talks: Tales of Challenges & Opportunities in Christian Education
- Breathe: A Vision and Framework for Human-Centered Learning Environments
Additional Works and Presentations
“Dr. Bull had the unanimous support of the Board of Regents. He expressed a strong desire to return to serving in a Christ-centered Lutheran institution of higher learning. He has a strong commitment to Lutheran theology, and he looks forward to faithfully fulfilling the Concordia University Promises of a Lutheran Education. Dr. Bull is known nationally for his innovative insights regarding Christian education at all levels. Concordia University will be well-served given Dr. Bull’s leadership attributes and experience. The Lord has blessed us by raising-up Dr. Bull, a faithful servant.”
- Stuart Bartruff
Chair, Board of Regents
“Concordia's search was blessed with many outstanding candidates. Dr. Bull brings a unique set of talents to Concordia, first and foremost among them a passion for Lutheran Higher Education. Dr. Bull's commitment to Lutheran theology and to the Promises of a Lutheran Education ensure that Concordia will retain its identity and adhere to its mission as an excellent academic and Christ-centered community equipping men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership for the church and world. His experience in higher education, his insights into university operations and his ability to foster and manage innovation will serve Concordia as it looks to continue its mission in the future. Concordia is blessed to have Dr. Bull as its next president.”
- Dr. Robert Hermann
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
“Dr. Bull brings a wide variety of experience and expertise not only in Lutheran education but in the highly competitive world of higher education. Concordia University, Nebraska as well as the entire Concordia University System will be blessed by Dr. Bull's innovative thinking, ability to collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders, and servant leadership.”