Concordia Nebraska reaffirms commitment to Christ-centered, Lutheran education following synod convention

The past, present and future of the Concordia University System was one of many topics of discussion at the 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) – themed “Christ is Risen Indeed” – which took place July 18-23, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

“There has never been a greater need for Christ-centered universities where God's Word is present, prevalent and prominent across all disciplines,” said Concordia University, Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull. “At Concordia Nebraska, we are honored to serve as a place that raises up the next generation of church workers, and that provides a Christ-centered and distinctly Lutheran higher education across vocations and academic disciplines, one that builds upon the faith taught to them in church and home.”

“At Concordia Nebraska, we are honored to serve as a place that raises up the next generation of church workers, and that provides a Christ-centered and distinctly Lutheran higher education across vocations and academic disciplines, one that builds upon the faith taught to them in church and home.”

Several Concordia Nebraska administrators and staff attended the convention including Bull; Provost Dr. Tim Preuss; Dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences and Head of Teacher Education Dr. Lorinda Sankey; Human & Social Sciences Department Chair and Professor Dr. Thad Warren; Assistant Professor of Lutheran Education and Faith Formation Rev. Dr. Pete Jurchen; Director of Dual Credit and Professor of Education Dr. Beth Pester; Master of Education Educational Administration Program Director and Liaison to LCMS School Leadership Education Program Dr. Kenneth Sankey; Center for Liturgical Art Director Michael Scheer; Senior Director of Outreach, Relations and Engagement Jen Furr; and Associate Vice President of Graduate Programs and Operations Jon Krause.

Concordia University, Nebraska is part of the Concordia University System (CUS). The CUS is a network of colleges and universities of the LCMS. Located across the United States, these colleges and universities offer more than 160 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs. The system has produced thousands of church workers and theologically equipped laymen for a variety of vocations.

“We look to the future with great hope,” added Bull. “While there is much work to be done, it is a joy to be a part of this synod and this system. We seek to proclaim Christ, to provide a higher education that rivals the best schools in the world and to share all the good gifts that God provides in His Word and that is so beautifully expressed in the Lutheran Confessions. There are a number of incredibly exciting opportunities for partnership with families, churches, agencies and other entities of the LCMS in the years ahead.”

The colleges, universities and seminaries of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod are unique in today’s education landscape and exist to supply the higher education services needed to accomplish the mission of the church. Synodical colleges and universities provide a Christ-centered spiritual and value-focused environment for men and women who will serve in the church and in secular occupations. These institutions offer a myriad of online and in-person undergraduate and masters, doctoral and professional degrees and programs in a wide variety of disciplines including various church work vocations, health care, engineering, education, criminal justice and much more.

About Concordia University, Nebraska: Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 2,500 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.