Dr. Jesse Florang serves Concordia Nebraska as director of school counseling master’s program

Dr. Jesse Florang serves Concordia University, Nebraska, as director of the master of arts in school counseling program. With a background in mental health and education, he brings a passion for equipping school counselors to meet the academic, emotional and spiritual needs of today’s students.  

“I am responsible for the management of the school counseling program to ensure it uses best practices, adheres to accreditation requirements, meets the needs of the students and fulfills the mission of Concordia Nebraska,” he said. 

Florang has an Ed.D. in health care education and leadership with a specialization in mental health from Clarkson College in Omaha, Nebraska. He also earned an Ed.S. in educational and counseling psychology from the University of Missouri–Columbia, an M.S.Ed. in community counseling from the University of Nebraska–Kearney and a bachelor of arts in history with a minor in education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.  

Florang has served at the university since 2020. He first served the university as an adjunct professor and course writer, writing the courses for the Concordia Nebraska Trauma and Resilience Certificate program. 

“I enjoy working in an environment where my faith is a priority,” he explained. “Concordia Nebraska is one of the few places to work where the mission is aligned with my personal and professional values, which is to be an excellent, Christ-centered academic community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and the world. Concordia focuses on developing students' minds, bodies, and spirits to serve Christ in their vocations and in the broader community.” 

Florang lives in Kearney, Nebraska with his wife Ashli and children Harper (14), Emma (12) and Theo (7). He said his hobbies currently revolve around his children's activities, practices, performances and games. He is a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney, Nebraska, where he was baptized, confirmed, married and attended elementary school.  

“I enjoy working in an environment where my faith is a priority. Concordia Nebraska is one of the few places to work where the mission is aligned with my personal and professional values, which is to be an excellent, Christ-centered academic community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and the world. Concordia focuses on developing students' minds, bodies, and spirits to serve Christ in their vocations and in the broader community.”

“I am lucky because this is also the place where my children have been baptized, confirmed and attend elementary school,” he said. 

Florang is an active member of the American School Counselor Association, Nebraska School Counselor Association and Nebraska Counseling Association. He previously served in leadership on the Board of Education at Zion Lutheran School in Kearney, Nebraska.  

Florang said his work at the university is fulfilling and meaningful and has also helped to develop his faith in Jesus Christ.  

“I get paid to pray, self-reflect and do daily devotions,” he said. “Every day I am reminded of all the wonderful things that I have been richly blessed with in life. I also get to see how Concordia Nebraska directly impacts schools, educators and students.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s school counseling program helps students build on their talents and passion for guiding and counseling kids by developing the knowledge, abilities, skills and attitudes needed to implement and manage a successful school counseling program. Combining faith with rigorous academics and practical, real-life experiences, Concordia Nebraska graduate programs offer flexible, online classes and a community of believers that supports and values students as a whole individual—academically, emotionally and spiritually.