Lutheran Education Associations honors Tia (Lias) Esser ’10 for outstanding service with 2026 Esther Award

The Lutheran Education Association (LEA) recently announced that Sioux Falls Lutheran School Executive Director Tia (Lias) Esser ’10 has been honored for outstanding service with the organization’s 2026 Esther Award. This award is associated with the LEA staff and board of directors and is presented for exemplary and dedicated leadership and perseverance on behalf of Lutheran education. 

Esser has served Sioux Falls Lutheran School since 2010, first as the school’s administrator and since 2021 as executive director. She holds a bachelor of science in elementary education from the University of South Dakota and a master of arts in educational administration from Concordia University, Nebraska. She completed the Lutheran teacher Colloquy Program in 2012. 

"The Esther Award draws inspiration from the biblical account of Esther, whose faithful courage, wisdom and resolve positioned her to serve God’s people at a critical moment. These same qualities—courage exercised with humility, prayerful discernment and resilience—are evident in Mrs. Esser’s servant leadership."

Throughout her years of service, Esser has provided steady leadership through seasons of growth, complexity and change. As a longtime colleague observed, “Her solid faith in the Lord’s presence and promises has consistently allowed her to be a strong, courageous, visionary leader.” He also noted her willingness to seek counsel, draw on the wisdom of others and invite expertise when needed—qualities that have strengthened SFLS and positioned it for faithful, sustainable ministry. 

Among her early initiatives was the launch of the school’s first auction, Hearts on Fire. Now in its twenty-sixth year, the event has generated well over one million dollars in support of general school operations and tuition assistance. Over time, Esser became a catalyst in helping a small preK–8 school grow into a premier infant-through-grade-12 Lutheran school, preparing to serve more than 550 students during the 2026–27 school year. 

Through the National Lutheran School Accreditation (NLSA) process, SFLS was affirmed as a School of Distinction, with its leadership and governance practices also recognized as a Powerful Best Practice. 

The Esther Award draws inspiration from the biblical account of Esther, whose faithful courage, wisdom and resolve positioned her to serve God’s people at a critical moment. These same qualities—courage exercised with humility, prayerful discernment and resilience—are evident in Esser’s servant leadership. Mordecai’s words in Esther 4:14 aptly reflect this recognition: “For such a time as this...” 

Esser’s leadership is guided by a personal mission grounded in Romans 12:2 and sustained by the promise of John 10:27–28—to listen for Christ’s voice, to be daily renewed by His Word and to care well for what has been entrusted to her in service to Christ and His Church. 

About the Lutheran Education Association: Founded in 1942, the Lutheran Education Association is a professional organization committed to linking, equipping, and affirming educators and workers in ministry for the purpose of building up the body of Christ.   

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.