Meet Concordia Nebraska Academic Resource Center (ARC) and Disability Support Services Director Matt Myers

Matt Myers serves Concordia University, Nebraska as Academic Resource Center (ARC) and Disability Support Services director. He has worked at the university for 11 years. 

“I am responsible for making sure that our students have the tools and resources they need to be as successful as they can be academically,” he said. “We all need coaches and mentors in our vocations, and we coach students in their academics in the ARC at Concordia Nebraska. I also help ensure that students have fair and equal access to course content, so that no Concordia student is prevented from accessing course content or from participating fully in a course because of a disability.” 

Myers has a bachelor of arts in biblical studies from Toccoa Falls College in Georgia, a master of arts in leadership and teaching with a concentration in TESOL from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, and he is a commissioned Director of Christian Outreach with The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. 

This summer, he was promoted to director of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and Disability Support Services 

“It’s an honor to serve our students and our team in this way,” he said. “I love working with students and helping them make important gains toward success when they are struggling. I also love the opportunity to encourage students in their faith when they are going through difficult and challenging life events, or when they are making decisions about a career in church work. I often get asked about missionary service because of my 16 years as a career missionary before I came to Concordia.” 

He said the Christian environment and supportive community at the university make Concordia Nebraska a truly special place to work. 

“We are constantly reminded to put Christ first in all of our relationships. We might have different duties, vocations, hobbies, political views and opinions on our work, but at the end of the day, we understand that we are all children of God, united in Christ,” he said. “That understanding puts things into their proper context when challenges in our work or in our working relationships arise and makes for very healthy working relationships. My colleagues are my friends.” 

He pointed out that another thing that makes Concordia Nebraska special is the university’s rich heritage of serving the church. 

“Many generations of families have studied here or taught here. It is a very welcoming place. I was new here 11 years ago, and I was a little surprised at how welcomed I felt.”  

“I love working with students and helping them make important gains toward success when they are struggling. I also love the opportunity to encourage students in their faith when they are going through difficult and challenging life events, or when they are making decisions about a career in church work.”

He said his work at the university is not only fulfilling, it also strengthens his faith in Jesus Christ. 

“Chapel and faith development courses are available to faculty and staff on campus, and Concordia values a healthy work and life balance, understanding the various vocations we have at home and in our community,” he said. “This has allowed me to be involved in my local Lutheran church, where I both receive the gifts of God’s forgiveness and grace, and where I get to share his Word with others in our community.” 

Myers’ wife Kim serves as director of communications for the Nebraska District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Their son, Mark ’22, and daughter, Emily, who attended Concordia University, Irvine, live together in St. Louis.  

When he’s not at work, you might find Matt playing the guitar. 

“Though far from a professional, I am an avid guitar player, and I enjoy using that gift in service to my church and serving my church in a variety of other ways too,” he said. “We really are a family of faith, involved in supporting and encouraging each other in our daily lives.” 

Matt said that despite his current work title, he views himself as first and foremost a church worker. 

“I like to encourage students that their career in church work might put them in many different roles and take them to many different places they never thought they would go,” he said. “It’s an exciting calling, and God equips us for it. We may not earn large, impressive salaries or gain notoriety, but we are certainly blessed with a purpose in bringing the hope of salvation to a world in need. I enjoy sharing stories of how I’ve seen God work in amazing ways through ordinary circumstances, that have been the highlights of my life.” 

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Concordia University, Nebraska provides on-campus academic assistance for all of the university’s students. The center is committed to helping students develop skills in learning, academic success and personal growth in a friendly, supportive environment.