Paul Scholar Rachel Amey embraces work ethic, passion for criminal justice

Sophomore Rachel Amey from Wichita, Kansas, is double majoring in criminal justice and psychology and double minoring in Spanish and servant leadership at Concordia University, Nebraska. When she’s not in the classroom, she’s involved in a variety of intramural sports and is also on the leadership team of the Concordia Youth Ministry Team (CYM). In the fall, she will also serve as a resident assistant in David Hall.  

“I chose to study at Concordia because my faith is necessary for me, and I wanted that in my everyday activities,” she explained. “I also wanted to be close to home, and Concordia is only four hours away. My favorite thing about my Concordia experience is the Christ-centered community. There are multiple opportunities a day to worship Jesus with a community. There are dozens of Bible studies, several worship opportunities and mentors always around to challenge students spiritually. One opportunity that has been such a blessing for my walk with Jesus has been Praise, which is a weekly worship night. This has connected me to other Christ-centered students, grown my faith and given me an hour each week where I can slow down and talk to Jesus.”  

Amey is also part of the university’s inaugural cohort of Paul Scholars, Concordia Nebraska’s work education program that combines academic excellence with real-world work experience to seamlessly integrate classroom learning and practical job skills. 

“I knew that the Paul Scholars opportunity was one that I would benefit from greatly. I am not the most academically smart, and I never excelled at sports, but throughout high school, I loved working,” she explained. “At home I had the same warehouse job for five years, and it was a job that taught me a great work ethic and how to work hard. I still work there on school breaks. Because of this, I knew that I would thrive under the work-based scholarship [that this program offers]. Another thing that I have appreciated from Paul Scholars is some valuable friendships. I appreciate some of the girls I work with, as they are amazing lights for Christ and challenge me. I am thankful to be a part of the first cohort to continue to improve the Paul Scholars community even more for years to come.”  

“I knew that I would thrive under the work-based scholarship [that this program offers]…I am thankful to be a part of the first cohort to continue to improve the Paul Scholars community even more for years to come.”

Amey’s parents Brian ‘04 and Pam (Wilkening) Amey ’03 and grandmother Betty (Wiese) Amey ’68 are also alumni of the university. 

“One reason that Concordia stood out from other schools was because of the history my family has at Concordia. My grandparents studied at Concordia, and both of my parents studied DCE ministry at Concordia. Concordia has connected me to my family even more than I thought it would, and I am beyond blessed for this opportunity,” she said. “It has been inspiring to connect family stories to real life on campus. I have heard a lot about the community-centered campus, and that attracted me to Concordia. This is something that carried me through this first year of college.”  

Amey said she especially appreciates the university’s criminal justice program because it not only incorporates ethics and law, but also the ethics of the Bible.  

“We talk about challenging topics from the law side, the ethics side and the Christian side, and my professors explain that we cannot forget our Christian background in challenging circumstances,” she said. 

As part of her involvement with Paul Scholars, Amey works with the university safety and security department. 

“At the beginning of my freshman year, I was unsure about majoring in criminal justice, and so when I saw the opportunity to work in security, I knew it would be a good test to see if I was interested in the field,” she said. “It has only made me more excited for the future and possible jobs for me. Some of the main jobs I do in security are planning security for mass events and being a part of the Concordia Critical Action Team. Most importantly, I have been able to bridge the gap between students and security officers. Students need to trust and lean on security officers, and officers need to have rapport with students. This year, I have been leading activities and exercises to get closer to that goal.”  

She said her professors have been incredibly helpful in supporting her as she considers future career.  

“My professors stop and take time to answer my questions, help me through difficult situations, and are always supportive of me,” she said. “One professor in particular is Professor Ed Hoffman. He is one of the main professors of the criminal justice major, and he always challenges me to be my best. He excels at encouraging students' strengths and pushing students to work through weaknesses. Professor Hoffmann is always willing to sit down with me and talk through ethics and Criminal Justice. If I have a problem, he will come at the problem from both sides, helping me see the entirety of the problem rather than just my side.” 

Motivated and supported by family, Amey has two biological siblings ages 17 and 15 and two foster siblings ages 16 and one. Her parents serve as DCEs at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas. When she’s not in class, studying or working, you’ll find Amey working out, reading fantasy and romance books, spending time with family and friends, playing the piano and guitar and napping.  

While she’s not exactly sure what her career path will look like following graduation, Amey said she believes God has called her to serve in the criminal justice system working with juveniles.  

“I want to be able to help juveniles who have been stuck in psychological breaks, mental health crises, or domestic violence. I love working with and talking to people one-on-one, and I hope to continue to do that,” she said.  

In Concordia University, Nebraska’s innovative Paul Scholars work education program, students join a community that combines academic excellence with real-world work experience to seamlessly integrate classroom learning and practical job skills, fostering a holistic approach to higher education that equips them for servant leadership in the church and world.