Dr. Joel Helmer
Professor of Geography, Chair of Department of History, Geography, Intercultural Studies and Modern Languages
402-643-7302 Joel.Helmer@cune.eduJesse Hall 230
2024 Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award Recipient
Joel began his career at Concordia in 2007 as an assistant professor of geography and advanced in rank to full professor in 2012. Prior to coming to Concordia, he served as a visiting assistant professor of geography at Oklahoma State University and was the Project Coordinator for the Rural Alliance for Improving Science Education (RAISE). Helmer is a member of the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE), Gamma Theta Upsilon, and the National Geographic Society.
In addition to teaching, he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, reading, and travel. Helmer is an official scorer for the Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young Clubs and a freelance outdoor writer.
He and his wife Holly reside in Seward with their three children; Will, Harrison, and Hannah.
Dr. Joel Helmer's Academic Programs
Undergraduate
Environmental Science / Studies
The environmental science program at Concordia University, Nebraska will prepare you for a variety of environmental careers by providing a core of required courses in different disciplines. You can then choose your area of emphasis: natural resources, geography, chemistry or business.
Geography
The geography program at Concordia University, Nebraska will help you explore why places are diverse economically, politically and culturally, and how humans shape and are in turn shaped by our environment. At Concordia Nebraska, you will combine rigorous scientific study with deeply conceptual theoretical analyses to learn more about God’s world and our place in it.
History
At Concordia University, Nebraska, we provide our students with a broad knowledge of history and equip them with the skills necessary to study and understand the past. You will leave the history program as a strong written and oral communicator and exceptional analytical thinker, which will serve you in studying the history and provide you with the tools you need to be successful in your future, no matter your choice of career.