Concordia University chooses three prez finalists

Concordia University - St. Paul

Down to three

Concordia University - St. Paul is down to three finalists for its presidency, the school has announced.

The Rev. David Kluth will visit for interviews March 14-15, Donald Christian will be visit March 21-22, and the Rev. Thomas Ries will visit March 28-29.

The Board of Regents will make its appointment April 4 and introduce him to campus April 15.

Here's an edited list of credentials provided by Concordia's site, which also has more notes on each:

• Donald Christian of Round Rock, Texas

Education:

• University of Phoenix, Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership (2007)

• University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Masters of Music in Wind Conducting (1986)

• Concordia University Chicago, Bachelor of Music Education (1981)

Experience:

• Concordia University Texas, Dean, College of Business; Austin, Texas (2005- )

• Lutheran High North, Headmaster; Houston, Texas (2001-2005)

• Lutheran Education Association,  Associate Director; Houston, Texas (1999-2001)

• Baltimore Lutheran School, Spiritual Life Director; Baltimore, Maryland  (1997-1999)

• Trinity Lutheran Church, Parish Life Administrator; Houston, Texas (1995-1997)

• Trinity Lutheran Church, Minister of Young Adults; Houston, Texas (1990-1995)

• Lutheran High South, Music Director; Houston, Texas (1986-1990)

• Lutheran High School, Band Director; Minneapolis, Minnesota (1981-1984)

• The Rev. David Kluth- Round of Rock, Texas

Education:

• Nova Southeastern University, Ed.D.- Instructional Technology and Distance Education (instructional designer), Fort Lauderdale, Florida (2001)

• University of Minnesota, M.A. in Mass Communication, Minneapolis, Minnesota (1990)

• Minnesota State University, Graduate work- Clinical/Behavioral Psychology, Mankato, Minnesota (1978-1980)

• Concordia Seminary, M.Div. St. Louis, Missouri (1977)

• Concordia Senior College, B.A.- Theology and Biology, Fort Wayne, Indiana (1973)

• Concordia University, Pre-seminary program, St. Paul, Minnesota (1969-1971)

Experience:

• Concordia University Texas, Vice President, University Services; Austin, Texas (1996- )

• Concordia University Texas, Associate Professor - Communications; Austin. Texas (1993- )

• Concordia University Education Network (CUENet) (1993-2000)

• Texas District- LC-MS, Chair District Communications Task Force; Austin Texas (1991-1993)

• St. John Lutheran Church, Pastor; Rosemount, Minnesota (1987-1990)

• The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, National Board for Communication Services (chair, 1986-1989); St. Louis, Missouri (1983-1989; 2006-2008)

• Minnesota South District- LC-MS, Editor, Minnesota South Lutheran, District Public Relations Committee; Burnsville, Minnesota (1981-1990)

• St. Paul Lutheran Church, Associate Pastor (1980-1983); Senior Pastor (1983-1987); Prior Lake, Minnesota (1980-1987)

• St. John Lutheran Church- Vernon Center, Minnesota; Trinity Lutheran Church- Lewisville, Minnesota, Pastor; (1977-1980)

• Concordia Seminary, seminary public relations department; St. Louis, Missouri (1973-1977)

• The Rev. Thomas Ries of Kirkwood, Mo.

Education:

• University of Minnesota, Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, Minneapolis, Minnesota (expected completion 2011)

• University of Minnesota, Master of Business Administration, Minneapolis, Minnesota (1988)

• Concordia Seminary, M.Div., St. Louis, Missouri (1980)

• Concordia Senior College, B.A. liberal arts, with distinction, Ft. Wayne, Indiana (1976)

Experience:

• Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Foundation, President; St. Louis, Missouri (2004- )

• Concordia University, St. Paul, Vice President for Finance and Operations; St. Paul, Minnesota (1999-2004)

• Howard Schultz and Associates, Senior Associate; Bloomington Minnesota (1995-1998)

• Messiah Lutheran Church, Founding and Senior Pastor; Lakeville, Minnesota (1985-1994)

• Concordia College, St. Paul, Assistant to the President and Vice President for College Relations; St. Paul, Minnesota (1982-1985)

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