Lawrence Robert Rast Jr.

First Vice-President

XV. Report on Candidates for

College/University Boards

of Regents Elect 1 minister of religion—ordained, 1 minister of religion—commissioned, 2 laypersons (3-year term)

Three-year terms. Meetings four times a year at the respective school. The board of regents governs the institution, its president, and faculty, consistent with the institution’s mission, including its commitment to conduct all its affairs according to the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod and policies of the Synod’s Board of Directors. It serves as governing body corporate, governing the institution comprehensively, advancing its spiritual, business, and legal welfare—for example, appointing and supervising a president and faculty, setting policy, approving campus plans, programs, and budgets—all with consistent attention to its synodical confession, mission, and fundamental purpose of inculcating the faith. (2023 Handbook, pp. 171–78)

A board of regents of a college or university of the Synod is responsible for the spiritual, academic, and financial health of the institution. It makes decisions regarding the resources and strategic vision that are needed to provide church workers and Christian leaders for the church and the world. It develops detailed policies and procedures for governance of the institution and an institutional master plan and reviews and approves academic programs. Its members must assure themselves that the work of the institution is carried out effectively and managed in a business-like manner within an annually established budget. The board is also responsible for the general welfare of faculty, staff, and students. Its members should be acquainted with current trends in education and should have a strong commitment to Christian education at all levels, with special interest in the preparation of church workers. Committee work and other commitments may be requested between meetings. Regents may expect to be asked to support the institution financially as part of their personal stewardship commitments.

Persons elected or appointed to a board of regents should be knowledgeable regarding the institution and the region in which it is located and shall demonstrate familiarity and support for the doctrinal positions of the Synod. They shall possess two or more of the following qualifications or background experiences: theological acumen, an advanced academic degree, higher education administration, administration of complex organizations, finance, law, investments, technology, human resources, facilities management, fund development, or a specific instructional or operational domain designated by the college or university (e.g., “health care” or “marketing”). Qualifications are reviewed and verified by the Concordia University System (Bylaw 3.10.6.2.1 [a, c]). [The required qualifications must be clearly specified on the biographical form submitted by nominees, as it provides the basis for their verification.]

Demonstrated familiarity with and willingness to advocate for and financially support the institution are desired qualities.

Nominees will be asked to review and confirm their willingness to accept a summary of the demands and expectations of service as a

college or university regent, as prepared by the Concordia University System. They will also be required to undergo training within

one year after the Synod convention at which elected, or their position will be declared vacant. (Bylaw 3.10.6.2.2 [d, f])

No more than two elective members of a college, university, or seminary board of regents may be members of the same congregation (Bylaw 3.10.6.2 [7]).

Lawrence Robert Rast Jr.+, Fort Wayne, IN; Emmanuel, Fort Wayne IN (IN); LCMS 63; Pres. Emer. CTSFW.

S: Academic Dean CTSFW 5, Pres.

CTSFW 13, CUS BOD 2, CUC BOR 1,

Prof. CTSFW 30, CTCR 18. C: Pastor 4. O: Exec. Dir. The Marvin M. Schwan Charitable Found. 1.

It has been an honor to serve on the Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents. Having served for 13 years as a seminary president, I remain committed to the crucial role that our universities play in handing on the faith to the next generation of leaders. The board must ensure the university’s teaching is faithful to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, the faculty is supportive of the school’s mission, the administration carries out that mission in accord with Synod’s teaching, and the students have the opportunity to learn the truth of Lutheran doctrine as they prepare for their various vocations.

LAYPERSONS

Elect 2 laypersons (3-year term)