Official Workbook report source text
Official Workbook source-navigation report record. No analysis has been added.
- Report number/id
- R14.4
- Report title
- R14.4 Concordia University, St. Paul
- Workbook start page
- 91
- Workbook end page
- 93
- Source pages
- 91, 92, 93
- Source status
- source_checked
- Committee
- Not available
R14.4 Concordia University, St. Paul Greetings from Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP), where we walk in the light of Jesus Christ as we live, learn, and serve together as a university of the Synod (1 John 1:7). As I returned to my alma mater and began my tenure as presi- dent of CSP in January 2020, I could not have envisioned the op- portunities and challenges of the past six-plus years. However, I’ve experienced much joy in serving at this Christ-centered Lutheran university, working alongside talented faculty, staff, regents, and constituents to support our dynamic and diverse student population. A. Introduction Established in 1893 as a high school to prepare young men for pastoral ministry, Concordia University, St. Paul, is now a univer - sity that serves more than 7,000 students annually and confers as- sociates through doctoral degrees. The university offers more than 100 academic programs and students learn in face-to-face settings in St. Paul, Minn.; Portland, Ore.; and Denver, Colo., as well as online around the world. As we have over the past 130-plus years, CSP is committed to raising up workers for the Synod and offers the following church work tracks and certifications: pre-seminary, pre-deaconess, director of Christian education, director of Christian outreach, director of parish music, and Lutheran classroom teacher. B. Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning CUNE continues to expand professional learning opportunities for Christian educators, ministry leaders, and other professionals through a growing menu of new Studia Vitae continuing education units which include short-form online modules, workshops, and micro-credentials designed for immediate application in schools and congregations. Single course graduate offerings, certificates, and full degree programs are similarly tailored to Lutherans serv- ing in ministry and Christians seeking faith-grounded professional preparation, to help prepare leaders who embody faith, learning, and service. Guided by the conviction that God’s Word is the lamp and light that guides study across every discipline, these professional devel - opment experiences apply the unchanging truth of God’s Word to shed light on the shifting sands of modern life, thought, and cul- tural trends. Studia Vitae reflects CUNE’s commitment to lifelong vocational discipleship, equipping Christians to grow continually in wisdom and to serve with clarity and confidence anchored in God’s Word. B.1. Preferred Partnerships CUNE’s newly launched preferred partnership program ex- tends the reach of our mission in Christ-centered education. These collaborations, which include tuition discounts on Studia Vitae courses and graduate offerings, allow CUNE to make high-quality, Christ-centered education accessible to more students while en- hancing the value these organizations provide to members, empow- ering Christians to grow in knowledge, strengthen their vocations, and serve others with excellence. C. Outreach and Institutes CUNE’s institutes provide outreach, service, and educational ef- forts that enhance the university’s mission and vision by engaging audiences beyond campus while serving as a resource to the church at large. Active institutes include: • Center for Liturgical Art • Initiative for Early Childhood Education • Institute for Ethical Leadership • Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship • Institute for Literacy • Institute for Religious Education • Institute for Rural and Small-Town Ministries • Trinity Academy Through resources, workshops, and conferences, these institutes equip Christian leaders and provide resources that serve congrega- tions, districts, and Lutheran organizations. D. Looking Ahead As CUNE looks to the future, the university remains steadfast in its commitment to equipping students for faithful service in Christ’s church and the world. Enrollment initiatives will continue to focus on recruiting mission-fit students and strengthening partnerships with Lutheran schools, districts, and congregations. 2026 Convention Workbook 92 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS • In January 2027, CSP plans to launch a physician assistant program, pending accreditor’s approval. C.2. Increase Persistence to Graduation Concordia University, St. Paul, staff and faculty work diligently to ensure students can continue their studies until they complete their chosen degrees. We celebrate the increase in the total number of graduates from 1,910 in the 2022–23 academic year to 2,242 in the 2024–25 academic year. We will continue to work hard to remove barriers and increase retention among new freshmen and transfer students. The primary obstacles to persistence are financial challenges, followed by a mismatch between the academic program and individual needs. Our retention of LCMS new freshmen and transfer students remains strong. C.3. Maintain a Quality, Relevant Curriculum to Strengthen Transition to a Job or Graduate School As we continue to track the data on the success of our graduates, we celebrate their accomplishments in launching the next phase of their careers or education. Our most recent data is from the class of 2024, where 98 percent of graduates reported successful transitions to career or graduate school. We also see similar success with our church work population, where we have a 100 percent placement rate for geographically mobile graduates as well as a growing num- ber of students matriculating to seminary following graduation. CSP consistently ranks in the top two of Minnesota institutions at promoting social mobility of its graduates, measuring our success at helping students advance their socioeconomic status. C.4. Financial Sustainability From FY2022 to the end of FY2025, Concordia University, St. Paul’s net assets increased from ~$140 million (M) to ~$170M, or by 18 percent. Growth was achieved through positive operating results, a reduction in long-term debt, an increase in the value of invested assets and property, and growth in philanthropy. CSP publicly announced the seven-year, $55M Elevate the Promise campaign in March 2024, a comprehensive campaign in- tended to ensure student success with a focus on unrestricted gifts, scholarships, and endowment growth. All gifts between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2027, are counted as part of this campaign. The initial $55M goal was reached as of December 31, 2025. CSP’s en- dowment has grown from $55M in fall 2023 to $76M in fall 2025. C.5. A Christ-Centered, Lutheran University Accomplishments during the triennium to promote and enhance CSP’s Lutheran identity include the following: • Receiving a $10M gift from the Rev. Jim and Karen Laatsch to endow the Department of Theology and Ministry, includ- ing two endowed faculty chairs in Old and New Testament. • Expanding the Church Work Tuition Guarantee so that, be- ginning in fall 2026, all students in church work programs pay $0 in tuition. Congregational, district, Synod, or other outside financial aid can be applied toward room and board costs. • Offering the Solus Christus Fellows program for undergrad- uate students, which fosters reflection on the connections between the Christian faith, academic learning, and life to- gether. • Cultivating an understanding of Christian vocation and mis- sion amongst CSP students through the CUS-wide Beautiful B. Goals CSP is guided by a comprehensive strategic plan titled Vision 2030. This plan contains the following elements: Mission: The mission of Concordia University, St. Paul, a uni- versity of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity, and for enlightened care of God’s creation, all within the context of the Christian Gospel. Vision: The vision of Concordia University, St. Paul, is to be a Christ-centered, nationally prominent Lutheran university known for excellence and innovation that fosters success for all students. Promise to students: Concordia University, St. Paul, empow- ers you to discover and engage your purpose for life, career, and service in a dynamic and multicultural environment where Christ is honored, all are welcome, and Lutheran convictions inform intel - lectual inquiry and academic pursuits. Strategic Goals: 1. Grow enrollment to 10,000 students. 2. Increase persistence to graduation. 3. Deliver career-connected curriculum. Concordia University, St. Paul, includes in Vision 2030 a focus on financial sustainability to ensure its strategic goals can be met and the university can remain vibrant into the future. At the center of the strategic plan is the fact that CSP is a Christ-centered, Lutheran university. May we remain faithful to God’s Word as we serve all students who choose Concordia St. Paul as their higher education institution. C. Performance Analysis C.1. Grow Enrollment to 10,000 Students Over the last triennium, Concordia University, St. Paul, has continued to grow enrollment. As many of our peer institutions struggle with changing demographics, the economy, international student enrollment, and other challenges, we have seen a tremen - dous response to our efforts to provide a Lutheran, Christ-centered, high-quality, and career-focused higher education. • Total student enrollment during the 2024–25 academic year was 7,614 students. • Fall semester enrollment decreased slightly from 5,819 in fall 2023 to 5,797 in fall 2025, driven primarily by a decline in international student enrollment (due to fewer visas). Still, it was the third largest in the university’s history. • Traditional undergraduate enrollment increased from 1,725 students in the fall of 2023 to 2,102 students in the fall of 2025, marking the largest traditional undergraduate enroll - ment ever. • Doctoral enrollment increased from 393 students in fall 2023 to 520 students in fall 2025. • Traditional church work enrollment increased from 82 in the fall of 2023 to 92 in the fall of 2025. • In 2025, CSP acquired Platt College, a for-profit nursing school in Denver, Colo., and now serves over 100 students at that location. 2026 Convention Workbook 93 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS D.1. Strengths • Lutheran identity • Enrollment growth • Fiscal strength • Global reach • Breadth of academic programs and degree levels • Expertise and experience in delivering higher education in multiple modalities (face-to-face, online, hybrid) • Talented and faithful faculty and staff • Strong board of regents and executive leadership team D.2. Weaknesses • Persistence to graduation for traditional undergraduate stu- dents • Heavy reliance on tuition revenue • Historic lack of philanthropic support • Small endowment in comparison to student-body size • Landlocked campus in St. Paul D.3. Opportunities • Demand for workers in healthcare, business, and technology • Opportunities to add new academic programs in Denver and Portland • Preparation of a new generation of church work students in the urban context • Dynamic locations of physical campuses and real-world op- portunities for students • Ability to innovate and adapt quickly to changing market conditions and student needs D.4. Threats • Cultural headwinds • Public policy and legislation • Reduction in State of Minnesota financial aid programs • Economic conditions • Increased higher education competition Concordia University, St. Paul, thanks and praises God for all those who support us through their prayers, philanthropic gifts, time, and referral of students. As we walk together in our common mission and confession, may we continue to point to Jesus Christ, crucified and “risen indeed” to bring forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe. Brian L. Friedrich, President