# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_2019_S121 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS •• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Relations •• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sport Communications •• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Writing •• Master of Science (MS) in Nursing •• Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology Management •• Master of Science (MS) in Coaching and Athletic Administration Concordia’s women’s volleyball team, led by Head Coach Brady Starkey, won their eighth and ninth national championships during the triennium, winning the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2016 and 2017. Among all student athletes, 23 Concordia athletes were named All-American and 6 were named Academic All-Americans. Concordia graduate Riley Hanson (’17) was named one of the ten top female scholarathletes in the nation by the NCAA. The university was recognized by the NCAA as one of the top twenty institutions in the nation for graduation rates of student athletes, with 92 percent of student athletes persisting to graduation. During academic year 2018–19, Concordia University, St. Paul, observed the 125th anniversary of the founding of the institution under the theme Leading in Legacy, using Psalm 90:17 as the theme verse: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” President Thomas Ries announced his retirement effective June 30, 2019. As of this writing, a presidential search is underway. Thomas Ries, President versity Texas must deliver its product in a manner that is excellent and that is nourishing to its students. Excellence in higher education is described in many ways, often pointing to admittance rates, retention rates, completion rates, and job placement rates. While all of these are important, there are other measures of excellence that include how students learn, how they think about the world, and the vocations in which they engage throughout their lives. The below examples point to a myriad of ways that CTX measures academic excellence. •• CTX recently received a re-affirmation of its regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) with no monitoring reports. This was an affirmation for the school that it is doing what it says it does—and others agree. •• The recently added Doctorate in Education program continues to draw students, with its first cohort scheduled for graduation Fall of 2019. The program is now fully online, joining many of the other CUS schools in the pursuit of developing school leaders for our communities. •• The Concordia MBA was ranked third in the Central Texas region for number of students. While many MBA programs in the region have seen a decline in enrollment, CTX continues to attract students to its program that focuses on leadership, ethics, and business acumen. •• The CTX Nursing program consistently has a 95–100 percent NCLEX pass rate for its graduates. The program was recently ranked #4 in the state of Texas by RegisteredNursing.org. •• Both freshmen and seniors report that CTX students consistently outrank their peers in the amount of time they get to spend with faculty and the amount of time they spend in service to the community. This report from the National Survey of Student Engagement is a reminder of why smaller liberal arts colleges have a big impact on students. •• New programs are being added every year, ranging from theater to computer gaming to psychology to accelerated degrees in nursing to multiple concentrations in the MBA. A regular review of all programs ensures that Concordia is being responsive to market needs and student interest. •• In the fall of 2018, CTX welcomed 13 new full-time faculty to replace previous positions and bolster programs that are expanding. These faculty went through a 4-day intensive workshop on teaching philosophy and the distinct nature of Lutheran higher education. R16.7 Concordia University Texas Since 1926, Concordia University Texas (CTX) has been affiliated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, fulfilling common, yet distinct, missions. In partnership with the church and other schools of the Concordia University System, CTX continues to develop people for lives of service to the church and to the world. The vocation of higher education is a unique calling within the church where faculty and students are invited to consider how the study of ALL things can be seen through the lens of the Christian faith. Lutheran higher education demands faithfulness to a two-kingdom theology, which allows for deep dialogue and embracing paradox. By engaging in scholarship and witness to the world, CTX holds closely its connection with the LCMS and is proud to stand alongside its sister schools across the church. This report is laid out in four different sections focusing on what is currently happening and a vision for the future. As CTX plans to celebrate its 93rd year of ministry, the church can rest assured that the school is remaining faithful to its mission, is on a firm financial ground, and is planning for a future that can be joyfully celebrated. Academic Excellence In its vocation as an academic institution, Concordia Uni- 121 Faithful to Lutheran Identity At the 2016 LCMS convention, the schools of the Concordia University System adopted a series of Lutheran Identity Standards that articulated a number of items that are important for schools to remain closely connected to the church-at-large. Concordia University Texas has met all standards and has faithfully reported its compliance each year of the past triennium. In addition to meeting these standards, CTX also works hard to 2019 Convention Workbook