The Rev. Dr. David Birner, a longtime LCMS missionary and mission executive, plans to begin work Feb. 18 as executive director of International Education at Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, Wis.
Since October, Birner, 61, has served as associate executive director for Administration, Planning and Operations with the Synod’s Office of International Mission (OIM). Prior to that he served for more than a year as interim executive director and interim co-executive director of the OIM, and was part of the former LCMS World Mission leadership team since 2003.
He also served the Synod’s mission board as area secretary for Asia and area director for East Asia from 1991 to 2003, and was a missionary and field director for Papua New Guinea from 1977 to 1991.
In his new position at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), Birner will work closely with the academic deans and program directors “to identify, connect and coordinate CUW’s multiple relationships and academic programs in order to further define and expand CUW’s global footprint,” according to a news release from the school.
Other duties include helping to increase the number of international students studying at CUW, and assisting CUW students who wish to study abroad.
“We are thrilled to bring Dr. Birner onto our team,” said CUW President Rev. Dr. Patrick T. Ferry. “Not only does he bring with him Synod experience, but his international work as a missionary will be extremely valuable to our fast-growing program.”
Birner said he is “looking forward to using my networks and life experience to support and promote the excellent reputation of CUW, both here in the U.S. and abroad.” He added that he is “especially excited to join such an energetic, spirited and talented staff.”
Posted Jan. 24, 2013
