What about Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor campus?

Update on CUWAA Ann Arbor Campus

February 19, 2024

On Feb. 13, 2024, Dr. Erik Ankerberg, president of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA), sent a letter to students and alumni regarding a comprehensive review of the university’s finances completed on Feb. 1. Dr. Ankerberg indicated that the analysis showed the university must reduce costs, particularly at the university’s Ann Arbor campus, to operate sustainably within existing revenues. We pray for wisdom and discernment for Dr. Ankerberg and the CUWAA Board of Regents as they chart a way forward.

Under the Synod’s bylaws, the board of regents of each Concordia university is responsible for the institution’s governance, planning, administration and management of assets, resources and operations. President Ankerberg has reported that the CUWAA Board of Regents has been briefed on the fiscal issues and has asked for a tentative plan to address the financial deficit at Ann Arbor by the end of this month. President Ankerberg also assured CUWAA that he would share more details after the board meets, likely in early March.

The Concordia University System (CUS) and the Synod’s Board of Directors (BOD) have been advised of CUWAA’s financial situation. The Synod — through the CUS — establishes standards and, according to those standards, facilitates ecclesiastical visitation and affirmation of the Synod’s universities to assist them in the preparation of commissioned ministers and pre-seminary students, among other ecclesiastical functions. The Synod BOD, while not having supervisory authority over the Synod’s universities, is monitoring developments at CUWAA and CUWAA’s effectiveness and viability in satisfying the Synod’s constitution, bylaws and resolutions.

CUWAA has created a form to give individuals an opportunity to share their thoughts. It can be found here.

We encourage everyone to speak about this issue with grace and charity, putting the best construction on all things, as we together pray for the future of CUWAA, its Ann Arbor and Mequon campuses and communities.

Posted Feb. 19, 2024