A statement from the Concordia University System presidents on the closing of Concordia, Portland

The institutions of the Concordia University System, the national higher education network of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, extend together our collective support for the students, faculty, staff, and administration of our sister campus in Portland, Oregon, which announced today [Feb. 10, 2020] its intention to cease operations at the close of this spring semester.

Although the institutions of the Concordia University System operate independently, we walk together in mission. We resolve to help Portland students, who have unexpectedly found themselves in a very difficult situation. We are committed to offering pathways that enable our fellow Concordians to find their way to a new Concordia home. Our primary aim in the wake of this announcement is to care for displaced students and faculty and to smooth their transitions.

The loss of the Portland campus reflects the seriousness of the challenges facing the nation’s private institutions and strengthens the resolve of our campuses in California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin to collectively provide the highest quality Lutheran educational choice for future generations of post-secondary learners.

Across the nation and around the world, Concordia system schools educate more than 35,000 students and employ more than 4,000 faculty. Like never before, we are working as One Concordia to face the challenges in higher education.

We are strong and by God’s grace and goodness, remain steadfast in our mission to further Christ’s Kingdom.

On behalf of:

Dr. Don Christian — Concordia University Texas (Austin, Texas)

Dr. Russell Dawn — Concordia University Chicago (River Forest, Ill.)

Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry — Concordia University Wisconsin (Mequon, Wis.) and Concordia University, Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, Mich.)

Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich — Concordia University, St. Paul (St. Paul, Minn.)

Rev. Dr. John Nunes — Concordia College New York (Bronxville, N.Y.)

Rev. Dr. Russ Sommerfeld (interim) — Concordia University Nebraska (Seward, Neb.)

Dr. Michael Thomas — Concordia University, Irvine (Irvine, Calif.)

Media inquires may be directed to each independent institution above or to Gretchen Jameson, Sr. Vice President of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor.

Email: gretchen.jameson@cuw.edu

Office: 262-243-4563

Mobile: 636-795-6707

LCMS statement regarding the announced closure of Concordia University, Portland

Statement from Concordia University, Portland, Ore.