Dear Concordia students, faculty, and staff,

As you know, the Rev. Dr. Patrick Ferry recently informed the University’s Board of Regents of his intention to retire on or about June 30, 2021. The Board received Dr. Ferry's announcement with sincere sadness, while also giving thanks to God for his dedicated and visionary leadership of our institution over the past 24 years.

The Board is now charged with the responsibility of electing the next president of CUWAA. However, it must do so in accordance with a specific process delineated by The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The process is quite complex, but very thorough. This is appropriate given the significance of the task at hand. Among other things, the process includes a nationwide search for candidates. The Board next meets on November 6, 2020. As part of our meeting, we will review the process for selecting CUWAA's next president and commence the work required to fulfill our responsibilities.

Several of our sister Concordia Universities have recently selected a new president or remain in the process of doing so. We have learned from them that the process can last as long as two years and sometimes includes the appointment of an interim president. It is too early to speculate on the duration or outcome of CUWAA's effort in this regard, but the experiences of our peers help to shape our perceptions and expectations for the process.

We will provide our CUWAA community with updates throughout this process, both through email communications and via the University website. Additionally, the Board will solicit input from the CUWAA community from time to time as prescribed by the LCMS process. We look forward to interacting with you during this important time.

As we imagine the future with a new leader, we ask you to join us in fervent prayer for God's gifts of guidance, wisdom and discernment. CUWAA remains, as ever, the Church's school, where Christ is first in all things. With Him as our sure foundation, we move forward with confidence and joy.

With you in Christian service to Christ Jesus,
Richard Laabs
Chairman
Board of Regents