Interim president selected
Dear Concordia students,
It is with profound gratitude to God for His guidance and goodness that I share with you the news that the Concordia University Board of Regents has unanimously selected William Cario, Ph.D. as the university’s interim president. Dr. Cairo has accepted this appointment and will assume this role July 1, 2021, following President Ferry’s retirement.
Dr. Cairo, who serves as your Provost and has led Concordia’s academic divisions for many years, along with our deeply experienced administration, talented faculty, and dedicated staff, will provide consistent, skillful leadership during this transition. The Board is completely confident that these leaders will ensure the continued success of each Concordian.
Also at last Friday’s Board meeting, the Regents selected the members of the Presidential Search Committee, whose work to plan, identify, and select the next president begins immediately. That roster is included below.
- Richard (Dick) Laabs
Chair, Board of Regents - Harriet Pedersen
Vice Chair, Board of Regents - Dwayne Jobst
Secretary, Board of Regents - Jon Schumacher
Regent, Board of Regents - Mark Polzin
Regent, Board of Regents - Dale Robertson
Regent, Board of Regents - Rev. Dwayne Lueck
President, LCMS North Wisconsin District - Christine Specht-Palmert
Chair of the Foundation Board - Terry Donovan
Member, Foundation Board
- Allen Prochnow
Executive Vice President and COO, Agent of the Board - Rev. Daniel Paavola, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Theology Department - Leah Dvorak, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and Professor - Cynthia Fenske, DNP, RN, CNE
Assistant Vice Provost of Academics, Ann Arbor - Kimberly Masenthin, MBA, SPHR
Assistant Vice President, Human Resources - Beth DeJongh, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCPP
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice
In the coming weeks, the Board will engage a robust plan for student listening sessions and surveys to inform our search. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to speak into this process. Ultimately, Concordia University is your school. Your voice is an essential to our search for the next president. I hope to hear from you, and the Search Committee with me welcomes your comments, questions, or suggestions at any time.
May God continue to bless your studies and your walk with Him as you live uncommon, each and every day.
In Christian Service,
Richard Laabs
Chairman, CUWAA Board of Regents
Chairman, Presidential Search Committee