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Alumnus Dr. Thomas Wrege '85 named executive director of Lutheran Education Association

Seward, NE (01/05/2026) — Concordia University, Nebraska alumnus Dr. Thomas Wrege '85 was recently named as executive director of the Lutheran Education Association (LEA). Founded in 1942, the Lutheran Education Association is a professional organization committed to linking, equipping and affirming educators and workers in ministry for the purpose of building up the body of Christ.

Wrege attended Concordia University Chicago, Black Hills State College and Community College of the Air Force prior to coming to Concordia Nebraska. He has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education with a general science minor from the university. He also has a master's degree in leadership and instructional technology from Butler University and a doctor of education in leadership in innovation and continuous improvement from Concordia University Wisconsin.

He said his path from high school to Concordia Nebraska was long and winding, but filled with God's goodness, grace and direction.

"I fully desired to serve my country after high school, so I enlisted. I was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota when my then-pastor at Peace Lutheran Church told me he had contacted all our Concordias, asking them to send me information on teacher education programs available. I was very involved in the life of the church at Peace, especially with the youth, ushering and I even started a young adult ministry that just took off because we had so many young adults within the congregation. I called it One in Christ," he explained. "Pastor told me he saw a future church worker and leader in my future, and his taking time to contact our universities was just a small way to encourage me to 'go that route' after my enlistment was over."

He said that a Concordia Nebraska representative contacted him through a personal phone call and asked him to visit for a weekend and stay in the dorm with his cousin Kevin Kuske (a former graduate, as was his wife Janice).

"I jumped at the opportunity, and I was treated so wonderfully by everyone. I did also note that the Christian culture was extraordinary, noticing this even after spending just one weekend there. From that point on, I made a promise to myself that I would make it a goal to become a student there. I almost immediately began taking night classes to get started, while at the South Dakota Air Force Base, and continuing through a correspondence course for Old and New Testament History and Literature, while stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines," he said. "Those were the days when we still used typewriters, and overseas mail was somewhat slow back and forth, so it was very labor-intensive for me after spending an entire day on the flight line, but I was keeping that promise.

Wrege's mom (a graduate of Concordia River Forest and a Lutheran school teacher) and his dad (a graduate of Valparaiso University and a teacher) were thrilled. And the rest, as they sayis history.

And the best part of Wrege's Concordia experience?

"Hands down, it was the culture: Christ-centered, friendly, caring faculty, loyalty to our Lutheran schools and church workers and incredible fun in so many areas. Innovative opportunities, too, like when I asked Professor Gubanyi if we could start a backpacking club. He got it approved, and we did!" he said. "Also, we were collectively in the Word, daily chapels and small group Bible studies all over the campus. But truly, the opportunity to meet and marry my amazing wife of 40 years now - God was always in the details of this relationship - a common bond of faithfulness that was centered in Christ and our LCMS doctrine. Our lives together have been nothing short of blessed."

Wrege said he was blessed to receive an incredible amount of support and guidance from his professors.

"It was all about a personal relationships, along with advising, lots of prayer and full-on support. My wife and I are continually blessed by how many current professors at Concordia ask about our daughter Katie '21 just because they care and that relationship is always there within the culture of Concordia."

He said his experience at Concordia Nebraska was foundational in preparing him for his career in Lutheran education and his current service.

"My time [at Concordia] brought me back to my elementary grade school days at St. Mark Lutheran School in North Tonawanda. Those days were transformational, ones that solidified how much I loved my classmates and teachers, how both were instrumental in leaving me with lasting memories that became revived at Concordia. A caring community, solid doctrine, a missionary zeal and ensuring that in every step of life beyond our time there, vocation would include carrying out the Great Commission," he said. "On campus, during student teaching, on field trips, in our classes, in conversations - faith formation was on full display. The Word informed. We enjoyed worship in chapel and in area Lutheran churches, partaking in fellowship, Word and Sacrament. Student teaching was so meaningful to me and my wife. On field excursions, we not only had a blast and learned practical applications but also talked to people and shared our faith. Classes brimmed full of faith talk, and the friendships that bloomed, many of them still prevalent today, typically centered around our common faith and very fun memories."

Wrege said serving in the military was an experience that solidified the importance of serving, of living patriotism and of the importance of teamwork and attention to detail. He said that Concordia Nebraska cemented the idea that God encouraged him to go into church work and specifically leadership.

"Butler University helped me to better hone my craft. Concordia Wisconsin, and the very specific Ed.D. of innovation and continuous improvement provided learning for visionary and creative leadership. And in each of our calls to various congregations, through the serving and challenges, there was learning, praying, risk-taking and following God's lead," he said. "Standing up from my normal seat in the principal's chair to that of consulting for Lutheran schools was a move the Lord ordained, and it has been life-changing in an incredibly positive way."

Wrege currently serves as a national education consultant for DAST Consulting, a position he has held for one-and-a-half years.

"Moving from Lutheran school principal to a national consultant for Lutheran schools for DAST Consulting was a sabbatical or a segue, if you will. I was able to work from home, take full stock of God's blessings during this time and assist hundreds of Lutheran school leaders, mainly remotely, in sustainability efforts. In all humility, He has fully prepared me to become the next executive director of the Lutheran Education Association, and for my wife Keven to be there at every turn in mutual support in this new ministry opportunity."

His wife Keven (Nienhueser) Wrege '85 serves as a pre-Kindergarten teacher at Zion Lutheran School, Georgetown, Texas. Their son Caleb Wrege is a technology specialist in Seattle, Washington. Son Coleson Wrege is an assistant professor at Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City. His wife Tatiana is an adjunct professor, and their son Liam is the Wrege's first grandson. Daughter Katie (Wrege) '21 is married to Amos Utecht '22. Katie is a former Lutheran and Christian school teacher, now an at-home mom with the Wreges' new grandson Gideon. Amos is a CPA. They live in Rapid City, South Dakota.

In addition to his daily work, Wrege enjoys writing blogs and devotionals, or submitting articles for peer-reviewed journals. He also enjoys creating content and writing white papers that inform and help others. When he's not working, you'll likely find Wrege outdoors. He enjoys hunting, camping and fishing.

"One fun fact is that my wife and I go on a camping fasting retreat each summer, which provides a respite for both of us, together, to truly and totally focus on God's care for us and to prepare us for the upcoming new school year," he said. "Our time is spent with each other, and in a way that the Holy Spirit feeds us in deep, faith-filled reflection."

With LEA, Wrege looks forward to supporting Lutheran schools and staff members, creating content and value-add items, providing the organizations conferences and the triennial Convocation, embracing award opportunities, moving towards global collaboration, bringing more sustainability and providing networking and servant events.

"I love to share Jesus Christ crucified, died and risen. He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! It is about building and maintaining relationships. About being in the Word together. Opening the Bible and praying continually. Encouraging those around me. Taking risks is okay. Reflect often. Truly honor God. Show humility. Embrace family time. Move Satan aside. Allow the Holy Spirit to work. Have celebratory times!" he said. "God prepares His people throughout life - to be equipped to serve in the church and in the world. At times we might not realize how He is preparing us, but He does - through joys and challenges in ministry, and through people. I genuinely believe that God has prepared me and my family to serve our Lutheran schools and church workers - as I begin taking on the responsibilities of the new Lutheran Education Association Executive Director."

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod located in Seward, Nebraska, which currently serves more than 1,700 students. Concordia offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

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