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Concordia Nebraska announces new director of Uzziah Ag Scholars Program

Seward, NE (09/21/2026) — Concordia University, Nebraska recently announced that Rebekah Kraeger has been named director of the university's Uzziah Ag Scholars Program as well as assistant professor of agricultural sciences.

Kraeger has a bachelor of science in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with agriculture education endorsement as well as a master of applied science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The Uzziah Scholars program is designed to equip passionate agriculture students to become future leaders and stewards of God's creation through enriched academic and field experiences.

"Through this role, I am able to give students the opportunity to explore careers and experiences beyond the classroom while simultaneously building a network of professionals in agriculture who can support and connect them throughout their future careers," said Kraeger. "I enjoy helping students discover opportunities that align with their interests and goals while creating meaningful experiences that prepare them for success after graduation. The relationships, mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities students gain through these experiences complement and enhance what they learn in the classroom."

Kraeger considered attending Concordia Nebraska, but at that time, the university did not have a full agriculture program, which led her to pursue higher education elsewhere. She is very excited about the university's current agricultural offerings and the opportunity to lead the Uzziah Scholars program.

"Each step of my educational journey helped prepare me for the unique blend of agriculture, education and student mentorship that defines my role today," she said. "My career path would definitely fall into the non-traditional category. I was a classic example of someone who wasn't entirely sure how God intended me to use the gifts He had given me, so I've spent much of my career discovering that path. Looking back, I truly believe every experience has played a crucial role in preparing me for the position I hold today. It's funny how God works that way sometimes."

During college, she considered adding an education degree, because she'd always enjoyed helping students and watching them succeed. But she decided to enter the workforce after receiving her bachelor's degree and beginning her career with Thomas Livestock in Broken Bow, Nebraska, where she managed swine barns and trained new employees in animal care and production practices.

"When my husband, who is also a certified agriculture teacher, accepted his first teaching position, I was given the opportunity to start a new agricultural education program at a neighboring school. On the very same day I welcomed students into my classroom, I began an alternative teacher certification program," she said. "It was a challenging but rewarding experience that allowed me to combine my industry experience and agricultural background with my passion for helping students discover the many possibilities within agriculture. After completing my agricultural education certification, I stepped away from the classroom for a few years before eventually returning to education. Over the past five years, I have taught a wide range of courses, from welding and plant science to agricultural mechanics, while also managing a greenhouse and animal lab."

She said she felt God calling her toward a new challenge that would allow her to use her talents in different ways and make a broader impact on students. That calling ultimately led her to Concordia, where she now has the opportunity to connect students with an agriculture education grounded in faith and supported by meaningful experiences beyond the classroom.

"My vocation is to help students discover the opportunities available to them at Concordia Nebraska, where they can pursue an agriculture degree grounded in faith. Agriculture is unique because it constantly reminds us of our dependence on God," she said. "We plant seeds, care for livestock and steward the land with faith that He will provide growth and blessings. Through agriculture, we experience both the rewards and challenges of being caretakers of God's creation. I am grateful for the opportunity to help students explore how they can use their gifts, faith and passion for agriculture to serve others in their future careers."

Although she's only served in her new role a short time, Kraeger said she loves the work and no two days are the same.

"I have the opportunity to serve students in a variety of ways from mentoring students in the Uzziah Ag Scholars program to helping prospective students explore their future in agriculture," she said. "I work alongside industry professionals to create meaningful hands-on learning experiences beyond the classroom and collaborate with other Scholar directors to enhance opportunities for students across campus. I also visit schools and classrooms to share the many opportunities available through Concordia's agriculture programs and help students discover how they can combine their passion for agriculture with their faith and future career goals."

Kraeger and her husband Reed have three children: Rosemary, Rory and Raey.

"We live in the country just down the road from where I grew up. We raise commercial pigs and have horses, along with a couple of sheep and goats," she said. "My husband wears many hats of his own. He trains performance horses, competes professionally in rodeo, serves as a college rodeo coach and operates a construction business. Our children share our love for the outdoors and agriculture, and they especially enjoy spending time with their horses. Our oldest is involved in sports, and between family activities, livestock and rodeos, life stays busy. I wouldn't have it any other way!"

Kraeger grew up on a row crop and swine operation near Waco, Nebraska, and today she and her husband continue to raise pigs alongside her father.

"When I'm not on campus, you can often find me on the farm, riding horses with my children or spending time with our other animals! I love running, reading a good book, baking and spending time outdoors. As a family, we enjoy traveling to rodeos to watch my husband compete, and many of our favorite memories have been made on the road together. Life stays pretty busy between work, family and agriculture, but I wouldn't have it any other way!"

Kraeger said she is very excited to be part of the Concordia community.

"I have never been in a job where I instantly felt like family before coming to Concordia," she said. "You can feel the love and support from everyone around you on this campus. If that is what I've experienced as a faculty member, I can't imagine how meaningful that must be for our students. Concordia is truly a special place, and I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of a community that cares so deeply about one another."

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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