Concordia Nebraska announces preferred partnership with Lutheran Special Education Ministries
Seward, NE (01/21/2026) — Concordia University, Nebraska today announced that it has partnered with Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM) to offer the university's Studia Vitae continuing education units (CEUs), single graduate courses, graduate certificates and full graduate degree programs to the group's members at a lower preferred partner rate. Individuals affiliated with eligible preferred partners such as LSEM receive exclusive tuition pricing and enjoy mission alignment through courses and programs that advance the shared priorities of both organizations.
"Concordia University, Nebraska has a long history of producing excellent educators for Lutheran schools," said Richard Schumacher, Lutheran Special Education Ministries senior director of operations. "To provide our teachers at LSEM with access to the professors and resources that Concordia Nebraska has to offer is a blessing to our ministry and the thousands of students to whom we provide services across the country. We are excited to partner with Concordia Nebraska in this capacity and look forward to finding new and exciting ways to support each other in our ministry work."
The Concordia Nebraska preferred partner program is a unique collaboration opportunity that makes high-quality, faith-based education more affordable and accessible, empowering preferred partner employees and members to grow in knowledge, strengthen your vocation and serve others with excellence.
"We give thanks to God for the incredible blessing that LSEM is to so many Lutheran schools. It is a joy and honor to play a role in supporting the lifelong learning of these devoted teachers," said Concordia Nebraska President and Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Director of Academic Ventures Dr. Bernard Bull.
Eligible individuals of preferred partner organizations can access their benefits by indicating their active membership or employment status during the graduate course or graduate program application process or during the CEU course registration process.
"Lutheran Special Education Ministries is very excited about our new partnership with Concordia Nebraska," added Stacy McGhee, Lutheran Special Education Ministries president and CEO. "Not only do we love shared ministry, we're always looking for ways of offering extra support for the church workers we employ. All of our teachers need continuing education opportunities in order to keep their teaching license. However, pursuing an advanced degree can oftentimes be cost-prohibitive. The partnership with Concordia Nebraska allows our teachers access to reduced cost graduate offerings, and the new Studia Vitae program is a game-changer because it allows our teachers to stay within the LCMS system at a cost that is affordable. We can't wait to see the benefits of this partnership in the future!"
Concordia Nebraska's preferred partnerships offer lasting value to participating organizations, offering special tuition pricing and Christ-centered education that strengthens vocations and serves the church and world. Concordia Nebraska's custom learning opportunities are designed to meet the unique needs of partner organizations.
Concordia University, Nebraska's preferred partners program creates meaningful connections with Lutheran and Christian organizations that share the university's mission. The university welcomes conversations with additional schools, ministries and associations interested in joining this partnership network.
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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