Dr. Bernard Bull installed as Concordia University, Nebraska president

Seward, NE (08/23/2021) — Dr. Bernard Bull was installed as Concordia University, Nebraska's 11th president on Aug. 22 during the university's opening service at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward.

Bull was installed by Rev. Richard Snow, president of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Nebraska District. Additionally, Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the LCMS, delivered a sermon during the service. New Concordia partners in ministry were also installed, and those who advanced in rank were recognized.

Bull, a leader in Christian Lutheran higher education, who was announced as Concordia's president-elect in December 2020, comes to Concordia after serving as president of Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, and in various leadership roles at Concordia University Wisconsin.

"I look forward to joining in Concordia's beautiful expression of a Christian academic community, seeking to find ways we that we can interact with, learn from, serve and love the many neighbors in the world around us," Bull said.

In the first weeks of his tenure, Bull is prioritizing meeting with Concordia's students, faculty and staff to get a first-hand understanding of the campus community. Multiple events will be hosted in Seward to introduce Bull to area congregations, as well as Seward County residents.

"In my early days of service, the goal is to create ample time for informal conversations and finding my way, both figuratively and literally, through the community," he said.

From those conversations, Bull said he plans to identify opportunities to implement new initiatives, based on the university's strategic plan, that can best benefit from shared leadership and collaborative decision making, in addition to areas that require his focused support and attention.

"Concordia Nebraska is well-positioned to be a leader in Lutheran and Christian higher education, and we have many opportunities to chart a strong path forward in partnership with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Concordia University System, the LCMS and beyond," he said. "There are risks, challenges and uncertainties in our future, but also many exciting possibilities and opportunities. May God grant us wisdom as we navigate the spirit of this age as we join in equipping men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world."

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