Concordia University, Nebraska

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Meet recent graduate Madee Hudson-Knowlton

Seward, NE (10/19/2026) — Recent graduate Madee Hudson-Knowlton of Kenai, Alaska, chose to study at Concordia University, Nebraska because of the Christian community, staff and faculty who show consistent and continuous intentionality students, as well as the many opportunities for extracurriculars the university offers. She was especially attracted to the university's 3+1 partnership program with Creighton University which allowed her to take part in music, theatre and biology while studying and preparing for her future as a nursing student.

Concordia's 3 + 1 Dual Degree nursing program with Creighton University gives students the opportunity to earn both an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing from Creighton as well as a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Concordia in just four years.

"Concordia is different from other universities because of the Christian values that set the foundation for every class and extracurricular activity on campus," she said. "As students prepare for their prospective fields, they are encouraged to grow in their faith, which has helped many students including myself learn how to use their unique passions, skillsets and abilities to serve others as Christ would in whatever field they plan to work in."

On campus, Hudson-Knowlton was involved with the Curtain Club, theatre, Alphas Psi Omega theatre honor society, Cantamus women's chorus, PRAISE, the IMPROVables and the pre-health club. She found her way to the university through a mentor.

"He knew I was looking for a school that I could study biology and music at the same time and that I wanted to be around other Christians my own age," she said. "While I desired to work towards my career, I also wanted to grow in my Christian faith during the process. Upon his recommendation, I applied and attended some virtual meetings and events, and the next thing I knew, I was arriving to Concordia for move-in day!"

She said Concordia's biology and pre-nursing studies are different from other universities because of how intentional the professors and faculty members are and because classes are designed in such a way to allow students to have time to participate in extracurriculars and work.

"It was really important to me that my professors demonstrated passion and professionalism in their prospective fields and that they showed continuous investment in my learning as a student. Concordia professors understand that while education is the primary focus of attending university, there must also be space for personal growth and development, work, relationships, life-giving activities and rest," she said. "While professors demonstrated the importance of learning and understanding subject material, they also regularly discussed the importance of having a life outside of the classroom. I truly believe without this teaching from professors, I would not have been as successful as a student, and I am incredibly thankful to have been taught by such thoughtful and intentional professors."

She said she built many wonderful and supportive relationships with faculty, staff and students during her time at the university.

"Through my time at Concordia, I have grown in relationships that have helped me grow and develop in ways that I could never have imagined as a student, a Christian, a friend, a future nurse and an all-around individual," she said. "My Concordia professors have helped me discover my purpose by being intentional, motivational and encouraging. Each of my Concordia professors made me feel seen, heard and valued as a student. They were intentional in getting to know me, pointing out personal strengths and partnering with me to achieve my academic and personal goals. They offered advice and resources to help me get on the path I felt called to and were always available for support and guidance as I needed it. On the days when I felt stressed or discouraged, they were always there to encourage me and to remind me of the strengths that they saw in me. I sincerely believe that the intentionality of the professors at Concordia helped me get to where I am today."

She said the university has well prepared her for the next steps in her career journey.

"My Concordia experience has helped prepare me by not only giving me the knowledge and necessary skills required for my field and a community of support but also taught me how every career path can be one of ministry," she said.

She said her time at the university has also strengthened her faith.

"Yes, Concordia has helped me immensely with my faith development by helping me understand Christianity on a deep level, surrounding me with a community of believers and offering numerous opportunities to grow in my spiritual life," she said. "Through my time at Concordia, I learned the value and importance of surrounding yourself with people who love the Lord, love others and have a desire to share that love with the world. Concordia not only helped me learn the importance of belonging to a body of believers but also the importance of having my own personal relationship with the Lord and spending time in solitude with him. By growing in my personal relationship with God, my perspective of people, the world, love and life have been completely transformed. All of this growth has made me incredibly strong in my faith and more excited than I have ever been to pursue Christ and the callings he has on my life."

Hudson-Knowlton dreams of working in medical missions as a labor and delivery nurse or midwife. She recently completed her nursing degree at Creighton University. She plans to work in Nebraska as a labor and delivery nurse, then become a traveling nurse and further her education and finally begin joining traveling medical missions teams to serve the medically underserved populations of our world.

Hudson-Knowlton comes from a huge family that is spread out around the United States. She grew up on a small farm in Alaska with four of her six siblings, her mom and her stepdad. She loves gardening, farming, hiking, fishing and horseback riding and also enjoys leading worship and church ministry. She released her first single "Anything" under the name Madee Elizabeth in August 2025. It is currently available on all streaming platforms.

"I am so incredibly thankful for each and every person who has helped me become the person I am today," she said. "It is because of all of them and the help of the Lord that I have been able to accomplish all my goals so far and continue to work towards reaching my other dreams and ambitions."

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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