Concordia University, Nebraska

Attending conferences and gaining hands-on experiences are important parts of developing a well-rounded and prepared student. Concordia University, Nebraska's scholar programs offer students these kinds of opportunities. Freshman Benjamin Steffens of San Pedro, California, attended the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Animal Institute in April through Concordia's Uzziah Ag Scholars program. This was the first time that the Uzziah Scholars program had a student apply for and be accepted to an AFA Institute.

On April 11, Concordia University, Nebraska hosted its second annual Paul Scholars Banquet in celebration and appreciation of the Paul Scholars. The event was held in the Cattle Conference Room in Janzow Campus Center and featured keynote speaker Greg Butcher.

Lauren Dawson '24 said that at one point in time, she was vehemently opposed to the idea of attending Concordia University, Nebraska. Now she has two degrees from the university and serves as an English teacher in a Muslim country and credits the university for strengthening her faith and preparing her for her current service.

In December 2025, Uzziah Ag Scholar Benjamin Steffens attended the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Freshman Camryn Beikmann hails from Palmer, Kansas, although her family moved to Pierce, Nebraska, last summer. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education and Lutheran Teacher Diploma from Concordia University, Nebraska. She is also in Concordia Ringers and is in the Luke Scholars honor program.

Sophomore Rachel Amey from Wichita, Kansas is double majoring in criminal justice and psychology and double minoring in Spanish and servant leadership at Concordia Nebraska. She is part of the university's inaugural cohort of Paul Scholars, Concordia Nebraska's work education program and works in the university's safety and security department.

Concordia University, Nebraska's Uzziah Scholars recently enjoyed a spring industry tour to Fredericksburg, Texas. Students in attendance on the tour included Lane Schoff, Nathan King, Jenna Muntz and Kailyn Paul. The tour was led by Uzziah Agriculture Scholars Program Director Kellie Nelson '24. "This trip was designed to broaden the horizons of Uzziah Scholars students by immersing them in agricultural industries and practices distinct from those found in Nebraska," explained Nelson. "Through hands-on experiences and in-depth tours, students engaged with diverse agricultural operations, explored the influence of regional climate on production and gained insights into local cultural dynamics. This tour not only expanded their agricultural knowledge and exposure to innovative management practices but also fostered team building, collaboration and a deeper appreciation for the varied landscapes of American agriculture."