CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Thomas W. Thomsen, 45, Des Moines, Iowa, will become the ninth president of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., July 1, 1999. He succeeds Paul J. Dovre, 64, who retires June 30 after serving 24 years as president. Concordia is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"There is no better place to be than Concordia," said Thomsen. "Concordia has a well-earned reputation for academic excellence provided by faculty members who are truly dedicated to their students. It is a unique place where knowledge of faith and learning grow together with a strong sense of community and a commitment to serving others."
Since 1996 Thomsen served as president of Grand View College, Des Moines, Iowa. From 1992 to 1996 he was vice president of institutional advancement for Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Mont. Thomsen was advancement associate and director for financial aid at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, from 1986 to 1991, and assistant director for capital campaign from 1984 to 1986. Grand View and Wartburg are also colleges of the ELCA.
"Thomsen is a leader who projects confidence and humility," said Ronald Offutt, Fargo, N.D., chair of the Concordia College Board of Regents. "His walk of faith impacts all that he does. In fact, he was drawn to Concordia because of our clear mission -- to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life."
Thomsen has a passion for facilitating the intellectual, spiritual and emotional growth of others, and "his bond with students is extraordinary," said Offutt.
Thomsen received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, and studied psychology, sociology and language at the University of Nottingham, England. He earned a master of divinity degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., and served as pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Wilmington, Ill., from 1979 to 1984.
Thomsen and his wife, Barbara, have three sons: Hans, Christopher and Nils.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
