CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Jennifer L. Braaten, 52, Boca Raton, Fla., becomes president of Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, Neb., effective August 1999. Braaten succeeds the Rev. Carl L. Hansen, 61, who plans to retire at the end of the current academic year. Midland is one of 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"Braaten is the first woman to be appointed to the presidency of an ELCA college or university," said Arne Selbyg, ELCA director for colleges and universities. Braaten is Midland's 13th president.
Since 1991 Braaten has been provost and vice president for academic affairs at Lynn University, Boca Raton, Fla. She served as academic dean for Lynn University from 1989 to 1991, and a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools self-study director at the university from 1988 to 1990. From 1980 to 1988 Braaten was professor of sociology and U.S. history at the College of Boca Raton, Boca Raton, Fla.; adjunct professor of U.S. and Latin American history at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton; and adjunct professor of sociology and history at Palm Beach Community College, Boca Raton. Braaten taught history and sociology at the high school level from 1969 to 1980.
Braaten earned a doctorate in education with "high distinction" at Florida Atlantic University in 1987 and a master's degree in education there in 1976. She earned a bachelor of science degree, "summa cum laude," at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, in 1969. Braaten also attended St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. -- a college of the ELCA -- from 1967 to 1968; the University of Vienna, Austria, in 1968; and the University of Oregon, Eugene, Ore., from 1965 to 1967.
"Midland Lutheran College is a wonderful, warm and caring community and it is located in a great area," said Braaten. She said she believes a college like Midland will continue to play a vital role in higher education in the future because of its Christian-based liberal arts foundation.
"A liberal arts education is absolutely essential and with the Christian base, it is even more powerful," Braaten said. "The liberal arts excite and transform students as they are challenged to reach into their core. The liberal arts speak to fundamental human aspects."
"My real interest lies in small, liberal arts institutions in the Lutheran tradition," she said.
Braaten intends to spend a "great deal of time listening" when she arrives on campus. "I want to hear stories and perspectives. Everyone there knows a lot more about Midland than I do," she said. "After that, I hope to begin working on a strategic plan to envision the college's future. It is an exciting way to determine how to live out the mission, how to make it alive. Of course, you also have to trust the Holy Spirit."
Lloyd Brooks, chair of Midland's board of trustees and the presidential search committee, said, "We are truly pleased with the selection. We believe Dr. Braaten has the background and experience to lead Midland to the next level of excellence in the new millennium."
Braaten is married to the Rev. Conrad A. Braaten, senior pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church, Boynton Beach, Fla. They have two children: Kirsten and Conrad D.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.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
