Torgerson to Become President of Luther College

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Richard L. Torgerson, 55, St. Peter, Minn., has been selected to become president of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, on July 12. Luther is one of 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Torgerson succeeds Jeffrey D. Baker, who died from lung cancer March 22 at his home in Cambria, Calif., at the age of 57. Baker succeeded the Rev. H. George Anderson, who served as president from 1982 until his election as presiding bishop of the ELCA in 1995.
Richard C. Hemp, a member of Luther's board of regents, is serving as interim president until Torgerson takes office.
Torgerson said, "Luther is recognized nationally as a college which places a high priority on teaching, faculty scholarship and serving students. Luther is exemplary in its commitment to be a community of faith and learning -- calling and preparing people to serve in the world. The world needs the vision and leadership which Luther graduates provide.
"Luther College is a place of uncommon value. Excellence has been and will continue to be a Luther hallmark. Where else in America can one find a more picturesque setting in an atmosphere of academic challenge?" he said.
Torgerson has been vice president for development at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn., since February 1998. From 1992 to January 1998 he served as vice president for development at Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. He was vice president and academic dean for Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kan., from 1985 to 1990, and Bethany's acting president from 1990 to 1991. Bethany, Gustavus Adolphus and Wartburg are colleges of the ELCA.
Torgerson served as vice president for academic affairs and academic dean for Baker University, Baldwin, Kan., from 1982 to 1985.
He served as assistant dean for academic affairs at Texas Lutheran College, Seguin, Texas, from 1980 to 1982, and chair for the college's department of biology from 1974 to 1982. Texas Lutheran is now a university of the ELCA.
From 1969 to 1972 he was assistant professor of biology at Wartburg.
In 1969, Torgerson earned a doctorate in entomology and zoology, and in 1966 earned a master's degree in entomology at Washington State University, Pullman, Wash. He earned a bachelors of arts degree in biology and physical education at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., in 1964. Concordia is a college of the ELCA.
Torgerson is a frequent lecturer and presenter on topics of higher education, fund raising for private colleges, learning assessment, faculty development and teaching strategies. He is a member of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives, the Lutheran Education Conference of North America, and the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.
Rebecca D. Shaw, chair of Luther's Board of Regents, said Torgerson's experience and accomplishments in administration and faculty positions in Christian higher education, combined with his energy and commitment, made him the outstanding candidate for Luther president.
"Dr. Torgerson comes to Luther with outstanding credentials and a long record of success. His enthusiasm clearly shows he is ready to dive -- body, mind and soul -- into the intense and demanding work of president. The unanimous consensus of Luther's presidential search committee and the board is that Dr. Torgerson will lead Luther to new levels of distinction and achievement," she said.
"His knowledge and experience will help Luther address the challenges of a fast-changing world of higher education. We are confident he is the right person to lead Luther College into the next century," Shaw said.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
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