New faculty bring expertise and experience

Outside of Jesse Hall where professor offices are located.

Photo credit: Elizabeth Salo

By Keith Siek

Here are some of the new faculty on campus this fall.  These nine new faculty members, including four Concordia alumni, bring their own unique experience and knowledge to their respective programs. 

                          Alison Ermisch

Sonja Brandt, one of four new members of the Department of Natural Sciences, is an assistant professor of field biology. Brandt earned a Bachelor of Art in biology degree and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art from Concordia University, Nebraska.

Dr. Alison Ermisch is an adjunct professor of human biology this fall and will start a full-time schedule in the spring. Ermisch earned a doctorate in reproductive physiology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after graduating from California Polytechnic State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. 

Rebekah Kraeger was chosen as director of the Uzziah Scholars program and will work closely with students to help prepare them for their agriculture vocations.  “I am excited to be part of that journey with our Uzziah Ag Scholars and to help build a strong future for agriculture at Concordia,” said Kraeger, who taught high school agricultural and shop classes for seven years and worked for three years in commercial agriculture in the swine industry.

                         Rebekah Kraeger

Cara Rathke is the new director of the Micah Pre-Health Scholars program and an associate professor of science. Rathke has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Concordia and a Master of Science degree in pathologists’ assistant studies from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She worked at Bryan Health in Lincoln for six years before returning to Concordia. “As the Micah Scholars director, I’m seeking out students who have a head for science and a heart for serving others,” she said. “My job is to help shape and mold these students to not only be great applicants for their various graduate studies or strong healthcare leaders, but to view their future careers as callings as we set out to be the hands and feet of God.”  

“I am very excited about the new faculty joining the Natural Sciences Department,” said Dr. John Hink, dean of the Departments of Arts and Sciences. “All are dedicated Christians who understand the relationship between faith and learning. They also have strong professional qualifications and experiences in their respective areas.”

                              Cara Rathke

The Rev. Mark Squire is an assistant professor of theology and takes over teaching Greek from Dr. John Genter, who accepted a position at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Squire was at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa, for seven years before taking the call to join Concordia’s theological faculty. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, with a Master of Divinity degree and received a Master of Sacred Theology degree in 2018.

Preston Sunderman is the new Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod director of placement and will serve as director of colloquy and an assistant professor of education.  He will be an intermediary between career-ready graduates and churches that are extending calls, so that new church work professionals can find the right fit. He looks forward to connecting church work students to their first call with conversation and prayer.  “I am most excited to be able to work with, talk to, and pray with our church workers as they consider where the Lord is calling them to serve,” Sunderman said. Sunderman will help church workers who are not yet rostered in the LCMS navigate the requirement process.

                             Mark Squire

He will also teach one class per semester.

Dr. Dan Bothe joined the Paul H & Mary Ann Kouehler Department of Business as a full-time professor. Bothe earned his Ph.D. in business finance from Anderson University and worked in business for 20 years before he began his teaching career. Bothe said that he hopes to prepare students for their future careers. “I’m here to teach and make an impact on students,” Bothe said. “I hope to bring my experience as a business professional into the classroom and help prepare my students for what is ahead of them after graduation.”

The department of Human and Social Sciences added alumnus Jennifer Vineyard to serve as an Assistant Professor of Psychology. Vineyard worked as a mental health professional for Counseling Toward Hope in Holdrege, Nebraska before coming to Concordia. She graduated from Concordia University, Nebraska with double majors in psychology and behavioral science. Vineyard wants to help her students discover and utilize their God-given talents. “I want to dig in with the students and explore who God created them to be, so that they can care for people better,” Vineyard said.

                       Preston Sunderman

Alumnus Anna Bloomfield was hired to Concordia’s Department of Art and will serve as Assistant Professor of Art. Bloomfield graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia in 2013 and spearheaded the art program at Crean Lutheran High School in Orange County, California. Bloomfield said that she wants to build the Concordia’s Art program, encouraging her students to use their God-given creativity. “I’m looking forward to growing the program,” Bloomfield said. “I’m looking forward to growing the program,” Bloomfield said. “I want to get new students excited about majoring in art and using their God-given talents to serve the world.”

                         Dan Bothe

                        Jennifer Vineyard

                       Anna Bloomfield