Erik Ankerberg has been named the next president of
Concordia University Wisconsin (in Mequon)
and Ann Arbor (Michigan). He will begin his term on Jan. 9, 2023.
Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor is the largest university affiliate of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in the nation.
Ankerberg currently serves as provost of
Concordia University Chicago. He has nearly 15 years of experience in leadership positions at Lutheran higher education institutions. Ankerberg has led academic operations for three separate universities: as provost for
Concordia University Chicago and
Concordia University Texas, and as assistant provost at Wisconsin Lutheran College. He also served as interim president for
Concordia Chicago in the summer of 2019. Prior to his tenure as a provost, he served as a department chair and held faculty positions at Wisconsin Lutheran College. He also taught at
Concordia University Ann Arbor and
Concordia University Wisconsin early in his career.
He holds a Ph.D. and a master’s degree from Marquette University and earned his bachelor’s degree from
Concordia Chicago.
"Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor is blessed to welcome Dr. Erik Ankerberg as president-elect," said
Concordia University system president Dr. Dean Wenthe. "He brings extensive experience in higher education governance, administration, and teaching. These abilities are anchored and enhanced by a robust, confessionally Lutheran faith and life. As a 1965 graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin, I rejoice and give thanks with my alma mater."
As part of the interview process, Ankerberg visited the Mequon and Ann Arbor campuses last month to meet in person with faculty, staff, and students. In a webinar address he delivered to the Concordia community on Oct. 3, Ankerberg laid out his strategic priorities for Concordia:
- Implement a university-wide framework for Christian formation for mission.
- Relentlessly focus on student success by developing a ConcordiaPromise that promotes specific success initiatives and outcomes.
- Maximize post-traditional student enrollment.
- Identify, prioritize, and live out a portfolio of distinctive, innovative, high-quality academic programs.
- Promote teaching, learning, and research that stretches faculty and students and provides clear value to the Church and the wider world.
“I am humbled and honored to accept the call to serve as president of
Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor," said Ankerberg. "This university has a long and rich history of serving Christ, the Church, and the wider world by providing a rigorous, Christ-centered education that forms each student’s mind, body, and spirit as preparation to find 'uncommon' ways to meet the needs of others. I am eager to begin this work in such a faithful university community, whose members are deeply committed to student success.”
