Concordia University at Austin

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Concordia University at Austin

Concordia University at Austin's Logo

Motto Developing Christian Leaders
Established 1926
Type Private
Religious Affiliation Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
President Dr. Thomas Cedel
Students Approximately 1,200
Location Austin, Texas, USA
Campus Urban
Website www.concordia.edu

Contents

[edit] Background

Concordia University at Austin is an award-winning institute of higher education located in Austin, Texas with satellite campuses in Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Fredericksburg, Texas. A privately-held, accredited, liberal arts university, Concordia is owned by Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. It is a member of the highly respected Concordia University System in which more than 19,000 students are enrolled nationwide. The mission of Concordia University at Austin is to develop Christian leaders.

With a history that goes back 80 years, Concordia University at Austin has grown and changed with the community. The school began as a private men’s high school for those planning to go into teaching or ministry. Since then, Concordia has progressed from a high school to a two-year college and finally, to a leading private, four-year university.

Today, Concordia is thriving. Fall 2006 shows the highest enrollment in the school’s history with more than 1,200 students enrolled in traditional undergraduate programs, the Accelerated Degree Program for working adults, and the Master’s of Education graduate program.

U.S. News & World Report named Concordia University at Austin to its 2007 list of “America’s Best Colleges.” [1]

[edit] History

1926

Lutheran Concordia College of Texas, a four-year high school that prepares young men for careers in ministry and teaching, opens with 26 students on its current site.

1929

A two-story classroom building, later called the Music Building and now known as College Central, is built.

1948

Memorial Gymnasium is added to the campus.

1949

Campus growth continues with the addition of Hirschi Memorial Library.

1951

A two-year junior college curriculum is added. Kramer Hall, the college’s first fully air-conditioned classroom building is dedicated.

1952

The campus gets its own chapel with Birkman Memorial Chapel.

1953

Texas Hall is dedicated.

1955

For the first time, Concordia admits women as students. Studtmann Hall is dedicated.

1965

The name of the institution is changed to Concordia Lutheran College.

1969

The four-year high school program is disbanded. Beto Hall is dedicated.

1980

Condoria’s curriculum expands to four years after receiving permission to award Bachelor of Arts degrees.

1986

Prime Time Education, Concordia’s first degree plan for nontraditional students is launched.

1987

A communication and fine arts complex is added to the campus.

1990

White Hall is dedicated for use by Advancement Services.

1991

The Memorial Gymnasium renovated and renamed the Bokenkamp Student Center.

1993

Texas Hall is renovated to include the dining hall and College of Education.

1994

The school mascot is changed from Stags to Tornados.

1995

The name of the institution is changed to Concordia University at Austin after joining the Concordia University System, which includes 10 colleges and universities across the U.S.

The Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) within the College of Adult Education is launched to offer an working adults the opportunity to earn a degree. This program replaces Prime Time Education.

1996

The Concordia Alumni Association is formed.

1998

Concordia at Austin adds the Master’s of Education graduate program and Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree.

1999

The Director of Christian Education program is approved.

2000

Concordia issues laptop computers to all full-time traditional students.

2001

Harms Hall, a new residence dormitory, is dedicated.

Construction begins on the George J. Beto Academic Center.

2002

Dr. Thomas E. Cedel is named President of Concordia University.

The Accelerated Degree Program adds off-campus sites to their programs in Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Houston.

2003

The George J. Beto Academic Center—a 30,000 square-foot complex—opens for classes.

2005

The Board of Regents approves the relocation of the Concordia University at Austin campus. The new campus is located in Northwest Austin on more than 350 acres of land. Construction will begin in the spring of 2007, and the new campus will open in the fall of 2008.

[edit] New Campus

To continue its trend of growth, Concordia is planning a significant move in 2008 from its current 23-acre campus located near downtown Austin to a new site in the Northwest quadrant of the city.

[edit] The Site

The site for Concordia’s new campus is the former Schlumberger Austin Systems Center. It is a significant space with six existing buildings connected by covered walkways and a nature trail that circles the entire site. The combination of exquisite architecture and nature and exudes quality. The site will easily transition from an R&D facility to a university campus. After some renovations, most of Concordia's current academic programs and administrative departments will fit into the existing buildings. New construction to develop the campus will include a gym, athletic fields and student housing. Concordia’s new residential campus will be an important catalyst for the growth and energy of both the university and Austin, Texas. A campus village environment will enable the University to retain students and faculty at a higher rate and will allow Concordia to expand enrollment.

[edit] The Location

Concordia’s new site is located on Highway 620, one mile north of the 2222 intersection and just minutes from numerous amenities including restaurants, banks, shopping and various large businesses.

Concordia is purchasing 385 acres which include a 250 acre nature preserve comprising wetlands, caves, dense trees and wildlife, and is home to the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, a rare species of bird native to Central Texas. A 10-A Federal permit is required and only one other higher education institution carries one.

While this new location is within easy distance of the city and its various urban resources and amenities, the inclusion of a nature preserve will bring a unique aesthetic to the campus. It will allow Concordia to showcase its exemplary practice of urban environmentalism in the Austin community.

[edit] Student Body

  • Student Body, Fall 2006
  • Freshman Class, Fall 2006
    • New Freshmen: 190
    • Average High School GPA: 3.21
    • Average SAT Composite: 1,507
    • Average ACT Composite: 21.7
    • Females: 87
    • Males: 103
  • Student Body Growth
    • 2002: 1,075
    • 2003: 1,160
    • 2004: 1,184
    • 2005: 1,206
    • 2006: 1,231
    • 2007: 1,255 (Projected)
    • 2008: 1,281 (Projected)
    • 2009: 1,306 (Projected)
    • 2010: 1,332 (Projected)

[edit] Academic Programs

Concordia University at Austin is a private, co-educational institution of liberal arts and sciences offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in 22 majors in the colleges of business, education, liberal arts and sciences, and adult education. All degree plans work in conjunction with the University’s general education requirements, providing each student with a broad-based knowledge and foundation for becoming a successful Christian leader.

[edit] College of Business

Concordia’s College of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with concentrations on five areas: accounting, finance, general business, international business and marketing. In addition, students can earn minors in accounting, general business and finance. The mission of the College of Business is to develop students to be people of influence—individuals who will make a difference throughout their lives.

[edit] College of Education

The College of Education provides a strong academic and field-based program that prepares pre-service and in-service teachers to be successful in public, private and Lutheran schools. Graduates of Concordia’s College of Education enter the field with a strong philosophical and practical background in teaching and learning strategies. Concordia offers State-approved programs for elementary, middle school and secondary certification.

[edit] College of Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts offers a broad spectrum of educational opportunities with nine majors including: behavioral science, biology, communications, computer science, English, environmental science, history, liberal arts and mathematics. Programs such as: pre-law, pre-medical/dental, pre-nursing, pre-seminary and pre-physical therapy complement Concordia’s classical liberal arts degree program, along with specific job-related training.

[edit] College of Adult Education

The College of Adult Education houses Concordia’s Accelerated Degree Program (ADP)—a unique model of education that offers adults the chance to attain a degree while attending only one class per week. Because ADP features continuous education tracks, students take classes all year long, increasing the rate at which one can earn a degree. The Accelerated Degree Program provides classes in Austin, Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Fredericksburg, Texas.

[edit] Campus Life

[edit] Housing

There are three residence halls. Harms Hall is co-ed features suites with four private bedrooms, two bathrooms and a common living area. Studtmann Hall is a women’s dorm and Behnken Hall is a men’s dorm. Both are traditional-style dorms with spacious rooms, high ceilings and a resident lobby area. All dorm rooms are equipped with private phone lines and internet connections. Other amenities are available through the numerous facilities on campus.

[edit] Student Organizations

Concordia believes that participating in extracurricular activities is one of the best ways for students to add structure to their free time. Participation in campus activities is also a great way to make friends, experience Christian fellowship and the Concordia way of life. It’s also a great way to develop leadership skills that students will use in their future careers. Studies show that students who participate in extracurricular activities tend to earn better grades, enjoy their college experiences more and graduate earlier than students who do not. For these reasons, Concordia has developed an extensive extracurricular program. Some of the many clubs that are available for students to participate in are:

  • Student Leadership Association
  • Student Government
  • Concordia Student Ministries
  • Intramural/Recreational Committee
  • Alpha Chi Honor Society
  • University Choir
  • Wind Ensemble
  • Jazz Ensemble
  • The Writers Guild

For more student clubs please visit Community at Concordia [2]

[edit] Events

There are always numerous events at Concordia, ranging from open mic nights at the Coffee House, concerts, plays and festivals to annual university events. At all of these events, students make both memories and friendships that will be treasured for a lifetime.

For current events, please visit our Calendar [3]

[edit] Athletics

Our intercollegiate athletic teams participate in NCAA Division III competition.

[edit] Athletic Programs

  • Baseball
  • Men’s Basketball
  • Women’s Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Men’s Soccer
  • Women’s Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Athletic Training

[edit] Facilities

  • Fascholz-Keller Field (Baseball)
  • Bartholomew Park (Softball)
  • Pharr Tennis Center
  • Woltman Gymnasium
  • St. Francis School (Soccer)

Conference: American Southwest Conference

Mascot: Tornados

Colors: Purple and White

Athletic Director: Linda Lowery

[edit] Quick Facts

[edit] About Concordia

Concordia University at Austin is a private, coeducational institution of liberal arts and sciences offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Concordia also offers an Accelerated Degree Program for part-time students and adult returning students.

[edit] Heritage

Founded in 1926, Concordia is affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod; all faiths are welcome. This college is unique in that many area Wends (or Sorbs) are associated with and support this school. The original main building is named for the Wend John Kilian, founder of the first Texas Lutheran church associated with the Missouri Synod and leader of a large group of Wends who settled in the Serbin area of Texas. Today, between 10%-15% of Concordia's faculty, staff, and students are of Wendish heritage.

[edit] Location

Concordia's Austin, Texas campus is located on tree-shaded 20-acres in the heart of the city. Concordia has extension campuses in San Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth and Fredericksburg, Texas.

[edit] Accreditation

Concordia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools[4].

[edit] Academics
  • Undergraduate: 22 majors in four colleges – Business, Education, Liberal Arts and Adult Education
  • Graduate – M.Ed.

[edit] Enrollment
  • Approximately 1,200 students
  • 60% female, 40% male

[edit] Cost
  • Tuition per year: $18,070
  • Room and Board: $7,100
  • Total: $25,170
  • 75% of students receive some form of financial aid
    • updated 2007

For more information, please visit Financial Aid [5]

[edit] Average Class Size
  • Student/Faculty Ratio: 19:1

[edit] Campus Living
  • Three residence halls
  • Facilities:
    • Beto Academic Center
    • Birkmann Chapel
    • Bokenkamp Student Center
    • Founder’s Library
    • Louise T. Peter Center
    • Texas Hall Dining Hall
    • Woltman Activity Center

[edit] Faculty
  • 85 faculty members
    • 33 Full-time
    • 52 Part-time

[edit] Intercollegiate Athletics

[edit] Photo Gallery

[edit] External Links

  • Concordia University [6]
  • Maps and Aerial Photos:
    • Campus map [7]
    • Street map from Google Maps [8] or Yahoo! Maps [9]
    • Aerial image [10] or topographic map [11] from TerraServer-USA
    • Satellite image from Google Maps [12]