Dr. Erik Ankerberg has begun his tenure as president of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor.
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the spring 2023 edition of Hearts Together. a publication of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor.
Dr. Erik Ankerberg has begun his tenure as president of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. He is the ninth leader to hold office on behalf of CUW and the seventh for CUAA.
After a global call for candidates in the summer of 2021 and an endorsement from a Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod Prior Approval Panel, Concordia’s Board of Regents unanimously voted to extend Ankerberg a Divine Call on Oct. 25, 2022. He officially began his term on Jan. 9, 2023.
A lifelong Lutheran, Ankerberg has devoted his entire career to serving within Lutheran schools. His first position after graduating from Concordia University Chicago was as an English teacher at Martin Luther High School in Greendale, Wisconsin. From there, he made a transition to the collegiate level, serving as an English instructor at CUW for a year and then as assistant professor of English at CUAA from 1999–2004.
His acumen for strategic planning and curriculum oversight helped him quickly rise in the ranks. For the majority of his career, he has led academic operations for three separate Lutheran universities, most recently as provost for Concordia University Chicago.
“This university has a long and rich history of serving Christ, the Church, and the wider world through a rigorous, holistic, and Christ-centered approach to education,” said Ankerberg. “The Lord has richly blessed Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, and I am humbled and honored to join this faithful university community, whose members are deeply committed to student success.”
An installation service was held on Sunday, Feb. 5. The Concordia community will again celebrate Ankerberg during his inauguration ceremony, which will occur closer to the start of the 2023–24 academic year.
From those who know him
Ankerberg’s professional resume includes nearly 15 years of experience in Lutheran higher education. Along the way, he gained a few supporters—individuals who understand what it takes to lead. Here’s what they had to say about their trusted colleague and friend.
“Erik is a gifted strategic thinker. His linear planning—getting from the current situation to the goal—is very sound and detailed, but it’s never merely linear. His strategies always reflect careful thought on an entire matrix of possible influences and outcomes. A complex institution like CUWAA will benefit from his leadership.”
—Concordia University Chicago President
Russell P. Dawn, DPhil, JD
“Dr. Ankerberg is a Christ-centered leader with a deep knowledge of higher education based on his experiences as a faculty member, researcher, and senior administrator. His calm presence is an encouragement to others as he intently listens to their thoughts, opinions, and concerns. At his core always will be a heart of humble vocational service toward those he leads in fulfilling the institution’s mission and vision.”
—Wisconsin Lutheran College Provost John Kolander, PhD
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The spring 2023 Hearts Together magazine hit mailboxes in April. View a PDF version of the magazine here. If you are not on our mailing list, but are interested in receiving a free copy, email Jennifer.Hackmann@cuaa.edu.