Concordia University Ann Arbor launched the 2025–26 academic year with a celebration of new achievements and milestones that underscore academic excellence and a renewed purpose for strategic, mission-centered growth.
On Sept. 18, President Dr. Erik Ankerberg spent the day on campus, meeting with faculty and staff in the recently refreshed North Building, which houses programs in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies. The visit included sessions for open dialogue, as well as recognition of faculty leadership.
Dr. Erin Laverick, associate vice president of campus operations and student success, was recognized during the meetings for her leadership.
“Faculty and staff were deeply engaged in the sessions with Dr. Ankerberg and left feeling hopeful about the future of CUAA,” she said. “We know it’s time to roll up our sleeves and lean into mission-centered work. With excitement and purpose, we are ready to move forward together and shape CUAA into a thriving hub for Christian healthcare.”
These sessions came amid several significant developments for the Ann Arbor campus. CUAA’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program earned the maximum 10-year accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This outcome affirms the program’s strong academic foundation and commitment to preparing graduates for service in diverse healthcare settings.
In addition, the newly launched Healthcare & Humanities Lab integrates literature, philosophy, theology, ethics, and the arts into healthcare education. The Lab is designed to provide creative outlets, interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and community collaboration, helping future caregivers approach patients with empathy and cultural awareness.
These milestones, alongside campus renovations and ongoing program growth, reflect CUAA’s continued efforts to prepare students in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Dr. Ankerberg expressed his deep gratitude to the team in Ann Arbor for their dedication to Concordia’s mission of Christian higher education.
“I am very blessed to have amazing people like you who truly care about this university and its work in Christian higher education,” he shared during his remarks. “We know that the past year has brought change. But in this new chapter, we have an opportunity to concentrate our strengths—to further establish CUAA. I believe this campus is positioned for a strong future because of the exceptional people and the mission that drive it forward.”
Want in?
CUAA will continue to offer degrees in 2025-26 and beyond. Pursue a degree in healthcare at our North Building with its newly remodeled features and state-of-the-art simulation equipment, or earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education through one of our well-established online programs. The CUAA campus continues to offer a route to a Lutheran Teacher Diploma to help equip Lutheran K-12 schools nationwide with qualified workers. In the near future, Concordia will look to reintroduce additional church work training opportunities in Ann Arbor by building a new vision and model for the undergraduate degree programs here.
Click here to view a full list of the programs Concordia will retain in Ann Arbor. Click below to schedule a visit with an Admissions team member.