Each month, Concorida University Wisconsin students are given the opportunity to nominate an outstanding faculty and staff member to receive recognition.
The honorees for the month of March are Josh Kittleman, assistant professor of social science, and Elizabeth Hopkins, coordinator of certification and assessment for the School of Education.
Faculty of the month: Josh Kittleman
What is your role at Concordia?
I am a faculty member at Concordia. While I am in the Political Science department, I mainly teach classes in the Family Life Ministry program.
When did you join CUAA’s faculty?
I joined in September of 2017. Previously I spent a total of 15 years as a Director of Family Ministries at a couple of wonderful LCMS churches.
In summary, how would you describe your role at Concordia?
I have a full teaching load at CUAA. In addition to teaching classes in the Family Life Ministry program, I also teach one of the classes in our core curriculum. I have several volunteer service roles on campus as well.
What’s your favorite part about your role?
Do I have to pick just one? 1. Our students are absolutely incredible to work with. They are humble, eager to learn, and they make things so much fun. 2. My colleagues are incredibly gifted and hard-working. Everyone is so encouraging. 3. Our administration is very supportive. They do a great job of challenging us to stay focused on our mission as a Lutheran University. I am truly thankful for their leadership – especially knowing the difficult decisions they had to make regarding COVID-19. The combination of these three things makes working at CUAA such a blessing! I love being here!
Why is Concordia’s mission important to you?
It is humbling to be a part of a university that strives to help students “develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world”. I am so grateful that I get to share Jesus with our students every day. And while I love helping to prepare our church work students for full-time congregational ministry, I also love helping our nursing, business, biology (etc.) students see how they can serve Jesus in their various callings as well!
Staff of the month: Elizabeth Hopkins
What is your role at Concordia?
Coordinator of Certification and Assessment for the School of Education, as well as an adjunct for the School of Education
When did you join CUAA’s faculty?
July 2019
In summary, how would you describe your role at Concordia?
I do various tasks within the School of Education. I work closely with the Faculty and Dean to help run various programs, gather and organize data for accreditation, and help the department run smoothly. I also work with students to make sure that they are completing all the requirements between Concordia and The State of Michigan so that when they complete our programs they will be eligible for certification with the State of Michigan.
What’s your favorite part about your role?
Working with people. I really enjoy my interactions with the students and the Faculty.
Why is Concordia’s mission important to you?
Concordia’s mission is about preparing students for service to Christ in the Church and the world. The School of Education prepares teachers and no matter what institution they go to serve in they go knowing Christ’s love and being ready to share that love with all their students. I also enjoy that here at Concordia I can attend chapel on a daily basis and have conversations about my faith with others.
Thank you both for all the dedication you put into your work!
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