ELCA NEWS SERVICE July 3, 2003 ELCA's Concordia College Names Paul Dovre Interim President 03-142-JAC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Dr. Paul J. Dovre was named interim president June 30 of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., by the board of regents. Dovre, a former president of the college, began his duties July 1. Concordia is one of 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Dovre succeeded the Rev. Thomas W. Thomsen, who announced his resignation April 28. Thomsen's resignation was effective July 1. The board's search committee spent six weeks reviewing candidates before making the selection, a Concordia news release said. "I [accept] with appreciation for the opportunity to serve my alma mater in a new time and manner, with humility for the trust the college community has placed in me and with confidence in the excellence of the faculty, staff and students," Dovre said in a letter to students. Dovre graduated from Concordia in 1958. He served as the school's eighth president and retired in 1999. Since then, he has served as a visiting scholar at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.; interim dean of students at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.; and as interim president at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. Capital University is an ELCA higher education institution; Luther Seminary one of eight ELCA seminaries. "Paul Dovre brings experience, proven leadership and a keen understanding of Concordia College and its constituency to this position," said Ronald Offutt, chair, board of regents. "We are extremely fortunate to have him leading the college and positioning our next president for great success. Paul's passionate commitment to advancing Concordia's mission is just what we need to move forward during this critical transition." --- * Jessica A. Crane is completing her bachelor of arts degree at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn. This summer she is an intern with ELCA News and Media Production. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news