Title: LB Foundation Gives Significant Grant to New Leadership Program
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 12, 2001

LB FOUNDATION GIVES SIGNIFICANT GRANT TO NEW LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
01-157-BS*/JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Grants totaling $307,230 were recently awarded
by the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation board of trustees to the Council
of College and University Presidents of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA).  The funds are designated for two new leadership
development programs aimed at identifying, recruiting and training
potential ELCA college presidents, vice presidents and deans.
     The new programs -- the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation Fellows
program and the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation Associates program --
were created to address concerns that a small number of qualified
candidates are available to fill senior-level vacancies at the 28 ELCA
colleges and universities, said Arne Selbyg, director for colleges and
universities, ELCA Division for Higher Education and Schools.
Identifying qualified candidates beyond those currently in  Lutheran
schools is a significant goal, he said.
     "To ensure a strong future, all industries -- including Lutheran
colleges and universities --strive to attract and retain a talented
workforce," said Bruce J. Nicholson, president and chief executive
officer, Lutheran Brotherhood, Minneapolis. "By supporting the ELCA's
leadership development programs, the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation is
helping to secure the future of Lutheran colleges, as well as the
welfare of its current and prospective employees."
     "The ELCA Council of College and University Presidents is deeply
grateful for all the assistance that Lutheran Brotherhood has given to
the colleges and universities of the church through the years," said Dr.
Leonard G. Schulze, executive director, ELCA Division for Higher
Education and Schools.  "That assistance has made a huge difference in
strengthening our schools, especially in helping them clarify and pursue
their Lutheran identity with renewed understanding and hope."
     The new leadership program was developed by a team led by Dr. Paul
Dovre, former president, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., and Selbyg.
Dovre is currently serving as interim president at Capital University,
Columbus, Ohio.  Concordia College and Capital University are ELCA
higher education institutions.
     For potential senior leaders such as college presidents and chief
academic officers, the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation Fellows program
will begin with a two-week seminar for up to 12 participants nominated
by ELCA bishops, higher education associations, college alumni offices,
search firms and others, according to the grant application.  The
seminar will include at least three key elements:
     + assessments of the leadership capabilities of seminar
participants and development of  those skills to serve as Lutheran
college presidents or in other senior leadership positions;
     + a thorough review of the history of Lutheran higher education,
the Lutheran theology of vocation and the special characteristics of
Lutheran colleges and universities; and
     + presentations and discussions on higher education management
issues, such as academic planning, financial planning, marketing and
governance.
     After the initial seminar, participants will work for a year on
special projects developed  in conjunction with the program director,
the grant application said. Current Lutheran college presidents will
serve as mentors.  During the year Lutheran Brotherhood Fellows will
also participate in other professional development activities.  The
program year will end with another seminar for participants.
     The Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation Associates program will train
faculty and administrative personnel for mid-level leadership positions
in Lutheran colleges, according to the grant application.  The
associates program will include a one-week seminar, a one-week visit to
a Lutheran college campus, leadership development workshops and
opportunities to meet and work with peers across the country.
     Lutheran Brotherhood will award the grant in two installments.  In
2001, $180,500 will be made available, and in 2002 the remaining
$126,730 will be made available.
     Lutheran Brotherhood is a fraternal benefit society based in
Minneapolis. The Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation is a private foundation
funded by Lutheran Brotherhood.
-- -- --
[*Barbara Stemson assistant manager of public relations, Lutheran
Brotherhood, Minneapolis, provided information for this story.]

     Additional information about Lutheran Brotherhood is available at
http://www.luthbro.com on the Web.  The ELCA Division for Higher
Education and Schools is at http://www.elca.org/dhes on the Web.


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