Title: Thomsen Named 9th President of Concordia College
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

March 1, 1999

THOMSEN NAMED 9TH PRESIDENT OF CONCORDIA COLLEGE
99-08-45-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Thomas W. Thomsen, 45, Des Moines,
Iowa, will become the ninth president of Concordia College in Moorhead,
Minn., July 1, 1999.  He succeeds Paul J. Dovre, 64, who retires June 30
after serving 24 years as president.  Concordia is a college of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
     "There is no better place to be than Concordia," said Thomsen.
"Concordia has a well-earned reputation for academic excellence provided
by faculty members who are truly dedicated to their students.  It is a
unique place where knowledge of faith and learning grow together with a
strong sense of community and a commitment to serving others."
     Since 1996 Thomsen served as president of Grand View College, Des
Moines, Iowa.  From 1992 to 1996 he was vice president of institutional
advancement for Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Mont.  Thomsen was
advancement associate and director for financial aid at Wartburg
College, Waverly, Iowa, from 1986 to 1991, and assistant director for
capital campaign from 1984 to 1986.  Grand View and Wartburg are also
colleges of the ELCA.
     "Thomsen is a leader who projects confidence and humility," said
Ronald Offutt, Fargo, N.D., chair of the Concordia College Board of
Regents.  "His walk of faith impacts all that he does.  In fact, he was
drawn to Concordia because of our clear mission -- to influence the
affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men
and women dedicated to the Christian life."
     Thomsen has a passion for facilitating the intellectual, spiritual
and emotional growth of others, and "his bond with students is
extraordinary," said Offutt.
     Thomsen received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from
Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, and studied psychology, sociology and
language at the University of Nottingham, England.  He earned a master
of divinity degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., and served as
pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Wilmington, Ill., from 1979 to 1984.
     Thomsen and his wife, Barbara, have three sons: Hans, Christopher
and Nils.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html