Concordia-Chicago Dean Named to Thrivent Fellows Program

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) announced that Dr. Rachel Eells, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was named to the Thrivent Fellows Program. The rigorous 12-month executive fellowship was established to identify, encourage, develop and equip high-capacity leaders for leadership roles in Lutheran colleges and universities.

Candidates were selected based on their dedication to the mission and distinctiveness of Lutheran colleges, seminaries and universities, a strong record of service to these institutions, a clear potential for top-level leadership, and on their vocational calls to lead these important organizations.

“Concordia-Chicago was founded over 150 years ago, upon a legacy of strong faith, vision, innovation and bold action in responding to needs for the church and the world,” said Dr. Marilyn Reineck, Senior Vice President for Academics at CUC. “Although the curriculum looks much different today, we are still grounded in that mission, firmly rooted in the gospel, to prepare students who are servant leaders and will serve the church and the world. Strong leaders like Dr. Eells, who support the university mission, are integral to the exceptional educational experience the university provides.”

Through intensive retreats, seminars and executive coaching, fellows will gain increased knowledge and understanding of Lutheran traditions and values, stronger awareness of their own leadership capacities, thorough knowledge of key management and financial issues in these complex enterprises, discernment of personal and professional goals that will equip them to fulfill their callings, a plan for professional growth, and an expanded network of relationships with other Lutheran higher education leaders.

“I am extremely grateful to have been selected for this program,” Eells says. “I look forward to exploring new ways to build upon our existing structures with proactive, innovative work to promote the dialogue between faith and learning, to ensure that our students are equipped to lead and serve.”

The Thrivent Fellows Program is sponsored by the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, the Concordia University System of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the Congregational and Synodical Mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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