Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionCollege/University Boards of Regents
Concordia University Chicago
9 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations. 3 link to a profile in the directory.
Candidates (9)
1.Matthew D. BeanMidlothian, VARedeemer, Richmond VA· Sr. Pastor· LCMS member 37 yrs
Personal statement
our church body to equip students to live out their vocations to the glory of God, whether that be as professional church workers or as laypeople. For generations, Concordia University Chicago has been a leader in this endeavor, leaving a legacy that must be preserved and promoted for generations to
District service
Years- 11
- Chm. Prof. Church Workers' Conf. Plng. Com4
Other service
Years- Bd. Mem. C10 Coalition of Luth. Churches6
- Adjunct Faculty 4. LCMS universities have a unique position within
3.Rene Gonzalo CastilleroWorden, IL· Pastor/Headmaster· LCMS member 35 yrs
Personal statement
as a teacher or administrator. I've served on NLSA teams and led teams for CCLE. Not only does my sincere love for Concordia University Chicago fuel my desire to serve as a regent, but more importantly, I want to help cast the vision and execute the mission of a fiduciarily proactive institution in providing a relevant, robust, and rigorous Lutheran education not merely for my children, but for my children's children. This means CUC holds fast to our Lutheran identity (theology and practice) as well as true learning through the liberal arts so that we may know God, His Son, and His world, and serve our neighbors.
Synod service
District service
- Youth & Outdoor Min. Facil.
Congregation service
- Pastor
Other service
- CCLE accreditation team. Proud alum of and . All my experience has been primarily in Lutheran schools
- in the Wyoming District and Southern Illinois District
4.Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (1988)· ordained 1990· age ~62· LCMS member 65 yrs
Personal statement
Although I am very content to serve our Lord as I am currently, I am humbled to have been nominated for these offices. In whatever way my experience as a pastor both in the Midwest (Northern Illinois District and Central Illinois District) and in the Northwest District might serve our Lord's church, I am at His and her service. Of course, challenges lie ahead, but we have a Lord who remains faithful. As a longtime vicarage supervisor, I am particularly encouraged by the zeal I see in our younger pastors and young people in general. They love our theology and desire to serve and spread the Good News of Jesus. May they inspire us to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints and snatch others from the fire and save them (Jude 3, 23).
Pastorates
Years- s 1994-1997 Immanuel Lutheran Church, Augsburg, IL Redeemer Lutheran Church, Gresham, OR. 1997-present1988-1991
Synod service
Years- Circuit Visitor, Mt. Hood Circuit, Oregon District. Oregon Region Vice-President and Second Vice-President, 2018-2024 Northwest District 2024-present First Vice-President, Northwest District +2003-2018
Other service
Years- Graduate Fellow Concordia Mission Institute.1993
Also candidate for: Regional Vice-President (West-Southwest Reg.) 20 FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
5.Jeremy Thomas GeidelSeward, NE· Asst. Head of School· LCMS member 25 yrs
Personal statement
I am honored to be considered for nomination to the Board of Regents for Concordia University Chicago. With 24 years of experience in higher cducation at Concordia University Nebraska, I understand both the challenges and opportunities facing Concordia institutions, including enrollment pressures, financial stewardship, and strengthening Lutheran identity. I seek to serve in any way possible that supports the Synod's shared confession and mission. I have a deep passion for Lutheran education and am committed to working collaboratively with any ministry to advance faithful, innovative, and Christ-centered education.
Congregation service
- Cong. Pres
- Call Com
Other service
Years- Dir. of Graduate & Adult Enrollment & Operations 24
- Head Baseball Coach
- Asst. Dir. of Athletics
- Dir. of Enrollment
6.Nathanael HahnCasper, WYMount Hope, Casper WY· Tchr· LCMS member 27 yrs
Personal statement
It is solely about Jesus! Schools within our LCMS have the great privilege of sharing Him using the language of academics and extracurricular opportunities. Schools are an excellent avenue to do this every day. I have been blessed to be part of this ministry for almost 30 years. I have been a high school teacher, a coach, an adiministrator, a member of the Board of Regents for CSP, and on accreditation teams. LCMS schools need to be supported, encouraged, and improved! I stand ready to help.
Synod service
- Mem.
District service
- Res. Com. Dist. Conv
Other service
Years- Tchr29
- Apologetics
- School Admin
- Athletic Coach
- Accreditation Team. The church's mission is to share the saving Gospel message of Jesus
Also candidate for: Board of Regents, Mequon 66 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
7.Alicia K. DietrichMascoutah, ILZion, Mascoutah IL· Histology Lab. Mgr· LCMS member 41 yrs
Personal statement
I am interested in serving on the Board of Regents for CUC because I understand the pressure LCMS universities ace to shed their distinctive Lutheran identity and thechallenges they face due to declining enrollment and financial pressures. While these challenges are significant, there are opportunities for CUC to thrive. I am excited to support its goals and mission to provide a strong Lutheran education for future church workers and Christian leaders for the church and the world.
Synod service
Years- 2
Congregation service
Years- Youth Grp. Tchr2
Other service
- Scientist/Lab. Mgr
- Patient & Research Advocate
- Undergrad. Tchr
8.David WalzForest Park, IL· Fin. Adv· LCMS member 60 yrs
Personal statement
I was blessed by Lutheran educators in elementary school, aswas my wife. Our children wereblessedto attend Lutheran elementary and high schools. By serving as a regent of Con- cordia University Chicago, I hope to support the formation of the next generations of Lutheran educators, as well as the formation of Lutherans and Christians in all vocations. Lutheran educationfaces many challenges at this time, and so does higher education. Con- cordia University Chicago is at the intersection of these challenges. I believe my background in the church and in the areas of financial management and investing can help the university navigate these challenges.
Congregation service
Years- Cong. Treas7
- Mem./ Chm. Fin. Bd9
- Cong. Pres4
Other service
Years- Luth. Child & Family Serv. of IL Found. Bd13
- Fin. & Investment Adv30
10.Mark D. WolfrumHomer Glen, IL· Instructor· LCMS member 60 yrs
Personal statement
As a lifelong LCMS Lutheran and beneficiary of the Luther- an educational system, playing even a small part in ensuring that high quality and God's Word is retained in that educational process would be my honor.
Other service
- Corp. Ldrshp
- Ed. Ldrshp
- Airline Transport Pilot. The importance and value of a high-quality education within the Lutheran educational system cannot be understated
About this position
Concordia University Chicago Board of Regents. 4 seats up for election. Authorized by 2023 Handbook, pp. 171–78..
Conditions for election →Other slates for College/University Boards of Regents
Source: Biographical Synopses and Statements of Nominees, 69th Regular Synod Convention (Phoenix, Ariz., July 18–23, 2026), published by the Office of the Secretary. Bios key →