Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionCollege/University Boards of Regents

Concordia University, St. Paul

9 candidates placed on this slate by the Committee for Convention Nominations. 2 link to a profile in the directory.

Candidates (9)

1.
Jeffrey Paul CloeterSt. Louis, MO
Christ Memorial, St. Louis MO· Sr. Pastor· LCMS member 47 yrs

Personal statement

Our universities form young men and women in Christ for faithful service and witness to church and world. Challenges abound. Wise and godly stewardship is

Synod service

Years
  • NYG Bible Study Plng. Com1

District service

Years
  • Miss. Com4
  • Luth. Found. of St. Louis5

Congregation service

Years
  • Pastor20
  • Field Ed. Supervisor
  • Vicarage Supervisor
  • Youth Miss

Other service

Years
  • Momentum Academy5
  • The Harbor Ldrshp. Collective3
  • St. Louis Regional Miss. Network10
  • Asst. Instructor 9
  • Oikos Grp5
  • Luth. School12
  • Spkr. Various Dist. Convs
  • Adjunct Faculty
  • Author/ Writer10

Also candidate for: First Vice-President; Regionl Vice-President (Central Reg.)

2.
Adam Tyler FilipekLidgerwood, ND
Holy Cross, Lidgerwood ND· Pastor· LCMS member 42 yrs

Personal statement

Our Concordia universities are treasured institutions that have produced thousands of skilled church workers and numerous laity who are theologically and practically equipped for their vocations. For the past seven years it has been my privilege and honor to be a part of the education at Concordia St. Paul as an adjunct professor of theology. My commitment to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions; businessdegree; 16 years of ministry experience in urban, suburban, and rural ministry contexts; and five yearS of service on the North Dakota District Board of Directors have prepared me to assist Con- cordia in fulfilling itsmission.

Synod service

  • Conv. FI. Com
  • Adjunct Prof.
  • Adjunct Prof.

District service

Years
  • Vice-Chm. 3
  • Conv. Fl. Com

Congregation service

Years
  • Pastor15

Other service

  • Author
3.
Donald FondowPark Rapids, MN
· Ret. Parish Pastor/Dist. Pres· LCMS member 72 yrs

Personal statement

My serving as a regent this past triennium has led me to an even greater commitment to the university's mission and to the desire to see key initiatives through to completion particwish ularly given the current challenges facing higher education. to continue to contribute to the fulfillment of the ongoing strategic plan and long-term projects that have been undertaken in light of the significant trends such as a demographic clif rising costs a competitive environment and a shortage of church workers. Ir's a blessing to see how the Lord is using CSP to assist its students to grow in His grace and in knowledge of the truth of His Word. MINISTERS OFRELIGION COMMISSIONED Elect 1 minister of religion commissioned (3-year term) John Chilman lII Las Vegas NV; Mountain View Las Vegas NV (PSW); LCMS 46; Dir. of HS Couns. & Dir. of the Honors Inst I am honored to be considered to serve at my alma mater. Having served my entire 34-year career in the LCMS, I feel I have a working knowledge of our wonderful Synod. Having worked the past 16 years primarily in college counseling at the largest Lutheran school in the country, I believe I have a great deal of knowledge and experience that I could bring to the table to humbly serve in whatever capacity is asked of me. To God be the glory.

Synod service

  • LCMS Conc. Univ. Governance
  • Luth. Serv. in Ame

District service

Years
  • Miss. Facil3
  • Pres

Congregation service

Years
  • Mem. Mountain View Luth3
  • EIlder10

Other service

Years
  • Dir. of Couns18
  • Asst. Prin. at Conc. Academy18
  • Interim Treas. Western Assoc. of College Admis- sions Couns2
  • Spkr. NACCAP Confs
4.
Tia Marie EsserSioux Falls, SD
Our Redeemer, Sioux Falls SD· Exec. Dir· LCMS member 64 yrs

Personal statement

My interest in serving on the Concordia University St. Paul Board of Regents grows from my vocation as a commissioned minister and long-standing leadership in Lutheran education. I bring a commitment to mission-centered governance, hduciary responsibility, and long-term sustainability grounded in our shared confession. I see both challenge and opportunity in guiding Luther- an higher education through generational and demographic change while maintaining academic excellence and Lutheran identity. I would serve as a listener and steward, supporting the president and university leadership in partnership with congregations and the Synod for the sake of Christ and His church.

Other service

Years
  • Exec. Dir. Luth. School16
  • Vice-Chm. ALSS3
  • Exec. Dir. Assoc. of Luth. Secondary Schools1
  • Org. Ldrshp. 17
5.
Gary Louis VolberdingPequot Lakes, MN
St John's, Corcoran MN· Ret. Tchr./Prin· LCMS member 66 yrs

Personal statement

I have been blessed to serve on the Concordia University, St. Paul, Board of Regents in the recent past and would be grateful and honored to be able to serve God, Synod, university, and congregations in this capacity once again. I believe that CSP and its mission to serve the church and support the LCMS in the pure doctrine aspresented by Scripture and explained in the Book of Concord is of the most vital importance. I am encouraged by the university's commitment to support and grow its professional church worker programs to fill the growing need in our schools and churches. I support CSP in its growing outreach to bring God's Word and love to new locations around the country and nations. LAYPERSONS Elect 2 laypersons (3-year term)

Synod service

Years
  • 3

District service

  • MS Teacher Re-licensure Com
  • Const. Com
  • Pres. Luth. Ed. Conf

Congregation service

  • Mem. Bd. of Deacons
  • Mem. Bd. of Ed
  • Church Choir
  • Youth Dir

Other service

Years
  • Tchr43
  • Coach
6.
Karl AbbottBellevue, WA
Messiah, Seattle WA· Product Mgr· LCMS member 44 yrs

Personal statement

I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving on the Concordia University, St. Paul, Board of Regents. Over the past three years, I have grown to deeply appreciate the people, community, and strong Lu- theran identity of CSP. My formation at Concordia Theological Seminary, together with 21 years in the software and technology business, uniquely equips me to navigate change and advocate for confessionally grounded, forward-looking governance. I hope to continue advancing CSP's ability to form students in Lutheran identity and vocation, preparing them to serve Christ's church and the world with clarity, confidence, andcompassion.

Synod service

Years
  • 3

Congregation service

Years
  • Elder12

Other service

Years
  • IT Industry20
7.
Paul C. HinzHewitt, TX
Trinity, Woodway TX· Ret· LCMS member 64 yrs

Personal statement

It has been my joy and pleasure to serve Concordia St. Paul for the last six years. Having spent the last two years leading the Board's bylaws subcommittee and now having had those bylaws approved I look forward to their implementation. I look forward to strengrhening CSP's church work programs and seeing the fruits of the Lutheran ldentity and Mission Outcome Standards influence every program offered. Raising up Christian leadersacross all CSP's programs remains the objective, and it remains my goal to ensure that is perpetuated.

Synod service

Years
  • incl. Advancement & Governance7

Other service

Years
  • Prog./Portfolio/ Proj. Mgr. for MN Judicial Branch10
  • Org. Change Ldr14
  • Bd. Chm. Lion's Gate Christian Academy 2
8.Richard A. Rolfnot in directory
9.
Rosa SummersBloomington, MN
Glory of Christ, Plymouth MN· Atty· LCMS member 38 yrs

Personal statement

I have been a long-time follower and supporter of CSP. I have followed CSP's growth closely as a friend, a former Minnesota South District board member, and as a regent. I recently served as a regent (2022-2025) and was an instrumental member of the governance committee and ad hoc committees updating CSP's bylaws following the 2023 Convention and reviewing the Board's policy manual. I also attended periodic chapel services, theater productions, choral and band concerts, sporting events, homecomings, donor events, and commencements. I look forward to serving CSP again, leveraging my experience within the MNS District and as an attorney.

Synod service

Years
  • 3
  • incl. Governance Com. & Bylaws Com

District service

Years
  • 10
  • Const. Com14
  • Campus Property

About this position

Concordia University, St. Paul — 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 →