A. Introduction As of the fall 2025 census, Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor (CUWAA) serves 5,025 students at its two campuses and online. The university’s six schools offer 84 undergraduate majors and programs, 19 graduate/master’s degrees and programs, 9 doctoral/professional programs, 2 associate degrees, and 43 certificate programs. The university’s largest programs include business, education, computer science, nursing, and rehabilitation science programs. CUWAA is strongly committed to preparing professional church workers as described in section C.
B. Changes at Ann Arbor Campus In 2013, Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW), out of a sense of generosity and support for the work of the Church, acquired Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA). Because of that acquisition, CUAA ceased to exist legally as an independent entity, and instead served as a branch campus of CUW. In 2023, CUW’s internal financial review determined that the university had, over the past decade, experienced $4–5 million (M) (~16.5 percent) in annual operating losses at the Ann Arbor campus. The review also documented that from 2013–23, CUW invested more than $90M in the Ann Arbor campus. An external evaluation of the finances of the Ann Arbor campus in 2023 determined that the financial model for the Ann Arbor campus was unsustainable and recommended that the campus should be reduced or closed. The board of regents, after exploring numerous options, voted in 2025 to reduce operations and move all remaining programming to the North Building, which is approximately 1.5 miles from the Geddes Road campus. The university is actively fulfilling these four commitments: 1. Continuing physical presence in Michigan 2. Delivering academic programs that align fully with the mission of the university 3. Delivering high-quality academic programs 4. Achieving a financially sustainable model for the Ann Arbor campus In addition to the online Lutheran Ed program, the university will continue to pursue the reintroduction of face-to-face church work programs in Ann Arbor if the university is able to achieve the fourth commitment. At the time of the writing of this report, the university has not finalized any plans for the sale or development of the Geddes Road campus. The university has determined to retain the property the Michigan District office occupies and maintain its lease with the Michigan District.
C. Church Work CUWAA remains deeply committed to preparing professional church workers for service in the Synod. The university’s church work programs include Pre-Seminary, Lutheran Teacher Diploma, Parish Music, and the Synod’s only Director of Christian Ministry (DCM) program. As of the fall 2025 census, the university serves 235 church work students in those programs as follows: 47 pre-seminary, 122 Lutheran teacher, 34 DCM, and 4 parish music. As these numbers indicate, CUWAA continues to promote and prioritize its church work programs. In the 2025–26 academic year, the average church work student paid $0 out of pocket for tuition. In order to support the students enrolled in those programs, the university is continually evaluating and enhancing its commitment to its church work scholarship program and seeking new ways to partner with the church broadly.
D. Health Professions Overall, our various healthcare studies programs play a primary role at both campuses and remain a strength of the university. These programs include nursing, athletic training, physician assistant studies (in Ann Arbor), occupational therapy, and physical therapy. They attract highly qualified students and strengthen the academic reputation and financial position of our university.
E. Core Revisions The faculty is in the process of revising the core curriculum to provide a unified, coherent educational foundation for all undergraduate students and to be more transfer friendly.
F. Artificial Intelligence The faculty has developed undergraduate and graduate programs that prioritize professional and ethical applications of artificial intelligence. A faculty task force is also developing policies and practices to guide the implementation and management of artificial intelligence across the domains of teaching and learning.
G. Campus Master Plan The Synod’s Board of Directors has approved a new campus master plan for the university. The first phase of the plan covers the next five years and includes these projects at the Mequon campus: a revitalization and expansion of the nursing facilities, a revitalization and expansion of fine arts space, development of new space and place for engineering, the transformation of the library into a learning commons, and the renovation of the chapel to include a baptistry, an expanded nart hex/gathering space, and a bell tower. The next projects envisioned for the Ann Arbor campus include the development of the Maier Center and a fitness center.
H. Strategic Plan For the past two years, the university has followed its strategic plan, Wholeheartedly, We Will, with these four strategic pillars: 1. Live our mission. 2. Create transformation al student experiences. 3. Secure resources for mission. 4. Enhance the CUWAA strategic model. At the time of the writing of this report, the majority of plan initiatives are completed or nearing completion. The university intends to begin the next iteration of strategic planning in 2026.
I. Conclusion While the university continues to face the same disruptions and challenges as any other university in the nation, it is financially stable, strong in its mission al commitments, and, most importantly, faithful to the truths of Holy Scripture. In fact, during the 2025 formal Concordia University System visit to assess the university’s ability to address the Synod’s Lutheran Identity and Mission Outcome Standards (based on 2023 Res.7-04B), the team identified no major concerns. CUWAA, as a Lutheran university community, will continue to prioritize the Christian tradition, foster a culture of thoughtful innovation, and prepare students—grounded in Christ— for lives of faithful service in their vocations, serving the Church and loving their neighbor in the world. Erik P. Ankerberg, President
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Concordia Historical Institute The Department of Archives and History of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod concordia historical institute.org Treasuring and Trumpeting the Redeeming Work of Christ in the Faith and Life of the Missouri Synod Under our three-year convention theme, Christ Is Risen Indeed (1 Cor. 15:20–22), Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) reminds the Synod that its history is a sacred trust—one we are called not only to preserve, but to joyfully proclaim. Our Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed not only His people, but our history as well. Because of this, CHI staff and board continue to steward the resources entrusted to us so that the Institute may continue to serve as the premier provider of Lutheran historical resources for Synod leadership, districts, congregations, and families. Soli Deo gloria.
A.
Our Charge: Active Stewardship of Lutheran Historical and Archival Resources The roots of CHI reach back to the founding of the LCMS 179 years ago, when the Synod Secretary was tasked with recording the church’s history and preserving documents and artifacts of lasting historical value. Officially incorporated as a nonprofit institution in 1927, CHI has continued this mission—retrieving, organizing, preserving, and sharing historical treasures for the benefit of church and community. Today, CHI serves as a resource for Synod, district, university, and congregational archives, giving fresh opportunities for us to rediscover Christ’s merciful hand as we recall major anniversaries related to the Missouri Synod. As the Synod’s official department of archives and history (Bylaw 3.6.2), CHI curates the largest Lutheran archival collection in North America. This collection includes documents, publications, rare books, photographs, audiovisual materials, artifacts, numismatics, and fine art connected to the Reformation and the Lutheran Church in North America. CHI’s primary area of collection encompasses all materials directly related to the history of the Synod, while its secondary scope includes materials that provide essential historical context for understanding that 179-year history. Through these efforts, CHI documents the life of a church body that, by the mercy and grace of Christ and His Word, has endured crises, navigated conflict, and continued to grow and flourish in difficult and threatening times. Over 20,000 linear feet of archival materials—nearly 67 football fields in length—preserved in climate-controlled facilities
- A rapidly expanding collection of historic photographs, film, audio and video recordings, artifacts (many originating from the mission field), numismatic pieces, and fine art
- Professional archival and research services that organize, catalog, digitize, and provide access to more than 4 million individual items
- Two high-quality museums: o
A permanent Reformation and LCMS history exhibit at the LCMS International Center in Kirkwood, Missouri
Rotating history exhibits in the exhibition hall in the CHI building on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
- The 80-page, illustrated Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly (CHIQ), the longest-running journal of Lutheran history in North America, now in its 99th year
- A redesigned, smartphone-friendly website with access to the CHI catalogs and offering an expanding array of downloadable historical resources
- An annual awards program—now in its 53rd year—recognizing excellence in publishing Lutheran historical scholarship
- A newly launched CHI Monograph Series, making significant research in historical topics available in English and other languages
- Hill of Peace Lutheran Memorial in Friedenberg, Missouri—a historic touchstone of 19th-century Lutheran faith and life
B. Major Accomplishments Over the Last Triennium B.1. Developed and Shared Resources to Observe/ Commemorate Synod-Related Anniversaries Over the past three years, CHI has produced and shared a wide range of resources to commemorate key anniversaries in Synod history, including the following: • Fall 2021: A museum exhibit marking the 500th anniversary of the first numismatic portrait of Martin Luther, featuring more than 70 artistic portrayals of Luther, Katharina von Bora, Philip Melanchthon, and Frederick the Wise
- Spring 2022: The 175th anniversary of the LCMS, observed through a special full-color CHIQ issue, a commemorative bronze medal, 49 downloadable biographies, new publications, and Walther Roundtable XXXIII
- Fall 2022: Online museum exhibit commemorating the 500th anniversary of Martin Chemnitz’s birth
- 2022–2023: Multiple CHIQ essays and issues recognizing LCMS World Relief and Human Care, Deaf Ministry, the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference, and the 1973 New Orleans convention
- 2024: Extensive observance of the 50th anniversary of the 1974 Concordia Seminary walkout, including bibliographies, special issues, and a major scholarly publication
- 2024–2026: Commemorations of KFUO Radio, missionary journeys, global mission work, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and Lutheran history in the United States
Currently, CHI actively manages the following: • CHI is preparing to commemorate upcoming ethnic ministry and mission anniversaries in Brazil, Latin America, and Japan in the next three years, supported by museum exhibits, multilingual publications, and special presentations.
B.2. Expansion and Greater Accessibility of CHI’s Archival Collection CHI has continued to prioritize the retrieval and preservation of records from closed Synod congregations, institutions, and church leaders. Significant progress includes the processing of archival
materials from Concordia College Alabama; Concordia University, Portland; and Concordia College—New York, as well as the completion of a two-year project organizing the extensive files of Synod missionary and church planter Robert Gussick. These materials are now fully accessible to researchers. In addition, CHI has launched an initiative to conduct oral history interviews with church leaders and missionaries on the Synod, district, and congregational level, preserving firsthand testimony of our Lutheran faith and life for future generations.
B.3. Expanded Guidebooks with a Stronger Focus on Digitally Accessible Historical Resources In the wake of COVID-era research restrictions, demand for digital access to historical resources has grown significantly. This shift aligns with the increasing volume of historically valuable materials that are now “born digital.” In response, CHI has developed three new and updated handbooks to help congregations, districts, and Synod entities responsibly steward their historical records. Revised in 2025, these handbooks—Collection Policies and Procedures, District Archivist Handbook, and Record and Archive Management Program (RAMP) Handbook—provide clear, practical guidance for managing historical materials in both physical and digital formats. All are freely available on the CHI website and may be shared and printed at no cost, extending their impact across the Synod.
B.4. Over 20,000 Historical Photographs Digitally Processed and Available CHI is home to a collection of over 200,000 photographs, many documenting LCMS mission work around the world. Beyond digitization alone, CHI carefully embeds detailed descriptive information into each digital image, making it easier to discover specific people, places, times, and events within LCMS history.
directly impacted CHI’s ability to preserve and proclaim our shared history. We gratefully acknowledge the support of Synod leadership, districts, congregations, and individuals whose generosity has strengthened CHI’s capacity to preserve, protect, and share Lutheran history for decades to come.
B.7. 2023 Res. 6-09, “To Recognize and Honor the Pastor’s Wife” At the 2023 Synod convention, CHI was charged with considering the commissioning of a commemorative medal that could be used by LCMS districts, institutions, congregations, and individuals. CHI has now struck a large copper-nickel medal highlighting Katharina von Bora as “loving wife, devoted mother, and a faithful servant of Christ and His Church.” These attractive memorials are now available for use in recognizing and honoring the faithfulness of women in the Church, especially the faithfulness of the pastor’s wife.
C. Strategic Priorities for the Next Triennium By the grace of God and with the prayers and financial support from Synod and CHI members, over the next three years, CHI is positioned to • strengthen long-term financial sustainability amid rising operational costs, ensuring stable staffing and adequate resources;
- process and make discover able 50 historically significant collections (over 1,100 linear feet) that are currently unorganized and not adequately discover able;
- produce resources marking upcoming anniversaries, including
As a result of this work, more than 16,200 photographs from India are now accessible online, along with 2,400 images documenting mission efforts in Japan and 1,400 from Brazil. These growing digital collections allow global audiences to engage more deeply with the story of Lutheran mission and ministry.
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the 150th anniversary of Black Lutheran Ministry (July 2027),
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B.5. Strengthened Global Partnerships That Inform and Inspire
the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession and the 450th anniversary of the Book of Concord (June 25, 2030), and
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the 100th anniversary of CHI (April 28, 2027);
CHI continues to cultivate meaningful partnerships with Lutheran church bodies and archival institutions worldwide to advance the shared work of preserving and proclaiming Lutheran history. Memorandums of Understanding have been established with Book of Concord Lutheran church bodies in Brazil, South Korea, and India, as well as with historic archives in Neue nde ttel sau, Halle, and Gotha, Germany. These collaborations enrich research, expand access, and strengthen global connections. Additional partnerships are anticipated in the coming months.
B.6. Completed Renovations and Upgrades to More Efficiently Preserve and Proclaim Our Treasured History CHI gives thanks to the Lord of the Church for the successful 2024–25 capital campaign, For All the Saints. Through the generosity of CHI members and Synod entities, $1.6 million was raised to address critical building improvements and aging equipment that
- implement innovative methods to capture and preserve Lutheran historical materials that may otherwise be lost within the next three to five years;
- develop new and engaging approaches—especially for youth and young adults—to rediscover Synod history within the broader context of Martin Luther and Book of Concord Lutheranism; and
- begin phase 1 of installing a fire suppression system to better protect archival areas within the CHI building.
D. Summary As we look ahead to this coming triennium in light of the charge entrusted to CHI by the Synod, we do so with gratitude for God’s abundant blessings. By God’s grace, • our financial position continues to strengthen;
- the CHI collection continues to deepen;
- the population we provide with services and resources continues to widen; and
- our partnerships in advancing Book of Concord Lutheranism outside of North America continue to expand.
At the same time, we remain mindful that these resources are not ends in themselves. In a world increasingly in different to the faithful preservation of history, the Church’s historical treasures must be actively placed in service of Christ’s work in our history and ongoing promises. Our prayer and purpose: that more within the Missouri Synod would come to treasure and trumpet Christ’s redeeming work as it has been lived out in the life of the Lutheran Church. Every document preserved, every church record safeguarded, every photograph digitized, every exhibit opened, and every student whose Lutheran identity is clarified and strengthened through archival research bears witness to the faithfulness of our crucified and risen Lord—who has sustained His Church in the age of Luther and the age of Walther, Wyneken, and Pieper. These responsibilities call for sustained focus as we press on to increase value while reducing risk. With the continued support of the Synod and CHI’s membership, CHI is committed to • continuing the organization and cataloging of materials to improve discover ability;
- further ensuring the long-term preservation and safekeeping of irreplaceable treasures;
- expanding accessibility—both digitally and in person—for those engaged in historical research;
- fostering deeper gratitude for our distinctive Lutheran heritage among the saints today—for the sake of the saints who will follow us; and
- increasing long-term financial sustainability.
We meet these opportunities and challenges confident in the steadfast promises of our crucified and risen Lord. As we treasure and trumpet His work in the faith and life of the Missouri Synod, we honor the saints who have gone before us, that we may inspire the saints now and into the future. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. (Heb. 12:1–2a) In thanksgiving for the blessings over the last three years, CHI asks for your continued prayers and financial support as we press on to further the redeemed history of our merciful Redeemer among us. Daniel N. Harmelink, Executive Director