Inclusion Diversity Equity Access

Mutual Respect: A Concordia Value

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourself.” Romans 12:10

"Mutual Respect" is one of the core values of Concordia University. At Concordia we respect the rights, dignity and worth of all people, acknowledging that people of every race, tribe and nation have been created by God and redeemed by Jesus Christ to live in harmony with one another.

We attempt to live out that core value by welcoming our student body and supporting students from a wide variety of cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds and religious traditions, and with differing degrees of physical and emotional abilities and needs.

We believe that a student body made up of students who represent a variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives strengthens our campus community and provides a rich environment for dialogue, debate and learning. In such a rich educational environment, students learn what they have in common and what unites them, as well as learn what makes them unique individuals who bring differing perspectives to bear on their interactions with one another and with their professors.

Our Lutheran tradition fosters an environment of inclusiveness for all. Concordia is for anyone who believes they have been called by Christ, as well as for those who may be uncertain about their faith or curious about our view of God. We honor others by including them, sharing with them the Gospel, and allowing them the freedom to interpret and come to their own conclusions.

At Concordia Irvine we are dedicated not only to teaching certain subjects, but to shaping a coherent and comprehensive view of the world, of humanity, and of the God who created and redeemed both. It is this faithfulness to this mission which makes Concordia graduates wise, honorable and cultivated citizens. They become citizens who are respectful of all people, prepared to serve God’s world and proclaim God’s word.

Kurt Krueger, PhD
President

Office for Equity and Inclusion

Honor One Another

Vision: Concordia University Irvine is inclusive, equitable, and accessible for our diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Mission: The Office for Equity and Inclusion provides leadership and accountability to ensure an equitable and inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors through policy development, educational programming, and collaborative University initiatives which support a healthy and engaging campus climate.

Strategic Plan: Student Experience

Priority: Demonstrating caring hospitality and a commitment to the Great Commission by seeking, caring for and welcoming to campus persons of all ethnicities and cultures.

University Heritage: What We Believe and Confess | Belief and Application

Contact:
Terilyn Walker, EdD
Dean for Equity Diversity & Inclusion
Tel/Fax: 949-214-3039
Email: Terilyn.Walker@cui.edu
Administration Building, Suite 114

Concordia University Irvine
1530 Concordia W
Irvine, CA 92612

Campus Programs & Projects

Campus Resources

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access Committee

Kathy Aberg
Resident Director, Living Learning Communities.

Quinton Anderson
Quinton Anderson serves as the Lead Pastor at Concordia University Irvine, attending to and overseeing the spiritual care, discipleship formation, and worship life of the university. In addition he is the director of the Pre-seminary and Pre-deaconess ministry formation programs within Christ College. He has served as a youth minister and Lutheran School teacher, and upon completing his Masters of Divinity at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 2006, he served as a pastor in Denver, Colorado. Pastor Anderson is a Concordia alum and has served CUI as pastor since 2009.

Katharine Meyer Borst
Assistant Professor of English katharine.borst@cui.edu Katharine Meyer Borst has over twenty years of teaching experience and teaches writing and literature to traditional and online students. She currently acts as faculty adviser to the anti-human trafficking club on campus, Live2Free. Katharine also serves as campaign treasurer for Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and is keenly interested in equity and human rights in local and international governance, particularly as they relate to women’s rights. Recently, she traveled with Congresswoman Sanchez to participate in the 2014 Human Rights Conference in Paris. Katharine is a Concordia alumna and received her MA in English Literature from Saint Louis University.

Claire Brainard
Associated Students of Concordia University Irvine Vice President ascui.vicepres@cui.edu Claire Brainard is a senior at Concordia this academic year. As ASCUI Vice President she is the overseer of the Student Senate and is the liaison between Senate and administration.

Anthony Draper
Anthony Draper works with abbeywest’s campus ministry as the Men’s Ministry Coordinator to help build a cross-cultural, Christ-centered community on Concordia’s campus.

Gilbert Fugitt, Ed. D.
Associate Vice President and Dean of Students gilbert.fugitt@cui.edu Dr. Gilbert Fugitt worked for many years as a Director of Christian Education at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Arcadia, California. In this context, he developed servant leaders within the church and the youth ministry. At Concordia University, he is the Dean of Students and works with Student Affairs to promote a Co-Curricular experience that is inclusive to the student body. He received a Bachelor's in Theology from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and also attained his DCE Certification. He obtained a Master's in Psychology and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. He has been serving at Concordia since 2008.

Melanie Hamon
Institutional Research and Assessment Coordinator

Megan Harbert
Health Promotion Specialist megan.harbert@cui.edu Megan Harbert joined the staff at Concordia as the Health Promotion Specialist in 2014. She is responsible for directing services and activities that foster the health and well-being of students on campus. Megan works closely with Health Services and Psychological Counseling staff to develop and promote mental and physical health initiatives on campus.

Steve Leader
Steve runs the SSG Matthew Thompson Veterans Resource Center in Admin Building #104. He was a commissioned officer in the US Army and served as a primary Intelligence Officer for 3 years before resigning his commission to return to higher education serving students. He deployed for twelve months to Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2011-2012. Steve has four years of experience as a Resident Director, three years serving veterans, and has even spent a year leading groups in the construction of houses in Tijuana, Mexico. Steve is dedicated to the retention and persistence of the student veteran population and making the campus more military friendly. He can be reached at 949-214-3129 and at steve.leader@cui.edu

Melinda Martinez, J.D.
Associate Dean for Institutional Compliance and Director of Student Conduct melinda.martinez@cui.edu Melinda Martinez is responsible for the equitable administration of student conduct and student care. She is also responsible for the implementation of the office's judicial and educational functions as it relates to Concordia University Irvine's mission and the Student Code of Conduct. Melinda earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology from California State University at Fullerton and her Juris Doctorate from Chapman University, School of Law. Melinda has served the Concordia community since 2013.

Faith McKinney
Senior Director of Programs Abroad and International Center

Penny Mock
Assistant Director of Training and Organizational Development

Brianna Montgomery
Associate Dean of Residential Education and Services brianna.montgomery@cui.edu Brianna Montgomery oversees life in the residence halls at Concordia. She and her team build community in the residence halls, respond to emergency situations, and are responsible for the overall health and safety of students living on campus. Brianna is a Concordia alumna, and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Baylor University. She has experience working in both the non-profit and corporate sectors focusing on project management, training, and leadership development. She has been serving at Concordia since 2012.

Crystal Rosenthal
Senior Woman Administrator of the Intercollegiate Athletic Department & Head Softball Coach crystal.rosenthal@cui.edu In her role as SWA, Crystal Rosenthal serves as the highest ranking female administrator within the athletic department, and participates on the senior management team, acting as a key decision maker instrumentally involved with the athletics department, and reviews Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act Report. Crystal also oversees the nationally ranked softball program both and off the field. Crystal is a Concordia alumna, and received her Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration. She has been serving in her current position at Concordia since 2009, and has been working at the institution for over 13 years in various capacities.

Sharon Walker
Director of Tutoring Services sharon.walker@cui.edu Sharon Walker joined Concordia University in May of 2014 as the Director of Tutoring services. She coordinates all tutoring services on campus and supervises over 30 tutors. She works with the Office of Student Success, Retention Committee, Deans, faculty and related staff as needed to provide academic assistance and study skills support.

Terilyn Walker, Ed.D.
Dean for Equity Diversity & Inclusion terilyn.walker@cui.edu Dr. Terilyn Walker is the Dean for Equity Diversity & Inclusion and serves as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, ADA and 504 Coordinator. She oversees areas of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access across the University including athletics. Dr. Walker supervises the Disability and Learning Resource Center and is responsible for coordinating equitable access to the University's academic, social, and physical environments for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Her Doctoral Degree from USC is in Educational Psychology; she has worked in the field of disabilities since 1999. Dr. Walker is a Concordia alumna and has served CUI in her current position since 2009.

Ex-Officio Members

Doug Grove, Ph.D.
Associate Provost and Vice President for Enrollment Management and Program Development doug.grove@cui.edu As Associate Provost, Dr. Grove plays a significant administrative role in the development of online and blended programs and courses, faculty development in online teaching, and coordinating efforts between the business office, marketing, adult and graduate admissions and the Office of the Provost. His direct reports include the Office of Adult, Graduate, and Online Learning (Office AGO) and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). He was appointed as the Assistant Provost of Adult, Graduate, and Online Learning in July 2013 and holds a faculty position in the School of Education. Prior to joining Concordia, Grove held faculty and administrative positions at Vanguard University from 2005-2013. Doug holds a B.A. in English from Concordia University, Irvine; an M.A. in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University; an M.S. in Leadership from California State University, Fullerton, and a Ph.D. in Education from Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Grove’s broad experience in educational evaluation includes the management of numerous state and federal grants totaling more than 12 million in research funds. Grove has four peer-reviewed journal publications, two published book chapters, three published books, and 46 paper presentations domestically. Dr. Grove has taught English, business, and physical education in public and private school settings. He has served as a high school vice principal, the coordinator of a county office assessment unit, and school board member.

Kurt Krueger, Ph.D.
President of Concordia University Irvine kurt.krueger@cui.edu Dr. Kurt Krueger is the president of Concordia University Irvine, one of ten schools in the Concordia University System. Prior to his election to his present position in 2010, Kurt was the Executive Director of the Board for University Education of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and President of the Concordia University System. From 1986 to 2005, he was a professor of English at Concordia University Irvine and served as provost for nine years. He has also served on the faculty at Concordia University Wisconsin and at Lutheran High School in Portland, Oregon. A graduate of Valparaiso University, Kurt earned an M.A. in English from Marquette University and a Ph.D. in American Literature from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has authored several articles on the life and work of Ernest Hemingway, has written about servant leadership for Concordia Publishing House, and speaks frequently about the characteristics of Christian colleges and universities and the value of Lutheran higher education. Kurt and his wife Val have two married children and one grandchild.

Deborah Lee
Director of Institutional Research and Assessment deborah.lee@cui.edu Deborah Lee is in charge of providing consistent and accurate information for decision-makers to act on behalf of students, faculty, and staff to foster student success and institutional effectiveness. In addition to on-campus reporting, Deborah also reports data to external parties such as the Department of Education, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), US News and World Report, Collegeboard, Peterson's, and much more. She is a University of California, Irvine alumna, and received a Master’s Degree in Demographic and Social Analysis. She has presented at WASC Academic Resource Conferences and completed the WASC Assessment Leadership Academy under the mentorship of Mary Allen and Amy Driscoll. In the past three years, Deborah has redesigned academic and co-curricular assessment at CUI, creating a meaningful and manageable process.

Gary McDaniel, Ed.D.
Executive Vice President, Chief Enrollment Officer gary.mcdaniel@cui.edu Dr. Gary McDaniel supervises the Dean of Students, Director of Athletics, Associate Vice President of Admission and Marketing, Director of Financial Aid, 75 various staff members and an annual budget of over 10 million dollars. Gary, along with other members of Executive staff, is responsible for providing leadership for the generation of nearly 60 million dollars of annual tuition revenue and he oversees and manages nearly 18 million dollars of undergraduate financial aid. Gary is responsible for the creation of a quality student experience and he is also responsible for the university marketing activities and university brand management. He serves on the University Executive Council to help determine institution priorities, administrative structure and budgetary allocations.

Mo Roberson
Athletic Director mo.roberson@cui.edu Member of Athletic Director’s leadership team, duties includes planning and assessment of athletics department, personnel, athletics and sport team budget management oversight, personnel (hiring to evaluation), and implementation of policies and procedures to assure University, conference and national compliance. Key member of leadership team that helped write application for and transition to NCAA DII. Key member in athletic master planning, upgrades and renovation of existing athletic facilities for move to NCAA DII standards and implementation of first Title IX study, serves on various committees dealing with Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 2015 - 16 PacWest men and women’s basketball tournament director.

Paul Morales
Executive Director of Campus Safety

Tim Odle
Executive Director for University Services

Cliff Pawley
Athletic Faculty Representative and Program Director of Athletic Training Education

Peter Senkbeil, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Provost peter.senkbeil@cui.edu Dr. Peter Senkbeil supervises the Office of Student Success, which provides academic advising and retention services for all undergraduate students, as well as onboarding programs for first-generation college students and academically at-risk students. He also supervises the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, which monitors retention and graduation rate data for all student populations, and he serves as Concordia's Accreditation Liaison Officer with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the university's regional accrediting body. Peter has served at Concordia as a faculty member since 1992 and as a full-time administrator since 2006.

Kevin Tilden
Chief Financial Officer

Ronald Van Blarcom, J.D.
General Counsel ron.vanblarcom@cui.edu@cui.edu Ron has been a practicing California lawyer for over 25 years. He has served as general counsel to several public agencies and nonprofit organizations and, since 2009, he has served as in-house General Counsel to Concordia University in Irvine CA. Ron has spent significant time advising governing boards and management staff on general legal matters relating to contracts, finances, personnel issues and regulatory compliance. Prior to becoming General Counsel to Concordia University, Ron represented numerous cities, water districts, public agencies, high schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups, land development companies and individuals. He is no stranger to litigation, and has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in numerous lawsuits. He is counsel of record in two reported California Appellate Court cases.