This convocation lecture explores the heart of Concordia's education mission: the concept of vocation. Attention is given to the sacredness of our work and callings in life and to ways to discern one's callings in a particular life.
Dr. Michael A. Thomas, the fifth president of Concordia University Irvine, brings a passion for higher education to his tenure. His deep commitment to the Lutheran intellectual tradition, along with his extensive experience across multiple disciplines, including curriculum, faculty and staff development, governance, enrollment, and student life, has prepared him to lead Concordia into a new era. Prior to coming to Concordia University Irvine, Dr. Thomas served as the Executive Director of the Lutheran Institute for Theology and Culture at Concordia University Portland (CUP). The Institute combined three academic departments (Religion, Music, and Art) with Campus Ministry, Church Relations, and the Center for Applied Lutheran Leadership. Previously, Dr. Thomas served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Director of the Honors Program at CUP. As Professor of Religion, his academic interests include the history and literature of early Christianity, early Judaism, and the classical world. Michael A. Thomas earned his B.A. at Concordia University Portland in 1993, his M.A. at the University of Washington in 1996, and his Ph.D. at the University of Virginia in 2008.