Concordia University Irvine in November announced that Dr. Michael A. Thomas will take the helm as the private Lutheran university’s fifth president. Thomas replaces Kurt Krueger, who is retiring after 10 years in the role. Thomas’ tenure will begin Jan. 1.
Thomas possesses a strong commitment and passion for higher education. This combination “makes him the ideal person to lead Concordia Irvine into the future,” says Ron Levesque, chair of Concordia’s Board of Regents.
Thomas comes to Irvine after holding several leadership roles at Concordia University Portland. Most recently, he served as executive director of the Lutheran Institute for Theology and Culture and taught religion. Previously, he was dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the honors program.
An inauguration for Thomas is planned for February.
