What LCMS College Is Next? - "The Bronxville, New York campus was one of four in the Lutheran Concordia College system to close in the space of eight years."

 

"I already closed one LCMS college. I'm a pro!" [Just joking.]

'Things we want to get done:' CLU interim president readies for fundamental changes

Board Chair Ann Boynton said CLU's regents were drawn to Nunes' pastoral reputation and "incredibly broad" experience — including tenures as president and CEO of the nonprofit Lutheran World Relief and president of Concordia College in New York until its closure in 2021.

The Bronxville, New York campus was one of four in the Lutheran Concordia College system to close in the space of eight years. Nunes told Inside Higher Ed at the time of the closure's announcement in January 2021 that the decision was preemptive, avoiding both a "precipitous close" or a "long, lingering threadbare existence."

ELCA seminaries once were plums. Now they are prunes turning into raisins.
LSTC is now renting one floor of a Catholic building.

The failing seminaries limping into the future.

"In an era marked by a rapidly changing religious landscape, mainline seminaries are evolving to prepare future church leaders for new challenges and opportunities. In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Presidents of McCormick Theological Seminary, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), and the Catholic Theological Union are pioneering a transformative approach to theological education.

President James Nieman of LSTC, alongside his counterparts, has been featured on the show “Sanctuary,” where they discuss this innovative partnership and its implications for the future of theological education. This episode highlights the collaborative efforts of these three Chicago seminaries to adapt their curricula and programs to better serve their communities and fulfill God’s mission.

During the show, President Nieman emphasized the role of technological innovation in shaping the future of seminary education. He alluded to LSTC’s new initiative, Project Starling, as a key example of how the seminary is planning to leverage technology to enhance learning experiences and accessibility. Project Starling aims to integrate advanced technological tools and online learning platforms to support a more flexible and inclusive educational environment for theological students.

President Nieman’s insights on the evolving role of seminaries in today’s society provide a unique perspective on how these institutions are preparing the next generation of faith leaders. The conversation underscores the importance of unity and cooperation among diverse theological traditions to address common challenges and seize new opportunities (sic).To watch the full discussion, visit this link."

Who's sorry now? 
LSTC merged six seminaries - plus McCormick - but they were so broke they had to sell to the U. of Chicago and waddle over to the Catholic Theological Union, yet another merger of angel factories.

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One of the Many Lutheran Colleges on the Brink of Disaster

 

The future...

Rick Strickert (Carlvehse) Senior Member Username: Carlvehse Post Number: 11165 Registered: 10-2003

Posted on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - 7:15 pm:       In a June 26th article, "A Few Thoughts in Response to Some Questions & Concerns Regarding Ann Arbor," Indiana District President Richard Stuckwisch, who is also an advisory member of the CUWAA Board of Regents, stated in part: quote: Please note that I am not writing on behalf of the CUWAA Board of Regents, but rather as the president of the Indiana District, especially for the benefit of those under my ecclesiastical care. The primary question and concern that I have heard and seen from multiple people over the past five months is, “Why the urgency of action in regards to the Ann Arbor campus at this time?” It has come as a shock to many, seemingly out of the blue, and in apparent contrast to indications that all was going well. I understand and sympathize with the confusion and frustration. But the truth is that current circumstances have been developing for some time, to such an extent that the University is really behind the 8 ball now, and the sooner steps are taken, the better, in the hopes that both campuses can survive and thrive into the future. Significant actions are being taken on both campuses, but the situation in Ann Arbor is more urgent, the necessary changes greater. The goal is to act now, before it is too late to turn the tide.... The dire problem has been that the cost per student has been as great or greater than the revenue received in tuition per student. In other words, the greater number of students at Ann Arbor has actually not improved the financial position of the campus... [Boldface added]

LCMS Leads the Way in Closing Colleges

Could they improve by teaching the Gospel instead of this drivel?

The list of departing LCMS colleges is growing:

1. Ann Arbor - Best compliment - better than Mequon with a 50% president.
2. Mequon - Goner from the start - the Catholics dumped it.
3. Texas - Freedom! Adios!
4. Portland - HotChalk disaster.
5. Valparaiso - LCMS in the past. 
6. Concordia NY - sold to a happy buyer.
7. Selma - closed.

Someone opined that the college student census is figured to drop in a few more years. 

ELCA began the college closings soon after its conception in 1987 with 5.3 members and a current count of 2.9 million today (Wickedpedia). Not a single manager has said, "We have nowhere to go but up!"

ELCA cleverly kept the seminary names (most of the time) but reduced floor space and faculty all over.

1. LSTC - had to sell the building and move into Roman Catholic rental space.
2. Luther - had to start selling off land to stay afloat.
3. Southern - is allied with a college.
4. Trinity - once the seminary of Lenski, Loy, Leupold, lost big in a huge lawsuit.
5. Pacific - land sold for a Muslim college, now renting space down below.
6. Wartburg - seems to have obtained more funds.
7. United was created out of Gettysburg and Philadelphia.