Presidential History

Ingebrikt Grose 1891-1893
A graduate of Luther College and professor of English, Grose successfully launched the college and presided over its early acceptance in the region.

Hans Aaker 1893-1902
As a faculty member, Aaker emphasized “practical” courses such as accounting and business. An anti-saloon mayor of Moorhead, Populist candidate for Congress, and member of the Non-Partisan League, Aaker later established Aaker’s Business College in Grand Forks, N.D.

Rev. Rasmus Bogstad 1902-1910
A graduate of Luther College and Northfield Seminary, Bogstad was a parish pastor in Kindred, N.D., when he was called to the college in 1893 to teach Norwegian and religion. He was an energetic promoter of Concordia, raised critically needed funds and recruited students and promising young faculty.

Rev. Henry O. Shurson 1910-1911
A pastor at Henning, Minn., before joining the religion faculty, Shurson was an effective fundraiser who agreed to be acting president while a search was conducted.

Rev. Johan A. Aasgaard 1911-1925
A graduate of St. Olaf, Luther Seminary and Princeton Theological Seminary, Aasgaard taught history and religion. Recognized as a dynamic and forceful personality, Aasgaard later became president of the Norwegian Lutheran Church in America.

Rev. John N. Brown 1925-1951
A pastor of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church, Brown was the president of Canton Lutheran Normal School in South Dakota before coming to Concordia. During his tenure, accreditation was received, an endowment established and Fjelstad and Brown residence halls were constructed.

Rev. Joseph Knutson 1951-1975
A parish pastor in Minneapolis, Knutson believed he was called “to be a promoter” of Concordia and Christian higher education. “Prexy Joe” combined charm with personal magnetism as he presided over an era of sustained growth for the college. He was well known for his evangelical theology, conservative ideology and belief in a strong presidency. The Knutson Center and Lorentzsen administration building were built during his tenure.

Dr. Paul J. Dovre 1975-1999
A 1958 Concordia graduate, Dovre received a doctorate from Northwestern and also studied at Luther Seminary. He previously served Concordia as a member of the speech faculty and then as the academic dean. Dovre is known for his integrity, financial acumen and administrative ability. His tenure was marked by successful fundraising campaigns, and the construction of the Concordia Language Villages, Olin Art and Communications Center, Jones Science Center, Olson Forum and Skyway, and the Campanile. Dovre also served as interim president in 2003-04 and 2010-11.

Rev. Thomas W. Thomsen 1999-2003
A graduate of Luther College and Luther Seminary, Thomsen came to Concordia after serving as president of Grand View College, Des Moines, Iowa. He was known for his outgoing nature and appreciation of faculty and staff. During his presidency, he implemented a five-year strategic plan to sustain Concordia’s mission. This included the design for the new campus center, groundbreaking for new upperclass housing and expansion of Olson Forum.

Dr. Pamela M. Jolicoeur 2004-2010
Jolicoeur became Concordia’s leader after serving as provost and dean at California Lutheran University. She was a former member of the Sisters of Social Service and a graduate of Santa Clara (Calif.) University and Purdue University. Jolicoeur was known for her empowering leadership. She helped complete the $100 million capital campaign, including the construction of Knutson Campus Center. She also established the vision for the Offutt School of Business and increased Concordia’s leadership in global engagement.

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students