Concordia Magazine

Craft Named President-Elect

The Board of Regents voted unanimously March 21 to name Dr. William J. Craft president-elect of the college, making him the 11th president in Concordia's history. He will begin his duties on July 11.

"Dr. Craft has demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout his accomplished career in higher education," says David Solberg '65, Board of Regents chair. "We are impressed by his ability to create and carry out a vision for success. He believes in Concordia's mission and has the experience, wisdom and drive to lead us to new heights of distinction."

Craft has served as vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of the college at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, since 2000. Craft previously worked for 20 years at Mount St. Mary's College in Maryland, first as an English professor and later as dean of undergraduate studies.

"I am delighted by this opportunity to serve Concordia," says Craft. "It is a great honor to follow extraordinary leaders like Paul Dovre and Pam Jolicoeur. Concordia is a liberal arts college on the move as it continues to develop outstanding programs and facilities. I am keen to join the Concordia community as we build on that momentum."

Craft engaged with faculty, staff and students during a visit to campus in March.

"He's an extraordinary individual," says Dr. Vince Arnold, one of three faculty members on the Presidential Search Committee. "His knowledge, experience and passion for the liberal arts make him exceptionally qualified to lead Concordia. We are fortunate to have a person of his caliber serve as our next president."

A graduate of Westminster College in Pennsylvania, Craft earned his master's and doctorate degrees in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His scholarly publications are on English Renaissance literature. His involvement in numerous associations and boards has included national presentations on curriculum development, faculty workload, learning assessment and fundraising.

Craft and his wife, Anne, have two grown children, Josh and Meg. They are longtime active members of First Lutheran Church in Decorah. More details about Craft will be shared in the fall issue of Concordia Magazine.

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