Concordia University, St. Paul Names Rev. Tom Ries its Ninth President

ST. PAUL, Minn., April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Concordia University, St. Paul has named Rev. Tom Ries of Burnsville, Minn., the ninth president in the University's 118-year history. Rev. Ries will assume the role from the retiring 20-year president, Rev. Dr. Robert Holst, on June 1.

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"Rev. Ries brings with him a wealth of experience in administration, financial management and fundraising within the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod that will allow him to build on the significant enrollment and campus growth Concordia has seen during President Holst's 20-year tenure," said Brad Hewitt, Chair of Concordia's Board of Regents. "He also has a long-standing relationship with Concordia and a strong affinity for the institution that gives him a unique perspective and ability to lead the University in this new era."

As seven-year president of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Foundation, Rev. Ries has significantly increased the Foundation's gifts and investments, growing its net assets by nearly 200 percent. Prior to his time at the Foundation, Rev. Ries served as Vice President for Finance and Operations at Concordia University, St. Paul, during which time net assets grew by 50 percent. Rev. Ries also served as a Pastor for 12 years, in an auditing company for four years, and as Assistant to the President and Vice President for College Relations at Concordia University, St. Paul for three years.

Ries is a doctoral degree candidate in the Higher Education Administration program at the University of Minnesota from where he currently holds a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Finance. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and a Bachelor's degree from Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne, Ind.

"I am very pleased and honored to be called to serve as the ninth president of Concordia University," Rev. Ries said. "I have a long-standing passion for the mission of preparing students for thoughtful and informed living, dedicated service to God and humanity, and the enlightened care of God's creation. I look forward to helping shape Concordia's vision for the best way to live out our mission in the years to come. I am eager to help engage and inspire many others to join us in pursuing this vision."

Concordia University, St. Paul is a comprehensive, private university operated under the auspices of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and one of 10 schools that comprise the Concordia University System. Established in 1893, Concordia offers more than 50 liberal arts majors, including business, education, science, fine arts and church professions. Concordia is also a regional leader in educating adult students, offering accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs in business, health sciences, education, criminal justice, communications and Christian outreach. Concordia is the only private university in Minnesota to offer NCAA Division II athletics for men and women. On the web: www.csp.edu.

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Concordia University, St. Paul

CONTACT: Lindsey Brown, [phone], [e-mail]

Web site: http://www.csp.edu//