Concordia-Chicago appoints new vice president of academic affairs, chief academic officer

Concordia University Chicago recently appointed Dr. Robert “Rob” Balza as vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer. Balza will oversee all academic colleges, offices, and resources, ensuring alignment with CUC’s mission, Lutheran identity, and strategic plan.

 “It’s difficult to exaggerate the importance of the chief academic officer position and the difficulty of finding someone with the right confluence of gifts,” said CUC President Dr. Russell Dawn. “Our CAO must be faithful and scholarly, energetic and disciplined for targeted innovation, committed to the liberal arts, and an interpersonal fit. Rob is the right man, and I could not be more pleased.”

Balza will continue to strengthen CUC’s academic programs, expand innovative offerings, and work toward its vision of a Christ-centered Lutheran university where truth, freedom, and vocation form students for lives of influence and service for the common good.

To read the full news release, click here.

The first five: Inaugural group of Concordia-Chicago students graduate from new Nursing program

Families, friends, classmates, faculty, staff, and others from the community gathered in Concordia University Chicago’s Chapel of Our Lord on a cold evening in December to celebrate the commencement of five history-making students.

These graduates, who comprise the first class to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees through Concordia-Chicago’s new four-year Nursing program, set the standard for students who will follow in their footsteps. They’ll also be the ones to demonstrate to future colleagues and patients what it means to be a nurse who was formed at CUC.

Read the full story about the first five graduates here.

A doctoral path shaped for today’s business leaders

If you are considering doctoral study, you are likely already leading in meaningful ways — asking deeper questions and shaping organizations to work better for people and purpose. Concordia University Wisconsin’s PhD in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement, known as LICI, was designed for leaders like you.

Beginning this coming academic year, CUW will offer the LICI PhD with a business emphasis. The program is delivered collaboratively by the Batterman School of Business and the School of Education, bringing together faculty expertise in leadership, organizational change, research and professional practice.

Amber Gray, EdD, CPA, MSA, director of academic innovation and professor of accounting, said many professionals who consider doctoral study want to deepen their leadership rather than step away from it.

“Many business professionals who consider doctoral study are already leading teams, driving strategy and making complex decisions in dynamic environments,” Gray said. “What they need is not just deeper business knowledge, but the ability to lead change, innovate responsibly and continuously improve systems and processes.”

The LICI PhD with the business emphasis prepares experienced leaders to apply research, innovation and improvement in ways that strengthen organizational performance and support meaningful change.

Many disciplines, one reality

Many prospective doctoral students share a common goal: to deepen their knowledge while continuing to work and lead. At the same time, they recognize that today’s organizational challenges rarely exist within a single discipline.

The LICI PhD reflects that reality. The program integrates leadership studies, improvement science and research preparation to equip scholar-practitioners to guide change across sectors. Students develop skills in data-informed decision-making, systems thinking and organizational improvement that apply across industries, including business, health care, education, engineering, nonprofit organizations and consulting.

For professionals who may have previously explored a PhD in business administration or a DBA, the LICI PhD with a business emphasis offers a clear and credible pathway forward. Rather than narrowing doctoral study, the program broadens it while maintaining a strong focus on applied business and organizational research.

Two emphases, one PhD

The LICI PhD is a 60-credit doctoral program offering two emphases: business and interdisciplinary leadership. Both pathways lead to the same PhD degree and share a common doctoral core in leadership, research and continuous improvement.

“Students select an emphasis that aligns with their professional goals,” Gray said. “The business emphasis is designed for professionals who want a stronger grounding in traditional business content, whereas the interdisciplinary leadership emphasis serves professionals who lead across systems or sectors and want a broader approach.”

While the emphases differ in focus, both pathways allow students to align doctoral study with their professional roles, responsibilities and long-term goals.

Structured for you

Doctoral study is demanding, and the LICI PhD is intentionally structured to support working professionals and executive leaders.

Students progress through the program as part of a cohort, building professional relationships while benefiting from shared learning and accountability. Small class sizes and faculty mentorship across two schools help ensure students are supported throughout coursework and research.

One of the program’s defining features is early and sustained engagement in the dissertation process. Students begin working on their research early and are paired with a dissertation chair from the start.

“We are very intentional about helping students finish,” Gray said. “That structure keeps students moving forward, prevents them from stalling after coursework is complete and provides consistent support throughout the entire dissertation process.”

Research with purpose

At its core, the LICI PhD is a research-focused doctorate. Students receive preparation in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, equipping them to design and conduct studies that inform leadership decisions and organizational improvement.

Research in the program is applied and practice-oriented. Students are encouraged to examine real challenges within their organizations or fields, contributing knowledge that strengthens systems and informs professional practice.

Graduates leave prepared to lead with credibility, confidence and clarity.

Want in?

Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. The PhD in LICI is a flexible, faith-shaped doctoral journey for working professionals who want to deepen their scholarly expertise, publish research, and influence systems across education, business, healthcare, ministry, and nonprofit settings.

This program allows full-time professionals to advance academically without pausing their careers. You will strengthen your expertise in Leadership, Research, and Improvement Science & Innovation — three pillars that power meaningful, evidence-based change.

Explore LICI PhD

Informal Visitation to Concordia University, Irvine

CUS made an informal visit to Concordia University, Irvine, January 12-14, 2026. Informal visits are intended as follow-ups to synodical formal visitations. These visits are conducted by CUS staff and board members, a district president, or another interested party. Informal in nature, these visits center on conversations with administrators, faculty, and students to discuss the general spiritual health of the university, progress since the last formal visitation, ways in which CUS may be of help, and best practices that CUS can learn from the university to share with the rest of our system.

The meetings at Irvine were pleasant and productive, strengthening the ties among Irvine, the Concordia University System, and our beloved Synod. The California summer-like weather in January was a welcome treat for the team. We are thankful for the good, Christ-centered work that is being done at Concordia University, Irvine.

CUS at Theological Symposium

The Concordia University System was a gold-level sponsor of the January 20-23, 2026, Theological Symposia at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In addition to several CUS Theology Faculty members who were present and presented papers, CUS had a display booth in the main registration area, and Dr. Hardy delivered remarks to the assembly. CUS sponsors the symposia at both of our seminaries, the Higher Things, several LCMS District youth conferences, and "The Coffee Hour" on KFUO to promote LCMS higher education among our congregations, pastors, and youth. We will also have a large display at the upcoming LCMS Convention in Phoenix. When you see us at an event, stop by and say, "Hello!"