Concordia’s History

Concordia opened its doors for the first time at its current location in 1905. The school began as a four-year academy to meet the needs of the region for pastors and school teachers for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The campus has evolved into a university that offers a solid liberal arts education, pre-professional programs, professional church work programs, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in education and business. The campus’ 2,000 students come from all over the United States and the world, but primarily from the Pacific Northwest.

Concordia University is a Christian university preparing leaders for the transformation of society. Located on 13 acres in a residential neighborhood of Portland, Concordia’s mission drives all planning in academics and future directions. The campus builds on its strengths, pursuing programs that will assist students to prepare for work or to enhance their pursuit of lifelong learning. Students, staff, and faculty — the Concordia community — are valued as the most important components of this campus, as all strive to encourage, support, and equip for service and fulfillment.

Concordia History Chronology

1905
The school began as a four-year academy to meet the needs of the area for pastors and parochial school teachers for the Lutheran Church.
1950
The junior college department for men was introduced.
1954
The coeducational program was added.
1962
Accreditation was achieved with the NW Assoc. of Schools & Colleges.
1971
Concordia converted to Quarter calendar.
1977
Concordia became a four-year college. This decision was made at the Dallas Convention of the Lutheran of Church - Missouri Synod.
1980
The first students graduated with Baccalaureate Degrees.
1982
The international student programs were initiated.
1985
Health Care Administration & International Executive Program were added.
1989
Accelerated Degree Program was added.
1991
Secondary Education was added.
1992
Concordia exceeded enrollment of 1000.
1995
Concordia converted to Semester calendar.
1995
Concordia College became Concordia University, Portland, a member of the Concordia University System.
1996
Distance learning classes and CUS visiting student program begin.
1996
Master’s degree programs in teacher education offered.
1998
New 245-bed residence complex opens, doubling resident student population.
2001
Master of Business Administration offered.
2002
The first fully online program, the M.Ed.,is offered.
2004
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NASC) becomes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
2005
Class Schedule begins at 7:30 am.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing program receives accreditation from the Oregon State Board of Nursing.
Centennial anniversary celebrated with service projects and a reunion weekend
2006
Concordia Teacher Corps established.
2007
University re-organizes academic programs into four colleges: School of Management, College of Education, College of Theology, Arts and Sciences, and College of Health and Human Services.
2008
Groundbreaking for the George R. White Library & Learning Center.
Dedication of the Concordia University Throw Center.
2009
The George R. White Library & Learning Center is opened on August 10.
The new Concordia Place Apartments on 27th Avenue are opened for occupancy.
2010
Work begins on the Concordia University Athletic Complex.
Groundbreaking on the Concordia University School of Law on June 22.