This week marks the start of a new era at Concordia College as Dr. Colin Irvine officially began his tenure as its 12th president.
Irvine spent his first days at the helm in meetings, on phone calls, and having an in-depth tour of campus buildings and grounds.
“It’s certainly been busy,” Irvine said, “but it’s been exhilarating to engage with the people here. Everyone I’ve met is passionate about Concordia’s mission. It’s been wonderful to receive that support as I step into this role.”
Though he’s just now officially on the job, Irvine started making connections soon after he was announced as the next president. Since January, Irvine has been meeting with members of the Board of Regents and National Alumni Board, campus faculty, staff, students, and campus partners.
He had also been in frequent contact with the now newly retired President William Craft.
“President Craft has made this transition as seamless as possible for me,” Irvine said. “I cannot express how grateful I am for his time.”
Before fall classes, Irvine’s calendar will be full of campus listening sessions and meetings with community and business leaders. (He’ll also squeeze in as much water skiing and rounds of golf as possible.)
When the semester begins, he is eager to immerse himself in Concordia’s campus culture, starting at Fall Orientation. That will include welcoming all of the new students to a reception at the President’s House. He’ll also get more of the student experience as he visits classrooms to see the magic that happens at Concordia.
Irvine’s also looking forward to the Cobber community getting to know his family. He and his wife, Kelly, and daughter, Caroline, will be living on campus. And don’t be shy around Jack, their friendly dog, who may just become the college’s unofficial mascot.
“I’m excited to embrace Concordia in the same way they’ve embraced me,” he said. “I’m honored to serve such an engaged and close-knit community of people. Roll Cobbs!”
President Irvine will be officially inaugurated during Homecoming’s All-Campus Worship on Oct. 15.
We extend the warmest welcome to the Irvine family!