Luther College names interim prez
The Rev. Dr. David Tiede, interim president of Luther College
Following a challenging initial presidential search process, the Luther College Board of Regents announced the appointment of Dr. David L. Tiede as interim president of the college effective July 1. Luther President Richard L. Torgerson will end his term of service with the college on June 30.
Tiede is emeritus president and emeritus professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He served as the Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation at Augsburg College in Minneapolis from 2005 to 2010, and as interim president of Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in 2010. He currently consults with a variety of higher education institutions as they deal with leadership transitions.
“We are excited that [Tiede] brings presidential leadership experience, as well as broad leadership on boards at California Lutheran University and Augsburg College,” Rob Larson, vice president for communications and marketing, told Metro Lutheran. “He knows what circumstances he is facing in Lutheran higher education.
“[Tiede] is greatly admired as an administrator, teacher, and scholar, and he is in high demand as a consultant in the area of educational leadership and governance.”
“He will not be a placeholder,” adds Larson, noting that Tiede has the capacity to lead the Luther community with fresh eyes and a commitment to carry forward Torgerson’s vision for the college.
Tiede’s appointment at Luther is for a period of 12 months, or until the permanent position is filled.
New, but consistent with the former
In accepting the post, Tiede said: “Luther College is educationally excellent, grounded in faith, and centered in student lives. President Torgerson’s remarkable years have set the stage. This interim gives the whole college the opportunity to call the next president to lead from its strengths into the changing landscape of higher education. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve an institution I have long admired.”
“[Tiede] is greatly admired as an administrator, teacher, and scholar, and he is in high demand as a consultant in the area of educational leadership and governance,” said Paul Torgerson, chairperson of the Board of Regents. “With Dr. Tiede serving as interim president, the board can complete the search for a permanent president with every confidence that the college is in very capable hands.”
“He is strongly endorsed by President Torgerson,” added Larson.
Tags: Augsburg College, California Lutheran University, David L. Tiede, Dr. David L. Tiede, Luther College, Paul Torgerson, Richard L. Torgerson, Rob Larson, Wartburg Theological Seminary
