Out of Obscurity

Concordia University has renamed the Classroom Building as Meyer Hall in tribute to Dr. Loma R. Meyer, a woman whose career and contributions to Concordia have spanned nearly 40 years.

A chapel service, ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on Oct. 20, 2006, made it official. It seems a fitting tribute for a former professor who taught in every single classroom of the building.

Meyer joined the full-time faculty in Teacher Education in fall 1967. She was a two-time recipient of the student-elected Professor of the Year honors, and continued to influence the lives of students until her retirement in 1993.

Meyer wore many different hats during her productive 26 years at Concordia. She was appointed director of instruction and then served three separate terms as dean of the faculty, a faculty-elected position she held dear as an affirmation of her professional contributions by her peers.

In 1982, Meyer was named vice president for Academic Affairs, where she helped guide the university through a period of tremendous growth and change, including a significant liberal arts expansion, the addition of student support services, formation of the secondary teacher education licensure programs, and the development of the Concordia School of Accelerated Learning.

In 1983, she was named executive vice president and ably performed both the Academic Affairs and EVP roles for nearly the duration of her career. Not until 1991 did the Academic Affairs mantle move to the shoulders of another colleague. Meyer happily served as an accreditation consultant/evaluator for North Central Association, NCATE, LECNA, BHE, and the Minnesota Department of Education, all with an eye for seeking out best practices and bringing them back to Concordia.

Even in her retirement, Meyer continued to share her vision and wisdom as a member of Concordia’s Board of Regents, serving four consecutive terms from 1994 to 2006, including two terms as board chair (2000-2006.)

Concordia also recognized Meyer’s unique brand of servant leadership this year by naming the Loma R. Meyer Award for Purposeful Leadership in her honor. The award recognizes Concordia alumni for their contributions as ethical and visionary business leaders who embody the Concordia mission.

With the humility of a true servant leader, Meyer’s response to the university’s well-founded desire to honor her has been,”I’m not worthy,” adding ‘Soli Deo Gloria’” or all for God’s glory. Spoken as a true servant leader!

The career and contributions of Dr. Loma Meyer have not only shaped Concordia University, St. Paul, they have influenced the church, the community, and higher education. She has left her mark and made Concordia a better place for all who enter its halls.

Popularity: 20% [?]