The Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer currently serves as the fifth president of Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has also served as a professor of communication since 2003.
Dr. Ahlersmeyer was inaugurated as Concordia’s fifth president on November 4, 2005, after serving two years as Interim President. Dr. Ahlersmeyer also serves in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as a Vice President of the Concordia University System.
Dr. Ahlersmeyer earned his Ph.D. in Interpersonal and Public Communication from Bowling Green State University in 1989; his M.Div. from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN, in 1979; and his B.A. from Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, IN, in 1976. He also attended Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, from 1972–1974.
Prior to coming to Concordia Dr. Ahlersmeyer served as Executive Director of the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association in Northeast Ohio from 1995–2003. He has also served as pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Toledo, OH, from 1988–1995; St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Boca Raton, FL, from 1982–1988; and St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wauseon, OH, from 1979–1982. Additional contributions to church and society have included memberships on the Board for Communication Services of the LCMS, Concordia University–Ann Arbor Board of Regents, Lutheran Social Services Board of Trustees, Ecumenical Communication Commission Board of Trustees, and Women’s Crisis Pregnancy Center Board of Directors. In 2006 he was elected to the Board of Directors for Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, an international ministry dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities. Dr. Ahlersmeyer also recently accepted an appointment on the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America.
Dr. Ahlersmeyer has taught courses at eight colleges, universities and seminaries. He has published homiletical studies, Sunday School and Bible study materials, and essays on Christian education. A number of his devotions have been televised, including a nationally-broadcasted Christmas service-concert. Churches, schools, businesses and politicians have utilized his skills as a communication consultant. He also has made numerous presentations at meetings, workshops, and conferences on topics related to communication, parish leadership, family issues and Christian education.
Dr. Ahlersmeyer is married to Janet and they have six children: Elizabeth (Derrick Allen), Rebecca, Benjamin, Samuel, Caleb, Daniel, and grandchild, Luke. They are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Concordia University–Ann Arbor stretches over 187 rolling wooded acres, overlooking the Huron River. The tranquil surroundings combined with a small student body and low student-to-faculty ratio provide the setting for a highly personal learning experience that fosters close relationships among instructors and students. Established in 1963, Concordia offers over 40 areas of study and a variety of adult learning opportunities. Within its distinctly Christian environment and its academic community dedicated to excellence, Concordia University serves as a liberal arts university of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, preparing men and women for lives of service in the church and in the world.
Concordia University is a member of the Concordia University System, a nationwide network of colleges and universities. For more information on Concordia University, contact us at 1.888.734.4237 or Concordia University at 4090 Geddes Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
