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ANN ARBOR, Mich., February 28, 2009 – John Brandt, Ed.D., executive director and principal of Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw, Michigan, has been awarded Concordia University Ann Arbor’s Christus Primus award for the 2008-09 academic year. Brandt will be honored during the university’s spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009. The Rev. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Ph.D., president of CUAA, noted: “John Brandt has received widespread acclaim as a gifted and innovative leader in Lutheran education. His vision for integrating technology into all aspects of learning has positioned Valley Lutheran High School to be on the frontlines of secondary education. He exemplifies the motto of Concordia University, ‘That in all things Christ might have the preeminence’ (Colossians 1:18), through his servant leadership regionally and nationally.”
Brandt has served at Valley Lutheran High School for the past 29 years, and as principal and executive director for the past 12 years. He received his doctorate from Central Michigan University in Educational Leadership in 2002. His dissertation was a qualitative study of two high schools to determine what factors contributed to a successful school (strong enrollment, stable finances, etc.). With his experience and expertise, Brandt has begun to pass along his knowledge through teaching a number of graduate level classes in administration.
In service at Valley Lutheran, Brandt has contributed to numerous school publications. Most notable perhaps is his exploration of “Valley Lutheran’s 21st Century Classroom Initiative,” which promotes high levels of excellence in literacy, collaboration, critical thinking, and technology. His tireless efforts also include promoting the high school through coordinating golf outings and the annual auction. Valley Lutheran has thrived under his leadership, and he remains a strong promoter of the Concordia University System within the church, faculty and association grade schools. The Lutheran Education Association also recognized Brandt’s efforts this year honoring him with the 2009 Christus Magister award, which is given annually to a selected Lutheran educator who has made outstanding contributions to Lutheran education.
Brandt is heavily involved in the Benevon process, which includes a structured approach to reaching out to the community. As a member of the board of elders at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Saginaw, Michigan, Brandt assists with communion and scripture readings. His community outreach included two years of service as president on the board of the local American Red Cross.
Dr. Brandt’s parents, Marvin and Alice Brandt, reside in Columbus, Indiana. Marvin Brandt served as a Lutheran High School principal for over 40 years. Dr. Brandt and his wife, Sue, live in Saginaw, Michigan, and have two children, Krista (Elliott) and Mark. Sue Brandt currently serves as the 3rd grade teacher at Bethlehem Lutheran School in Saginaw. Krista is married to Paul Elliott, a seminary student, and teaches at Our Savior Lutheran School in Fenton, Missouri. Mark and his wife, Aislinn, currently reside in the Chicago area, where he is a graduate student at DePaul University in the Laboratory of Social Science Research.
Concordia University Ann Arbor is a private, Christian liberal arts institution of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Concordia offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in an environment focused on the individual student. Concordia is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Concordia’s Family Life Program is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). The athletics program has helped Concordia receive the recognition of a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character institution. Concordia is located at 4090 Geddes Road in Ann Arbor, MI. For more information, visit: www.cuaa.edu |
