Remember when Concordia University, St. Paul was just Concordia High School? The year was 1893. Concordia University, St. Paul started to provide Christian learning. It was for young men preparing for ministry in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Originally, Concordia High School held classes on Agate Street. This was near the State Capitol. In 1894, Concordia purchased land for $22000. The land was on St. Anthony Ave.
Concordia added a fourth year of high school. Then came freshman and sophomore college years. Enrollment grew so new buildings were built. The Gymnasium came first in 1911. Then came Recitation Hall in 1918.
In 1921, Concordia earned accreditation as a two-year college. Students completed their first two years. Then they transferred to a senior college or seminary. Also in 1921, Concordia’s Luther Statue was dedicated.
The East Dormitory was built in 1925. The Dining Hall followed in 1930. Concordia felt the Great Depression. Enrollment dropped by more than 50 percent in 1931. The Synod considered closing the college. But Concordia survived.
As World War II began, Concordia changed its program. It reformatted its pre-ministerial program. This eliminated the summer break. Enrollment increased. Concordia celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1943.
In 1950, Concordia welcomed its first female students. In 1951, it began granting Associate in Arts degrees. The college earned accreditation in 1959. Concordia expanded its campus. The Buenger Memorial Library was built in 1951. The Lutheran Memorial Center followed in 1953. The original gymnasium became Graebner Memorial Chapel in 1955.
In 1962, Concordia expanded its curriculum. It included a four-year college degree. It awarded its first Bachelor of Arts degrees two years later. By 1967, Concordia earned accreditation for its four-year program. In 1968, Concordia High School separated from the college.
In 1985, Concordia became the first private college in Minnesota. It offered an accelerated degree program for adult students. Enrollment topped 1000 students in 1987. A master’s degree option was added in 1990.
Concordia adopted its current mission statement in 1992. It was renamed Concordia University, St. Paul in 1997. Also in 1997, Concordia became the first laptop campus in Minnesota.
In 1999, Concordia became the first private university in Minnesota. It competed in the NCAA Division II. They said goodbye to the Concordia Comets nickname. They introduced the Golden Bears.
In 2003, the student population topped 2000. Concordia dedicated a Library Technology Center. In 2004, Concordia became home to the world’s first Center for Hmong Studies.
Concordia won its first NCAA Division II National Championship in 2007. The women’s volleyball team won seven consecutive national titles. In 2009, Concordia played its first games at Sea Foam Stadium.
In 2012, Concordia reduced tuition by $10000. In 2014, Concordia launched its first doctoral program. In 2018, enrollment reached 5000 students. In 2019, Concordia purchased the Central Midway Building.
In early 2020, Concordia integrated Concordia University Portland’s nursing program. In January 2023, Concordia University, St. Paul unveiled CSP Global. In 2024, Platt College became part of CSP. Concordia University, St. Paul continues to grow. It provides a Christ-centered education. It prepares students for lives of purpose and service.