Perhaps you’ve heard of the Tornados. Here at Concordia University Texas, the spirit of these competitive athletes embodies the institution’s drive. Concordia University Texas began in 1926. It started as Lutheran Concordia College of Texas. The school was a four-year high school. It prepared young men for careers in ministry and teaching. The first class had 26 students. The campus was on East Avenue now Interstate 35.
Do you know about the Wendish immigrant community? Concordia was founded by members of this group. Kilian Hall is the original main building. It is named for John Kilian. He founded the first Texas Lutheran church. He led a large group of Wends to settle in Serbin. Today, 10 to 15 percent of Concordia’s faculty, staff, and students have Wendish heritage.
Through the 1940s and 1950s, the campus expanded. Buildings like Hirschi Memorial Library and Kramer Hall appeared. Kramer Hall was the first air-conditioned classroom building. In 1951, Concordia started a two-year junior college curriculum. Building continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s. The Birkmann Memorial Chapel was built in 1952. Texas Hall opened in 1953. It housed dining services and faculty offices.
Did you know that women weren’t always students here? Concordia first admitted women in 1955. The institution became Concordia Lutheran College in 1965. In 1969, the four-year high school program ended. Concordia began awarding Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1980.
Concordia joined the Concordia University System in 1993. The CUS represents colleges and universities run by the LCMS. The institution’s name changed to Concordia University at Austin in 1995. That year, the Accelerated Degree Program launched. It offers working adults a chance to earn a degree. Harms Hall opened in January 2000. It more than doubled campus resident capacity. The first graduate program was also developed then.
In 2005, the Board of Regents approved a campus relocation. The school had been on a 23-acre campus near downtown Austin. The new campus is on 384 acres in northwest Austin. Construction started in 2007. The new campus opened in July 2008. Classes began in September.
Have you noticed the beautiful nature here? The campus includes a 250-acre nature preserve. Concordia can devote time to urban environmentalism. The Concordia University Nature Preserve is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. This preserve system protects rare and endangered species.
Concordia University Texas has four colleges today. These are Business & Communication, Nursing, Education, and Arts & Sciences. Concordia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Since 1995, the mascot has been the Tornados. The school colors are purple and gold. Before that, the teams were the Outlaws, the Cardinals, and the Stags. The athletic programs include baseball, basketball, cross country, and more. Many students participate in clubs and organizations. There is the Concordia Outdoor Ministry. Also, the Student Government & Leadership Association. Plus, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
As you leave Concordia University Texas, remember its evolution. From a small high school to a comprehensive university. Its commitment to Christian leadership and diverse programs makes it a unique place of learning. The spirit of the Tornados remains. It inspires students to achieve their dreams.