Dr. Michael A. Thomas has served as President of Concordia University Irvine since 2020, guiding the university through a period of growth, innovation, and renewed commitment to its Lutheran mission.
During his tenure, Concordia has opened two additional campuses, embarked on a $50M expansion on the original campus, and secured additional philanthropy for the expansion of Engineering and Computer Science programs. He brings a strong background in Lutheran higher education and a passion for equipping students for lives of faith and service to society and the Church.
Before coming to Irvine, Dr. Thomas held several leadership roles at Concordia University Portland, including Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Director of the Honors Program, and Professor of Religion. He holds academic degrees in early Christianity, early Judaism, and Classics.
Dr. Thomas earned his B.A. from Concordia University Portland, his M.A. from the University of Washington, and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.
His most recent book is a translation of commentaries and homilies on the Gospel of John from the first millennium of Christianity: John: Interpreted by Early Christian and Medieval Commentators, The Church's Bible Series.
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