Board of Regents Names 12th President

Concordia College has announced Dr. Colin Irvine as the college’s 12th president effective July 1, 2023. He currently serves as provost and executive vice president at Augustana University, Sioux Falls, S.D. Irvine succeeds Dr. William Craft , who is retiring after 12 years of service.

“Colin is the perfect person to lead Concordia in the coming years as the landscape of higher education changes and evolves,” said Mary Ranum ’78, chair of the Board of Regents. “He has a deep understanding of the mission and values of Concordia and Lutheran higher education.”

Irvine brings a passion and proven track record for increasing diversity to further Concordia’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Under his leadership, the university created four academic schools and a Center for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship. Through strategic business and healthcare partnerships, Irvine led the creation of a Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, launching several fast-growing programs.

“I am truly honored to be named as Concordia’s next president, and I am excited and eager to bring my passion for the liberal arts, for experiential education, and for innovative and unique programs to the exciting work happening on campus and among the full Cobber community of caring and invested alumni,” Irvine said.

Prior to Augustana, Irvine was senior vice president for academic affairs and dean of Carroll College in Helena, Mont. He taught English, education, and environmental studies at Augsburg University from 2002-15. Irvine earned his doctorate in English from Marquette University, a Master of Arts in American studies from the University of Notre Dame, and a Bachelor of Arts in English and history at Carroll College. He is the recipient of three Fulbright awards.

An outdoors enthusiast, Irvine is an avid runner, having finished 12 marathons, and loves water skiing and wakeboarding, downhill skiing, and backpacking. Cooking, traveling, reading, and writing are other passions, but his favorite activity is spending time with his family. He and his wife, Kelly, the chief marketing and communications officer for the wealth management company Carlson Capital Management, have two children.