One Heart

We are back for new episodes in 2025 with Provost and COO Dr. Eric LaMott, who shares about CSP's focus on students, our incredible growth, and the recognition we've received. StarTribune Feature Article StarTribune Op-ed StarTribune Orthotics & Prosthetics Article Pioneer Press Article

Adriene Thornton, M.A. '04, has spent her career serving in the healthcare field. As an RN, she loved providing direct care to patients. After receiving her MA from CSP, she moved into healthcare administration where she uses her gifts to serve patients and their families in a new way and unpacks that career pivot.

Alumna Kprecia Ambers, B.A. '15, shares about her passion for art and design, celebrates her CSP experience, and highlights the importance of representation in art. Visit Kprecia's website and view her portfolio .

With the recent announcement that CSP is acquiring Platt College in Greenwood Village, Colo., Dean of Nursing Dr. Hollie Caldwell joins the podcast to discuss the how and why of this acquisition.

Andy Jones, B.A. '06 is a writer, pastor, and CSP alumnus who lives in the Bay Area. In this interview, he shares about his experiences as a CSP student and staff member, his ministry journey, and how he became a published author. His books bring tremendous theological insights in an accessible and understandable manner. Order Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible on Amazon or Concord...

Senior Denya Jada serves as Student Body President at CSP this academic year. As a biology major who intends to work in public health, she shares how CSP has shaped her and how she leads Student Senate to serve her peers.

Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson joined the CSP community this summer as Senior Development and Church Relations Officer. In this interview, he shares about his formative years, academic and ministry journey, and why he's so passionate about Lutheran higher education.

Dr. Michele Pickel, alumna and faculty emerita at CSP, shares about her calling into education, her love for horses, and how she integrated those passions into Horse Powered Reading . In this venture, she works with trainers and practitioners across the world to encourage students into a love for reading.

Dr. Jerrod Brown, Director for the Master of Arts in Human Services program, returns to the One Heart to address the issue of sleep disturbances. In the interview, he describes what they are, how they're caused, and what each person can do to work toward better sleep.

With a background as an accountant and small business owner, Dr. Eric Grube chairs CSP's undergraduate accounting program. In this episode, he shares his love for accounting as a problem-solving profession and how he prepares students for this meaningful career field.

Rev. Dr. Scott Sailer is part of a three-generation CSP legacy, and shares about his experiences as a student in the late 1970s. As a pastor and now South Dakota District President, he reflects on the training CSP provided him to lead in ministry.

Four-time national champion high jumper Arika Harbo joins One Heart to share about her academic journey and her athletic successes.

As the son of a Concordia St. Paul professor, Dr. Mike Middendorf's connection to CSP runs deep. In this interview, he shares about his time in St. Paul, how he discovered his calling into ministry, and the impact our Concordias have on their students.

President Brian Friedrich joins the podcast to discuss CSP's newest strategic plan, Strategic Plan 2030 . In the interview, he shares about the importance of strategic planning, how CSP navigates the challenges within higher education to a place of strength, and how this plan benefits each student who chooses CSP.

Alumna Anna Ripke, B.A. '19, M.S. '21 explored a few different academic paths before she found her calling at CSP serving college students. Now, as an Academic Advisor at Purdue University, she enjoys investing in students and helping them thrive.

CSP alum and 38-year staff and faculty member Joel Schuessler joins the podcast today to talk about his years as a CSP student, his long career at CSP starting in administrative computing and now as a professor in the IT Management program, and his passion for helping people discover and use their God-given gifts.

CSP alumna Amanda McCaughan leads the university's financial aid office, serving students by helping them navigate this challenging and stressful part of higher education. In this interview, she shares about her experiences as a student, her career journey, and the importance of ensuring students have what they need to pursue their degrees.

Dr. Kevin Hall, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, joins this episode of One Heart to talk about coming to CSP as a transfer student, his ministry at a Lutheran camp, and his return to CSP as a faculty member and administrator.

As all-time wins leader during his eleven seasons coaching at CSP, Shannon Currier has seen great changes within himself, CSP, and the players he's served and coached. In this interview, he reflects on his coaching experiences and philosophy, how he brings his faith into his role, the year-round nature of coaching, and what he's looking forward to for the 2024 Golden Bears.

Jenny Zafke, program director for CSP's Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program, joins One Heart to talk about her career journey, her love for teaching (especially at CSP), and how the university's DMS prepares students to serve patients well.

As Director of CSP's Center for Student Engagement, Kelly Matthias is on the front lines of creating meaningful experiences for students to engage in learning and growth outside of the classroom. In this interview, she shares about her work at CSP in creating and launching programs that allow students to learn about themselves, their gifts, and how they can serve in the world.

Paul Perseke, B.A. '88, is proud of CSP and grateful to give back through his service on the President's Advisory Council and philanthropic gifts. In this interview, he shares about his experiences as a student at CSP, why he gives back, and how CSP's growth increases the value of a CSP degree for alumni.

Dr. Eric Van Hecke began his work as the first Program Director for CSP's Physician Assistant (PA) program in January 2024. He shares about his background, what PAs do, what steps need to take place to launch a PA program, and what skills PAs use in their vocations.

Last week, CSP announced the Elevate the Promise campaign, a $55 million effort to ensure each student at CSP has what they need to fulfill their potential. President Brian Friedrich joins the podcast to talk about the campaign, how it benefits our students, and how it helps CSP to thrive for generations to come.

With approximately 25% of undergraduate college students experiencing food insecurity nationwide, it's incredibly important to identify and support students experiencing this issue so they can be successful. Dr. Jerrod Brown, the Director for the Master of Arts in Human Services program at CSP, shares what food insecurity is, how it affects college students, and what interventions can help all...