Deaconess Betsy Dodgers has served as Concordia University Chicago's Director of Ministry Strategies.

Deaconess Betsy Dodgers has served at Concordia University Chicago since 2010. A Concordia-Chicago alumna, she graduated in 2008 with a B.A. in theology and then began a 2-year deaconess internship in Thailand as an LCMS missionary. In 2010, she received a call as the University Deaconess at Concordia-Chicago, working alongside University Pastor Jeff Leininger to care for the spiritual needs of the CUC community. She also advised the Spiritual Life student organization, helped coordinate the Pre-Seminary and Westfield House programs, and supported the University's Church Relations office. In 2018, she completed her M.A. in Human Services, and in 2019 led the initiative to establish the Pillars Pantry to assist students facing food insecurity. She continues her work now in the Office of Church Relations.

Degrees

  • MA, Human Services - Concordia University Chicago; River Forest, IL
  • BA, Theology and Deaconess Studies - Concordia University Chicago; River Forest, IL

Academic and Professional Highlights

Prior Positions

  • LCMS Office of International Mission - Thailand Service Coordinator
  • University Deaconess 

Publications:

  • "The Holy Innocents" Lutheran Reformation, https://lutheranreformation.org/theology/the-holy-innocents/ (December, 2017)

  • "The Cradle of Christ in Every Home: Reformation Translations of the Bible." Lutheran Reformation, lutheranreformation.org/history/cradle-christ-every-home-reformation-translations-bible/ (October, 2017)

  • "What Did The Reformers Say About Angels," Lutheran Reformation, https://lutheranreformation.org/theology/reformers-say-angels/ (September, 2017)

  • "Hope That Gives Life," The Lutheran Witness, (June/July, 2017)

  • "Luther's Love for St. Mary, the Queen of Heaven," Lutheran Reformation, https://lutheranreformation.org/theology/luthers-love-st-mary-queen-heaven/ (May, 2017)

  • "Lutheran Advent Traditions," Lutheran Reformation, https://lutheranreformation.org/get-involved/lutheran-advent-traditions/ (December 2016)

  • "Why Mercy?" Lutheran Reformation, https://lutheranreformation.org/theology/why-mercy/ (September, 2016)

  • "Lutherans in Lithuania," Lutheran Reformation, https://lutheranreformation.org/history/lutherans-in-lithuania/ (July, 2016)

  • "Faithful Women of the Reformation," Lutheran Reformation, https://lutheranreformation.org/history/faithful-women-reformation/ (May, 2016)

  • "Confessional Lutheranism in Finland (Tunnustuksellinen luterilaisuus Suomessa)," Lutheran Reformation, https://lutheranreformation.org/history/confessional-lutheranism-in-finland-tunnustuksellinen-luterilaisuus-suomessa/ (March, 2016)