Uzziah Scholars
Concordia’s Ag Scholars Program
Concordia University, Nebraska is dedicated to increasing the number of future stewards of God’s earth, who will learn and serve as leaders in agriculture for the sake of others. The Uzziah Ag Scholars Program is an academic community that provides the next generation of agriculture leaders with enriched academic and field experiences for students who have a deep passion for agriculture from a biblical perspective.
What is an Uzziah Scholar?
In the Bible, King Uzziah is described as a powerful man with productive farms and a highly-trained and equipped army. God Himself gave Uzziah wonderful success as long as he sought the Lord. Uzziah Ag Scholars are devoted to becoming Christian servant leaders, solving problems in agriculture in their local and global communities and serving as stewards of all agricultural resources through their chosen vocations.
As a Uzziah Scholar, you will:
- Receive a $7,000 scholarship annually for up to five years.
- Earn a minor in Agricultural Leadership.
- Gain access to special networks, skills and knowledge by connecting regularly with a mentor and community ag leaders.
- Develop leadership and professional skills by engaging in team-building activities and collaborative book studies.
- Attend ag-related conferences and conventions.
- Participate in domestic and international agricultural study tours and field trips.
- Participate in an internship with an agriculturally-based mission.
Apply to be a Uzziah Scholar
Anyone who has been successfully admitted to Concordia University, Nebraska and intends to major or minor in an agriculture-related program may apply for the Uzziah Scholars program.
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
(1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
Uzziah Scholars Courses
Uzziah Scholars will earn a minor in Agricultural Leadership as part of their scholar experience. Taking seven classes spread over four years, students are equipped to develop valuable professional skills that employers highly seek and also serves as a meaningful recognition of the hard work, dedication and the skills cultivated throughout the program.
Agriculture Academy: combines 2 courses within the minor for a full academic year. Uzziah Scholars work alongside agriculture professionals, gaining hands-on experience in production, business, management and financial decision-making.
AGRI 105 Becoming an Agricultural Leader
This course introduces students to Concordia’s mission and helps equip students to succeed academically and what it means to be an Agricultural Leader. Students will explore God’s stewardship and His works as an Agricultural Leader while developing personal goals of service, leadership and community engagement under the guidance of mentorship.
BUS 195 Leadership Foundations
Students will work to understand leadership concepts, competencies, and frameworks to further their self-awareness, emotional intelligence and purpose. We will engage in an experiential learning culture to exercise servant leadership.
VCLD 201 Vocational Followership
Students further refine their understanding of serving God’s purposes in various contexts, both within the church and the broader world. Students continue building on work and vocational talents within a Team Member mindset. Emphasizing collaborative teamwork, students begin to support their peers within the leadership and vocational program and are mentored by their upper peers in this course. Students may assist in selecting the next cohort. Classroom learning is applied to work and other experiences.
AGRI 200 Agriculture and Decision-making for a Faith-Inspired World 1
Students are introduced to the scientific, social, economic, political and cultural dimensions of current issues related to food, water, energy, health and landscape systems. Students will assess and evaluate popular and scientific media and engage in science-informed decision-making of farms and ranches. This hands-on, experiential learning academy works directly with farmers and ranchers to make management and financial decisions for their operations while applying strategy to analyze complex issues.
AGRI 201 Agriculture and Decision-making for a Faith-Inspired World 2
This course is a continuation of AGRI 200. Students continue to make management and financial decisions for the farm or ranch operation alongside the operation owner.
VCLD 301 Leadership
This course transitions students from being a Team Member to growth as a leader within their vocation and profession. Each student is assessed and provided feedback as an emerging leader to define personal and team goals for work, service, and learning. Students explore organizational behavior and strategies for effective collaboration within diverse workplaces. Students collect and analyze workplace data to document personal and team growth in the program. As third year students, they also mentor freshmen students through their first year, helping them apply classroom learning to their Work Learning Lab experience
AGRI 496 Agricultural Leadership Capstone
Projects and presentations allow the upper-level Agricultural Leadership students to integrate the theory of agriculture and service, leadership and vocational skills acquired in their college experience into a coherent concept of how they will serve the church and world through agriculture.
What are the requirements to receive a Uzziah Scholarship?
Students who apply for the Uzziah Scholarship must remain active members of the Uzziah Scholars program. Uzziah Scholars must major or minor in an agricultural program, maintain a minimum major GPA of 3.5 and cannot receive sports or performance scholarships while in the program. They will also be required to participate in development and leadership activities determined by the Uzziah Scholars Director.
What is the benefit for being a Uzziah Scholar?
Uzziah Scholars receive an annual scholarship of $7,000 each year for up to five years while attending Concordia University. Scholars also benefit from many networking and leadership opportunities designed to help them successfully obtain and navigate a career in agriculture after graduation.
How will I know if I’m accepted into the program?
Applications will be reviewed within two weeks of submission and applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision via email.
Can I be an athlete and a Uzziah Scholar?
Because of the time commitment and focus required, students cannot participate in collegiate athletics while serving as Uzziah Scholars. This allows you to fully engage in the academic, leadership and hands-on experiences that make the program unique.
Can I work while I’m a Uzziah Scholar?
Yes! Many Uzziah Scholars hold part-time jobs on or off campus. We encourage employment that complements your studies and career goals, while still allowing you to balance the responsibilities of the program.
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