Adjunct Professor of Sociology Susanne Blue enjoys teaching, advocating for others

Susanne Blue, MSW, CSW is an adjunct professor of sociology in Concordia Nebraska’s Human and Social Sciences department. She started teaching an Introduction to Sociology course at Concordia one year to the day after she retired from her 25-year tenure as the first executive director of Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach in Lincoln, Nebraska.  

Blue was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She married her husband, Jim, whom she met at UNL, and the couple moved to Omaha, where Blue earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. They eventually returned to Lincoln, where Blue was hired as the Matt Talbot Kitchen’s first executive director.  

Blue retired from the Matt Talbot Kitchen at the end of 2023, on her 60th birthday.  

“[At Matt Talbot], I designed and grew several programs to assist individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness,” she said. “I wrote hundreds of grants, organized a large volunteer effort and grew the staff from one to 25 during my tenure. But perhaps my greatest accomplishment was creating an environment of love and inclusion for all God’s people.”  

The enthusiasm from students when they’re discussing current topics and sociological theories and applying them to their lives is the best part of my job. If I opened some minds and hearts to people living in extreme poverty, I feel I’ve done my job!

The Matt Talbot Kitchen provides support of many types for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, including providing meals, housing options and substance use counseling if necessary. Its staff works with many community partners to raise funds for these programs, and to provide services most effectively. 

“Some days I helped clean and serve meals,” said Blue. “You do whatever is needed. I enjoyed visiting with the guests and learning about them. It helped me keep perspective. I grew as a person and will be forever grateful for the opportunity. I believe I was called by God to serve this special population.”  

After her retirement from the outreach center, Blue looked for a way to continue to contribute and advocate for those experiencing difficult life situations. She found that teaching an Introduction to Sociology class at Concordia Nebraska was a welcome “challenge of starting something new after a long career in social work administration.”  

“Concordia has been a great way for me to continue to contribute, but in a different way,” she said. “People have been so kind and helpful. It’s been a confidence boost as I learned a new system and increased my knowledge. The refresher on the subject matter and new theories has been eye opening.”  

Outside of Concordia, Blue said that she continues to advocate for nonprofits and safe and affordable housing for all people. She also encourages her sociology students to volunteer in their communities and continues to work to “dispel myths about homelessness.”  

“I want to encourage [my students] to volunteer in their communities and I show them how easy that can be,” she said. “I offer a lot of hope and positivity through affirmations. I challenge them to grow as students and individuals. I challenge myself to continue to grow as well. I pray and ask for guidance as I prepare for each class...Concordia has impacted my faith journey by allowing me to continue to serve a group of people. In this case it’s the students.”  

She added that the faith-based community at Concordia makes it unique, and that she enjoys the students’ enthusiasm for what they’re learning.  

“I think the fact that faith and spirituality are a part of the university makes it unique,” she said. “The enthusiasm from the students when they’re discussing current topics and sociological theories and applying them to their lives is the best part. If I opened some minds and hearts to people living in extreme poverty, I feel I’ve done my job!”  

Blue’s husband Jim is a fellow social worker who serves as the President and CEO of CEDARS Youth Services and Home for Children, a frequent community partner of the Matt Talbot Kitchen. The couple has two grown children who both pursued higher education and now work with nonprofits.  

Blue said that, in addition to teaching and advocating, she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and exercising in her free time. She and her husband also travel often, and she recalls that one highlight of her travels since retiring was a month-long tour of India, during which she visited the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, where Mother Teresa is buried.  

“It was a beautiful, spiritual experience,” she said. “I’ve been to several countries and learn something about the people and culture every time.”  

The behavioral science major and pre-social work programs at Concordia University, Nebraska can be the perfect option for students who are interested in social work and outreach. Learn more about the behavioral science major here.