Alumnus Josiah Rensner ’19 teaches chemistry at Concordia Irvine

Concordia University, Nebraska is the only university Josiah Jason Rensner '19 applied to. His mom Kristin (Keister) Rensner '92 and his sisters Quincy (Rensner) Wyatt '17 and Hayden Rensner '19 are Concordia Nebraska alumni. He said his goal when he started college was to teach high school, and he wanted to teach in Lutheran schools, so Concordia Nebraska was an easy choice. He has a bachelor of science in chemistry and biology and a bachelor of science in secondary education with Lutheran Teacher Diploma from the university. He also has a doctorate in analytical chemistry from Iowa State University. 

He said he has great memories of his time at Concordia Nebraska. 

“[I treasured] the people and relationships, and just the chance to live life with friends,” he said. “Attending chapel, meals in Janzow, lab assisting, band practices in the basement of Weller, spending time in the library…I got to do a lot of different things and meet a lot of great people while doing them. I formed friendships that are still going strong today and that can run the full range from stupid jokes to deep, faithful conversations and support.” 

“I do firmly believe that God has called me into my current job. The passions for science, teaching and ministry that Concordia Nebraska helped develop have come together into this role.”

Rensner said he would not be where he is today without the support and encouragement of his professors at the university. 

“Even though I already thought I wanted to teach when I started, the professors I had taught me a lot about teaching and modeled so well what it means to be faithful and care for students,” he said. “The science faculty specifically gave me a lot of great opportunities, not only in classes but also with chances to assist for different classes and spend more time learning and working in lab. They also encouraged me to think about graduate school. The Jurchens especially were huge influences that helped me discover what I wanted to do and gave me the confidence to pursue it.” 

Rensner said his time at Concordia Nebraska strengthened his faith. He attended chapel and Praise regularly and said he greatly benefited from both. 

“I was lucky and made some great friends who supported me in my faith. I also learned a lot from the faculty, both in the theology classes I took and also in general,” he said. “Having science professors and mentors who were open about their faith was an amazing thing and helped me on my path. I am pretty confident in saying that was faith wouldn’t be where it is now without my experiences at Concordia.” 

Rensner serves as assistant professor of chemistry at Concordia University Irvine. He currently teaches general chemistry and analytical chemistry. 

“This is my first semester there. I’ve been teaching for four weeks, so I still have a lot to learn, both about teaching and the institution,” he said. “I do firmly believe that God has called me into my current job. The passions for science, teaching and ministry that Concordia Nebraska helped develop have come together into this role.” 

Rensner has seven siblings and supportive, loving parents. When he’s not teaching, you’ll find him playing guitar, following college basketball and NFL football or reading sci-fi and fantasy novels. He is a self-proclaimed “Tolkien nerd.” 

He said he feels blessed to be serving in his current role. 

“My current job really feels like what I was born to do. I’m not good at it yet, but I do believe that I have found my purpose and God put me in the best place to serve. My Concordia Nebraska experience prepared me for it though everything I learned and the relationships I had, but also for making me love the Concordia experience. When I graduated from Concordia, I hoped that I would be able to come back and work either at Seward or one of the other Concordias, though I didn’t really think it would happen. I am still blown away and so thankful to now work in the Concordia University System and help the next generation of students have similar experiences to what I had,” he said. “I love interacting with my students. I’ve been very blessed to have great students who I enjoy being around, who ask a lot of questions and are invested in the classes, and who also have been kind and giving me grace as I learn how to be a professor. Chemistry is a hard subject for a lot of people, and those moments when I can see something click or can see that someone is interested are amazing.” 

A degree in chemistry from Concordia University, Nebraska expands students understanding of general chemistry and gives them the practical, hands-on experience needed to continue a career in chemistry after graduation. Classroom and chemistry lab experiences support students on their journey to use their passion for chemistry to serve in healthcare, industry, research and more.