Alyssa Newton ’16 uses Concordia Nebraska behavioral science degree to serve others, share Christ’s love

Alyssa Newton ’16 found her way to Concordia University, Nebraska because of her brother Joel ’14. 

“My brother was at Concordia Nebraska, and he absolutely loved it,” she explained. “He and I are pretty close, and he told me that I had to come visit and see what it was like. After visiting and seeing the Christ-centered emphasis and the feeling of family on campus, I was all in!” 

Newton has a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science (pre-social work) and music. She said her favorite thing about her time on campus was definitely the people. She said that her professors were not only unfailingly Christ-focused, they were also generous with their time and wisdom, and she still stays in touch with many of them today.  

“I think the most powerful thing was the way they centered us on Jesus and His love and what that means for our lives,” she said. “Because of Jesus, we are called to learn, serve and lead. Whatever we do, we do it for the Lord. Everything we do is to glorify God, and that's truly a beautiful and empowering thing.”  

Newton said that her time at the university provided many opportunities for her to grow in her faith.  

“I came to a deeper and more full understanding of who God is and how He deeply loves me because of conversations or moments there. I grew in an eagerness for learning more and growing more in faith as well.”

“I was wrestling with some deep things during my time at Concordia. There was always someone - a professor, friend or Pastor Matthias who was willing to talk and share the love of Christ,” she said. “There are moments from my time there that I point to regularly as times where I came to a deeper and more full understanding of who God is and how He deeply loves me because of conversations or moments there. I grew in an eagerness for learning more and growing more in faith as well.” 

While at Concordia, Newton had the opportunity to serve in a summer internship in Kenya with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Office of International Mission.  

“I learned so much from the Kenyan deaconesses and missionaries there. It is an experience I will certainly never forget,” she said. “I still get to be in contact with one of our friends that we were privileged to make there.” 

Following graduation from Concordia Nebraska, Newton taught middle school for two years at a Lutheran school, then worked at an adolescent rehab facility for substance abuse and mental health for three years. She now serves at Stateline Youth for Christ. 

“I have had the privilege of working with young people in each job I've had since graduation,” she said. “The example that the professors set for us of servant leadership is one that I strive to emulate. Concordia's community was also such a special gift. I remember President Friedrich telling us at graduation that we now have the opportunity to create a little ‘Concordia experience’ wherever we go. I love that thought, and it is my hope to create such an ‘at home’ atmosphere for my students, friends, coworkers, neighbors and whoever else I come into contact with.” 

For more than three years, she has served Stateline Youth for Christ, first as its City Life Director, then Juvenile Justice Ministry Director and now City Life Ministry Director.  

“We work with local youth, especially underserved and under-resourced students,” she explained. “We partner with local high schools and the Juvenile Detention Center, and we offer programming intended to introduce students to Jesus and hopefully connect them with local churches as they come to know Jesus.”  

She said that each work day is just a little different, but you’ll often find meeting students during their lunch hours at school, meeting with students individually or in small groups, planning and prepping for activities, and meeting with staff and volunteers.  

“There is no greater privilege than getting to be a part of someone's story, especially their story of coming to know Jesus,” she said. “We have the opportunity to walk with our students through some very difficult and painful circumstances, and it is a great privilege that they trust us with that. We also get to celebrate and rejoice with the host of heaven when another becomes a child of God through faith.”  

Newton has four brothers and sisters and is a proud aunt to 16 nieces and nephews. When she’s not working, she loves to be outdoors exploring, camping, canoeing, biking or hiking. She participated in her first Spartan race last years and hopes to continue them annually. 

The behavioral science program at Concordia University, Nebraska seeks to teach students to understand human behavior and relationships through critical thinking, research and experiential learning. Students will serve and inspire others and fulfill God’s call to live lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world.