Assistant Professor of Psychology George Toman: “I am humbly honored that God would invite me here to serve His people”

Dr. George Toman ‘12 serves at Concordia University, Nebraska as an assistant professor of psychology in the human and social sciences department. He also graduated from the university with a bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology and behavioral science and is now back at Concordia as a full-time faculty member, shortly after receiving his doctorate in educational studies from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.  

Toman is originally from South Dakota but grew up in Wyoming. He came to Nebraska for college; after he finished his bachelor’s program, he lived in Kansas and Utah for short periods before returning to Nebraska.  

Since his time as an undergraduate, Toman has served in a wide variety of roles in the field of human services. Immediately following his graduation from Concordia, he pursued a degree in school psychology as an educational specialist, earning that degree in 2014. Between 2014 and 2020, he worked as a school psychologist in both public and private educational settings. In 2020, he moved to Lincoln to pursue his doctoral degree at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, which he would complete in May 2024.  

The love that pours from the heart of Christ is preached, lived and experienced here. I am frequently reminded that this is God’s school, and proof of that is everywhere.

For the 2023-2024 school year, Toman served as an adjunct professor of psychology at Concordia teaching research courses; now, he teaches Abnormal Psychology, Memory & Cognition, Introduction to Psychology, Group Techniques and Statistics in the Social Sciences as a full-time professor.  

“As a graduate of [Concordia] and now one of its professors, I continue to see Concordia, with God’s blessing, attract many great people from all walks of life that you can’t find in most places,” he said.  

He says that the people are what makes his role at Concordia rewarding and unique.  

“Working with students and collaborating with faculty makes this a special place to work. Concordia’s uniqueness attracts high-quality people that actively contribute to the health and well-being of our community.”  

He also cites his years at Concordia – four as an undergraduate student and starting his second as a professor – as years that have played an integral part in supporting him in his walk with Jesus.  

“The best part of my job is seeing God work in our students, staff and faculty,” he said. “As a graduate and now professor, I have seen, first-hand, the transformational power of faith working through love. The love that pours from the heart of Christ is preached, lived and experienced here. I am frequently reminded that this is God’s school, and proof of that is everywhere.”  

He said that he is “humbly honored that God would invite me [to Concordia] to serve His people.”  

Although being a professor can be a demanding job, Toman still maintains several hobbies and interests outside of teaching.  

“I’m an avid reader, so I spend many hours reading books and love learning something new. My favorite books are usually nonfiction,” he said. “I also like to play golf but especially enjoy watching college football and volleyball in the fall. There are few things better than watching the Concordia Bulldogs and Nebraska Huskers win on the same day.”  

The psychology and behavioral science programs at Concordia Nebraska are designed to provide students with a holistic understanding of the human mind and behavior, as well as how the two are interwoven. Students in these programs will be prepared to pursue one of many lucrative career opportunities in counseling, human and social sciences, research and more. Learn more about the psychology program here and the behavioral science program here.