Bulldogs football player sophomore Luke Penrod looks forward to “seeing where God will lead me,” dreams of physician’s assistant career serving others

Sophomore Luke Penrod of Lincoln, Nebraska, is studying business and science at Concordia University, Nebraska and dreams of getting into physician’s assistant school someday. He plays football for the Bulldogs and said he values the university’s small size and supportive community. 

“Concordia is a smaller university. That makes it easy to meet with professors and actually get to know them. It is also a faith-focused university, something that sets it apart from public universities.” 

He found his way to Concordia Nebraska after talking to his high school football coach, who also attended the university. When he found out a high school friend was planning to attend Concordia, that solidified his decision to commit to the university as well. He had the opportunity to start for the football team as a freshman, something he’s thankful for. 

Concordia is a smaller university. That makes it easy to meet with professors and actually get to know them. It is also a faith-focused university, something that sets it apart from public universities.

His father Jeremy is a pastor at Temple Baptist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, and recently finished 25 years of service there. His mom Marcy is a nurse at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Lincoln, where she also recently completed 25 years of service. 

“My parents have also just recently celebrated 25 years of marriage so it’s been the year of 25!” he laughed.  

His older brother Joel and his wife Sara live in Simi Valley, California, just outside Los Angeles. Joel is attending seminary and leading youth ministry at Lighthouse Bible Church. His older sister Brenna is a senior at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa, where she studies elementary education. His youngest brother Andrew is a senior at Lincoln Christian School where he plays tennis and basketball. 

Penrod said support from his family and the university’s professors have been instrumental in realizing the vocational path he wanted to pursue. 

“Concordia’s professors are very kind and helpful when it comes to planning for the future,” he said. “If you sit down and talk to any of them, they can give you honest advice about your strengths and weaknesses. I think Concordia will prepare me well for my future job by providing top notch education in every single course I take. In addition, Concordia has many connections through alumni and other sources that can help for internships and future job opportunities.” 

In addition to preparing him academically for the future, Penrod said Concordia Nebraska has also helped him strengthen his faith in Jesus Christ. 

“I’ve had great opportunities to talk with others about my faith and share why I believe what I believe,” he said. “Concordia is helping hugely in developing my faith, as I have had to make it my own. I’m looking forward to seeing where God will lead me.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s pre-physician assistant program helps to prepare students with the foundation needed to excel in a graduate program. No one particular major is required for entrance into a physician assistant program. Students work with advisors to find a major of interests that also fulfills the course requirements needed to earn your master’s degree or doctorate.