Concordia Nebraska instructional innovation specialist Peter Landrey loves university’s supportive and welcoming community

Peter Landrey serves as an instructional innovation specialist at Concordia University, Nebraska. What does this mean? Simply put, he supports instructional design, training and troubleshooting needs of undergraduate and graduate faculty. He also works with faculty to increase implementation of innovative instructional strategies, tools and concepts. Providing course-level Blackboard learning management system and Anthology Portfolio support to instructors and students, he also informs faculty of new developments in materials, equipment and technology related to teaching, learning and assessment.  

Blackboard is a learning management system that Concordia Nebraska uses for online education and to supplement traditional in-person classes. Featuring many virtual and digital learning tools, Blackboard is also used for scheduling, announcements, student data management and more. 

Anthology Portfolio is a web-based system that provides a place for students to create electronic portfolios to showcase their work in a portable format that they can carry with them after graduation. Additionally, Anthology Portfolio provides a program assessment system for faculty and department heads to evaluate student learning outcomes specific to the academic program.  

There is such a sense of community here, and we support each other. Regularly gathering in worship and prayer with students, staff and faculty is something I look forward to.

When asked to succinctly describe his work on campus, he said “I serve as a positive influence for the effective use of technology on campus.” 

Landrey has a bachelor of arts in communication with emphasis in radio and TV production from the University of Texas at Arlington, a Texas Teacher Educator Certificate in CVAE/VEH and media technology and a master of science in art with emphasis in new media and web development from Texas A&M Commerce. He previously was a display artist for the Dallas Zoo and Aquarium Education Department and later taught television production, audio engineering and computer animation at Duncanville High School and El Centro College in Dallas.  

He has served at Concordia Nebraska for 10 years. He said the best part of his job is having the opportunity to share his knowledge and expertise with both students and faculty, which helps them to become better students and educators. 
 
“[I appreciate the opportunity] to work with so many talented staff and educators,” he said. “There is such a sense of community here, and we support each other. Regularly gathering in worship and prayer with students, staff and faculty is something I look forward to. Never in my 34 years of working in education have I experienced such a supportive and welcoming sense of community.”  

He said that serving at the university has strengthened his faith in Jesus Christ, as well. 

“The university sets aside time every morning for chapel. Whether I attend each day or spend time in Bible study or prayer, I appreciate that few other workplaces would allow much less encourage this,” he said. “I also get to assist with communion at Wednesday chapel services. I think it helps improve student connections with faculty and staff to see us serving in this situation. It's the highlight of my week when I get to serve in this way.”  

Landrey’s wife Bethany serves as assistant registrar for the university. They have two children, Jonathan and Jessica. Jonathan ‘23 will begin studies this fall at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. He and his wife, Makenna (Clovis) Landrey ‘23 recently welcomed baby daughter Evelyn in February. 

Jessica is studying psychology and behavioral science at Concordia Nebraska and expects to graduate in 2026.  

Landrey’s hobbies include woodworking and design, and he specializes in custom laser-engraved wood gifts and decor. He is also involved with the music ministry at St. John Lutheran in Seward and occasionally assists with communion. He and Bethany enjoy music, traveling, camping, cooking and spending time with family and friends. 

He said his service at the university is really more than a job, it is an extended community that has a unique family feel. 

“I really enjoy making connections with visitors,” he said. “During the summer months when students and faculty are seldom seen on campus, I enjoy getting to meet people who are attending a conference or taking campus tours. Knowing the student ambassadors and campus staff and greeting them by name helps to communicate to visitors the importance of community on campus.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska strives to provide faculty with information and resources that will help them best use technology and other tools to positively impact teaching and learning. The university’s distinguished faculty and staff are part the university’s distinctive community of believers that help students discover what they’re meant to do. By intentionally combining the Christian, Lutheran faith, rigorous academics and practical, real-life experiences, Concordia Nebraska guides students to fulfill a higher purpose in vocations and life.