Concordia Nebraska’s Dr. Shanna Opfer named first Janet Hillmann-Cramer Endowed Professor of Education

Dr. Shanna Opfer serves Concordia Nebraska as director of elementary education and associate professor of education. She oversees the curriculum and development of the elementary education program, advises elementary education students, teaches five different classes in the program and works with partner schools to develop high-quality field experience opportunities for elementary education students. She was recently named the university’s first Janet Hillmann-Cramer Endowed Professor of Education. 

Bill Cramer established the Janet Hillmann-Cramer Endowed Faculty Position in elementary education at Concordia Nebraska because he firmly believes children need more teachers like his beloved late wife Janet (Hillmann) Cramer ’72. The endowed faculty position honors Janet’s lifelong calling in education and ensures the university’s education faculty have the resources to excel in preparing generations of future Christian teachers. 

I am passionate about equipping future educators with research-based instructional strategies, Christ-centered teaching dispositions and joyful enthusiasm for their vocation.

An endowed position for a faculty or staff member helps Concordia Nebraska attract bright and talented Lutheran educators and professional staff in an era where they are increasingly difficult to find. The endowment funds a portion of their respective salaries. It also ensures they have dedicated funding for professional development or innovative initiatives.  

“It is an honor to be the first recipient of the Janet Hillmann-Cramer Endowed Professorship,” said Opfer. “I look forward to the opportunities of professional development and advanced study of several topics that are of interest to me that will benefit programmatic development and instruction in the elementary education program.”

Opfer has a bachelor of science in education with elementary and special education endorsements from Concordia Nebraska. She has a master of arts in elementary administration from Concordia Nebraska and also has a doctorate in education with emphasis in learning, instruction and innovation from Walden University. She has served at Concordia Nebraska since 2006. 

“When I began teaching at the university, I thought it would only be for a few years while I stayed home with my kids and worked here part-time,” she said. “I grew to love working with college-aged students and became passionate about the opportunity to influence a wider circle of people - pre-service teachers - who would go on to influence further groups of people - students and parents. God opened up doors for me in ways that I had not planned, and I’ve been blessed to serve at the university in ways that only He knew when this journey began.”

She received Concordia Nebraska’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 2017. 

“Concordia is a place where I get to live out my calling as a Christian educator in an environment where I can freely profess my faith, explore social topics with a faith-based lens and mentor young people’s faith development and professional growth,” she said. “I am surrounded by Christian colleagues who are passionate leaders and pursuers of truth, who uplift and support one another in the common goal to prepare students for the church and world. Concordia is a special place to do ministry, and I feel blessed to serve in my teaching and leadership role here.” 

She is married to Jamie Opfer, who serves as a PE teacher and football and soccer coach at Seward Public Schools. They have three children Korbin (20), Addison (18) and Trevin (13). She is involved in youth ministry activities at St. John Lutheran Church including leadership at the last two National Youth Gatherings and a 16-year commitment to leadership for the Pure Freedom High School Girl’s Retreat. She also currently serves on the church’s youth board.  

“I am surrounded by friends, colleagues and students who share a common faith in Jesus Christ. There are countless opportunities to grow in my own faith as I engage in the Concordia community. I love that I can attend chapel, experience and lead devotions, and walk side by side with students and colleagues while grappling with new or challenging faith topics,” she said. “I am passionate about equipping future educators with research-based instructional strategies, Christ-centered teaching dispositions and joyful enthusiasm for their vocation.” 

To learn more about starting or adding to an endowed faculty or staff position at Concordia Nebraska, contact the Concordia Nebraska advancement office. Anyone can contribute to the Janet Hillmann-Cramer Endowed Faculty Position now that it has been established.