Dave Kumm reflects on more than 23 years of service to Concordia Nebraska

With extensive experience in business administration and accounting and a heart for service, Dave Kumm served at Concordia University, Nebraska in various full-time roles for just over 23 years. Prior to his time at the university, Kumm worked in the corporate world with a specialization in mergers and acquisitions. He recently retired from full-time work at the university.  

 Although he was hired for the position of controller, then-president Orville Walz changed Kumm’s title to chief financial officer a few months after his hire. His roles and responsibilities changed many more times throughout his tenure as he worked with third parties, operations, human resources, athletics, student life and IT. Former university president Dr. Brian Friedrich adjusted Kumm’s title to executive vice president, CFO and COO and gave him the responsibility of acting president when he was out of town or unavailable. At various points, Kumm also oversaw and managed the university’s Center for Liturgical Art, developed and managed the university’s critical incident command team and oversaw information technology, human resources and payroll.  

“When I was hired, Mel Varner reported to me, and he was director of operations. Mel guided me through the whole construction process, and my first buildings that I built were Walz and Jonathan with Mel’s support,” explained Kumm. “In higher education your title does not always reflect all your responsibilities. At some point, I touched every building on campus.” 

Over the years, Kumm also worked closely with the Concordia University System (CUS) and other CFOs and partnered with CUS leadership to do campus reviews.  

“What I am most proud of is that I pulled Concordia Nebraska through a very difficult financial situation when I joined the university in 2003 and maintained financial strength through some very difficult times,” he said. “I was able to do this while making major campus enhancements and being highly active in the Concordia System. I didn’t need the awards or recognition. It was more the pride of knowing I was making the university the best it could be and impacting lives of thousands of students over 23 years. In my years at Concordia Nebraska, I worked closely with my athletic director and associate athletic director to build one of the strongest GPAC programs. I am leaving the university knowing I left it in better shape than when I arrived.” 

Kumm said that his favorite thing about his job was simple: he wanted to consistently improve the student experience at the university. 

“The student is key, and enhancing their experience and memories at Concordia Nebraska is so important,” he said. “We have great students, and I enjoyed when I had opportunities to work with them and improve their experience in whatever areas they interact with.” 

“Prior to Concordia Nebraska, I was a corporate America guy and did a lot of things building a company and working internationally, so I had a lot to learn about higher education, but I gave Concordia the best I could.” 

Concordia Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull said he gives thanks for God’s work through Kumm and for the great blessing he has been to the university. 

“With a heart for youth ministry and for the way Lutheran education can impact students now and for eternity, Dave helped strengthen and stabilize Concordia during financial challenges and supported and led projects that built or renovated virtually every building on campus," said Bull. “And while Dave loves completing great and beautiful building projects, I never saw his eyes light up more than when he saw Concordia’s mission in action in the lives of our students.” 

Kumm said that although he was not a Synod-rostered called worker serving the university, he felt very strongly that he was called by God to serve at Concordia Nebraska.  

“I gave up things in my life to serve and followed what God wanted me to do. I never had expectations of working in higher education. Many things only God could do, and he gave me the ability to serve. My faith definitely grew while at Concordia Nebraska because I was able to see how God could use me to make things better and guide me through things that I could not do on my own.” 

In the six months before his retirement, Kumm advised the two executive leaders to whom he is passing the torch. Kumm worked extensively with Concordia Nebraska Chief Financial Officer Morganne Schreiner ‘14 GR ’15 and Concordia Nebraska Chief Operating Officer Kim Boyce. 

“I had the opportunity to hire Morganne. While she was not ready for the original position she interviewed for, I saw great talent and re-aligned functions in the business office to bring her on as a financial analyst. She is so positive and talented, I knew that the university needed her, and it was part of God’s plan.  She is a very strong leader,” he said. “I have had an opportunity to provide guidance and information from the last 23 years to President Bull, Morganne and Kim. This transition allowed me to openly and honestly share information for the new leadership team of the university.” 

Kumm loves to travel and spend time with his family. Since retiring, he has moved to nearby Gretna, Nebraska, to be closer to his grandchildren.  

“I look forward to spending more time with my wife Lynne and getting involved with our new church. I am always open to what God wants and am open to whatever that might be.He has proven to me over the years that I need to be open to what is next, and He will make it clear.” 

The Kumms will celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary this July. All three of their children – Alex ‘11, Alyssa ‘14 and Taylor ‘15 – are Concordia Nebraska alumni. 

Throughout his time at Concordia Nebraska, Kumm served three university presidents and one interim president. 

“They were each very different,” said Kumm. “Most of my time was with President Friedrich. He moved into his new role as president shortly after I arrived. He and I worked well together, and I cherish the time we spent together. It was hard to see him go. He was a great mentor for me in higher education. Prior to Concordia Nebraska, I was a corporate America guy and did a lot of things building a company and working internationally, so I had a lot to learn about higher education, but I gave Concordia the best I could. I really tried to work in the background, and some probably didn’t understand me unless they got to know me on a project. I always had the best interest of the students and university at the top of my list,” said Kumm. “I am excited to see what Morganne and Kim can do in their leadership roles and pray that they keep God in the center of all their decisions and are bold in making decisions. If they do that, Concordia Nebraska has many great years ahead!”