Junior history and English dual major Adah Pflughoeft: “Concordia’s purpose really makes it stand out”

Adah Pflughoeft is deeply involved with campus life at Concordia Nebraska. Now in her third year on campus, she’s double majoring in English and history, serves as a resident assistant in Philip Hall, is part of the Luke Scholars honors program and can often be found behind the tech booth during Wednesday night Praise.  

“I think my time here at Concordia has provided me with fantastic ‘life experience,’ so to speak,” she said. “I’ve gained experience from working with many different groups on campus. I’ve also had so many opportunities to grow in my academic interests, such as being assigned challenging writing projects or leading discussions in my English classes.”  

Pflughoeft is a native of Lusk, Wyoming – for those unfamiliar, the tiny town is the county seat of Niobrara County, Wyoming, the least populous county in the least populous U.S. state. When making her decision about which college to attend, she searched for a campus that could provide her with the same sense of community that her hometown provides. Attending a Lutheran college was also a high priority for her. Luckily, her older brother Cade Pflughoeft ‘24 was already attending the place that would stand out to her in this way.  

I think Concordia’s purpose really makes it stand out from other universities. Concordia’s students choose Concordia because they value a Lutheran community where they’re daily encouraged to serve a higher purpose.

“Having grown up in a smaller community, I love the tight-knit atmosphere not only at Concordia but also around the Seward community,” she said. “Between multiple visits to Concordia and hearing about [Cade’s] college experience I knew it was the right place for me to be.”  

Since starting college, Pflughoeft says that she’s been “blessed” by the relationships she’s formed in the Concordia community.  

“I definitely never anticipated the amazing quality of friendships I would form, and I am so grateful for them.” She also spoke of academic relationships, especially those in the history department, similarly. 

“Dr. John Hink and Dr. Jamie Hink have been a huge blessing in my life throughout the last few years. They’ve helped me understand all the ways that I can combine my talents and interests in a successful career...my professors have been instrumental in helping me choose my career path.”  

This career path, she hopes, will lead her to a job she loves in the field of English, history or both.  

“The dream is to get a Ph.D. in English and teach writing and literature classes. Honestly, though, I just love anything relating to English and history, so I would be thrilled with a job in either of those fields,” she said. “I also really enjoy writing historical fiction, so I hope to find time to continue writing as well.” 

Pflughoeft sees immense value in what she's learned through her classes at Concordia, but emphasizes that the university is much more than just a step on the path toward a degree. To her, it’s all about serving the church and world through the degree one earns or job title one attains.  

“I think Concordia’s purpose really makes it stand out from other universities,” she said. “Concordia’s students choose Concordia because they value a Lutheran community where they’re daily encouraged to serve a higher purpose...it’s [also] such a blessing to have so many opportunities to worship and attend Bible studies and devotions. I love being in a place where faith is central to everything we do.”  

Outside of classes, Pflughoeft also led two women’s Bible studies on campus last year, making her own contribution to the many opportunities for faith involvement at Concordia.  

When she’s not busy with schoolwork or her many extracurriculars, Pflughoeft can be found reading, writing, cooking, playing the piano or spending time outside.  

The English and history academic majors at Concordia encourage students to think deeply, ask questions, communicate effectively, and more. In addition, they provide myriad opportunities for independent scholarship and student-led projects. Learn more about applying to one of these programs here.