Junior Mollie Urkoski attends Concordia for the rigorous academics, faith-based foundation

Mollie Urkoski is a junior at Concordia University, Nebraska who’s studying biology and Spanish with a minor in chemistry – and she’s also part of the university’s pre-medical program. Originally from Columbus, Nebraska, she dreams of one day attending medical school at the University of Nebraska – Omaha after graduation.  

“I chose Concordia because I wanted a Christ-centered education that explored the sciences. I needed to find a university that aligned my Christian values with the rigorous academic experience I was seeking,” Urkoski said.  

Undergraduate academic rigor is vital for students who wish to attend medical school. In addition to her double major and minor, Urkoski also serves as the president of Concordia’s pre-health club and is a part of the Luke Scholars honors program. Among all her activities and academically challenging courses, however, Urkoski feels very supported at Concordia.  

I chose Concordia because I wanted a Christ-centered education that explored the sciences. I needed to find a university that aligned my Christian values with the rigorous academic experience I was seeking.

“Concordia has pushed me academically while still providing more support than I could have imagined,” she said. “I love the smaller appeal of Concordia without the campus being too small...the opportunity to engage directly with my professors in labs, rather than relying on teaching assistants, is a specific detail that has significantly enhanced my learning experience.”  

She also appreciates how Concordia’s emphasis on faith ties into all aspects of the college experience and prepares her for entrance into the medical field.  

“Having educators grounded in the Lutheran faith is empowering, especially as I navigate a field often seen as quite secular,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see how faith integrates into the education and careers of those around me who have chosen to base their lives on the various science fields.”  

Urkoski has attended Lutheran schools in the past, but she still cites Concordia’s required general education Old and New Testament classes as ones that deepened her understanding of important Biblical topics.  

“I’ve discovered so much more depth in the stories of the Bible [at Concordia],” she said.  

Academics and extracurricular opportunities may be valuable to Urkoski as parts of her college experience, but she says that the connections she’s made at Concordia come out on top as her favorite part of the experience.  

“My favorite aspect has been my incredible connections with friends and professors. The kindness and support I’ve received on campus have shaped my educational journey,” she said.  

Urkoski comes from a large family and is the oldest of five siblings. Outside of school, she loves staying active. With her friends at Concordia, she likes to spend time at the gym, alternating between running and lifting. She also enjoys hiking and even occasionally dabbles in art.  

The biology program at Concordia is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a variety of careers. With a broad range of topics and courses available, graduates will possess many valuable skills that directly translate into the professional world. Learn more about the biology program here.