Master of Childhood Education Program Director Dr. Annette Anschutz loves her family, loves working with people, loves Jesus and loves her role at Concordia Nebraska

Dr. Annette Anschutz ’83 GR ’02 ‘09 serves Concordia University, Nebraska as director of the master of early childhood education program for the college of education, health and human sciences and the college of graduate studies and adult education. 

“I am responsible for the academic curriculum in the early childhood, early childhood special education, early childhood education birth-3rd inclusive with Nebraska initial teacher certification master’s programs and two certificates: early childhood administration and exceptional learners: birth-3rd. For each of these programs and certificates, I am responsible for course and program assessments, hiring and working with course adjuncts, revising courses to reflect best and recent practice in the field of early education, ensuring accreditation compliance, and most importantly integrating our Lutheran identity and faith-formation into coursework.  

Prior to coming to Concordia Nebraska, Anschutz spent 25 years serving as director of Lutheran early childhood programs in California, Nevada and Nebraska. For 17 years, she served at St. John Child Development Center in Seward. 

Anschutz is a frequent keynote or sectional speaker at The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod workshops and conferences. 

“This gives me the opportunity to represent Concordia Nebraska to market our programs and the Concordia community,” she said. “During these events I listen to the needs of the workers in our early childhood centers and schools and ask how Concordia Nebraska might be able to provide assistance. From this work, some of the current early childhood master’s programs and certificates have been created. 

It is a joy to be able to share my knowledge and passion for nurturing and caring for young children, to support administrators and educators as they develop high-quality educational programs, and to assist parents in their role as their child’s first teacher. It is especially fulfilling to be able to share my faith and use my own experiences to ignite and re-fuel passion and energy in others.

A Concordia Nebraska alumnus, Anschutz has a bachelor of arts degree in social work, a master of family life science degree and a master of education in early childhood from the university. She also has an Ed.D. early childhood education from Northcentral University in San Diego, California. 

“I’ve been a Bulldog for a very long time. My father, Luther Klenke, began serving Concordia as student activities director in 1967 when I was a first grader,” she said “I could be found every weekend at sporting events, plays, concerts, bowling at the campus center and going to school, church and Sunday School at St. John Lutheran Church and School with my neighborhood friends whose fathers also worked at Concordia! Being involved in the life of Concordia as a faculty member’s child prepared me for involvement and service to this place I call home.” 

Anschutz began serving the university full time as professor and program director for both the undergraduate and graduate programs in 2009. In the summer 2023, she retired but continues to serve the university remotely in her current, part-time role. 

“While I have reduced my work from full to part time, I am still ‘full-time passionate’ about meeting the needs of those who serve in our Lutheran early childhood programs. I get to dream big and propose creative and innovative ways to meet those needs. I get to influence the implementation of early childhood best practices for equipping teachers, and leading young children and their families to Christ,” she said.  

 Anschutz was recently awarded a grant through the university’s new Academic Excellence and Innovation Fund to explore the establishment of The Concordia University, Nebraska Early Childhood Initiative. The initiative seeks to partner with Lutheran schools, districts and organizations to develop systems of Gospel-centered professional development that reflect best practice in early childhood education. Specific attention will be given to leadership development, faith formation, play-based learning, developmentally appropriate practice and authentic assessment. 

“It is a joy to be able to share my knowledge and passion for nurturing and caring for young children, to support administrators and educators as they develop high-quality educational programs, and to assist parents in their role as their child’s first teacher. It is especially fulfilling to be able to share my faith and use my own experiences to ignite and re-fuel passion and energy in others. I have the added blessing of promoting Concordia Nebraska and participating in professional development at the conferences when I am not presenting.” 

 Anschutz said the best thing about her job is the people, both those she works with and those she has the opportunity to meet through her work. 

“[They] share my passion for equipping men and women for lives of service to church and world. As a Concordia Nebraska alum, I have been equipped for service and after more than 40 years of service, am drenched with passion,” she said. “I live to serve God. I do this through the gifts that He has given me, particularly in administration, equipping and developing programs to provide excellence in care and education of young children and their families. I want to tell others about Jesus. At Concordia University, Nebraska my vocation is fueled by the opportunity to lead, teach and serve.” 

Without a doubt, she said her time at the university both as a student and employee has deepened her faith in Jesus Christ. She said the chorus to the Pat Sczebel and Todd Twining song, “I want to be like Jesus” reflects the life she strives to live: 

To walk and talk like Jesus 
I want to live like one who follows Him 
I want to love like Jesus 
To give my all like Jesus 

“Conversations with colleagues, witnessing student growth, worshipping with the Concordia Nebraska community, living our mission, seeking our vision, and committing to the promises of a Lutheran education have all influenced me by modeling a grace-filled, joy-filled and faith-filled life even in the daily challenge to live like Jesus,” she said.  

Anschutz is married to Concordia Nebraska alumnus Mark Anschutz CO '77, retired director of the university’s Center for Liturgical Art. She has three sons: Tyler, Trevor CO '13 and Nicholas, two daughters-in-law, Rachel and Nicole, and three granddaughters. 

“We enjoy traveling to spend time with family, and exploring God’s big, beautiful world, parks, people and food,” she said. “I dabble in design and decorating our home - lovingly referred to as Anschutz Acre - welcoming family and friends to sit, relax and stay a while! We’ve opened our yard and home to support community events like the Chamber Garden Walk and St. John Lutheran Church and The Rock youth group’s Parade of Homes.” 

Graduate students at Concordia University, Nebraska studying early childhood education gain in-depth knowledge to increase pedagogy and leadership skills. A degree in early childhood education from Concordia University features a distinctive blend of faith-based instruction and real-world, hands-on experience.