Meet Senior Cassie Peatrowsky

Senior Cassie Peatrowsky of West Point, Nebraska, is studying elementary education and K-12 art education at Concordia Nebraska. She is also a pole vaulter on the university’s track and field team.

“I didn’t start pole vaulting until I was a sophomore in high school,” she said. “I had a gymnastics background and really enjoyed sprinting on the track team. My high school coach encouraged me to give pole vault a try even though he had never coached the event before. I watched a lot of YouTube videos on how to do it and taught myself throughout high school. You can imagine my surprise when I was recruited to do it in college. Looking back, I am very thankful for the opportunities. I could’ve never imagined where pole vault would take me.”

Peatrowsky said she chose to study at Concordia because of the instant connections she made with the professors and coaches when she first visited campus. She said they had a way of making the campus really feel like home right away. 

“Concordia is different because of the community. Seward is a special place. You walk into a grocery store, school or restaurant, and after a few years in college, you get to know the people who work at these places by name,” she said. “You can walk down the sidewalks of campus and see someone you know or be greeted by a smile or a wave. The people make the place. You can tell that Jesus is working and shining through this community.” 

She said the university’s education department professors show genuine care and concern for their students.

“It is so obvious that they want you to succeed and will do anything they can to help you. They really want you to be a great educator someday. It's not just about the degree,” she said. “They are all great role models of how Jesus calls us to serve. Because of the small class sizes and environment, you have an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with your professors throughout your time at Concordia. They know you by name, encourage you through challenges, and are invested in helping you become the teacher God calls you to be. That kind of personal mentorship is something that truly sets Concordia apart.”

Peatrowsky’s path to Concordia Nebraska started with her cousin Reece (Snodgrass) Puelz ‘25. Puelz played basketball for the Bulldogs when Peatrowsky was a senior in high school.

“At the time, I really wasn’t sure where I wanted to go to college or what I wanted to study. Hearing about her positive experience at Concordia really caught my attention,” said Peatrowsky. “She gave me a different perspective on what college could be like. I wasn’t completely sure until I got a call from Matt Beisel. He was recruiting me to join the track team, and our conversation was about so much more than athletics. Instead of focusing only on breaking records or winning championships, we talked about my goals, my faith, and the things that were genuinely important to me. Looking back, I'm incredibly grateful for that call.”

She also said Concordia Nebraska’s track and field assistant coach Jason Berry has had a tremendous influence on her.

“He was the one who talked Matt into recruiting me, which I didn't know at the time. He's like a parent away from home. He's been someone I know I can reach out to for anything. Whether it's giving advice, making me laugh or even coming to rescue me when I ran out of gas, he's always been there without hesitation,” she explained. “We've spent many hours together at practices, meets and meetings. The time between reps is spent with stories, dad jokes and meaningful conversations. Coach Berry truly cares so much about me. I'll always be grateful for his mentorship both on and off the runway. He's played a huge role in helping me become the person I am today, and I know he'll continue to be someone I can look to for guidance long after I graduate.”

She said many things about her Concordia experience stand out, but one of the most special is the friendships she has developed.

“I've found friends who encourage me in my faith and continually point me closer to Jesus. That has been one of the greatest blessings of my time here. Being surrounded by people who share my values and support one another has made all the difference,” she said. “The people I've met here are some of the most genuine, caring and selfless people I know. They celebrate with me during the exciting moments, pray for me during the hard ones, and are always there when I need someone to lean on. They keep my eyes on Jesus. Looking back, my friends have made Concordia feel like home, and I know these are friendships that will last long after graduation.”

“Because of the small class sizes and environment, you have an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with your professors throughout your time at Concordia. They know you by name, encourage you through challenges, and are invested in helping you become the teacher God calls you to be. That kind of personal mentorship is something that truly sets Concordia apart.”

Peatrowsky came to Concordia unsure what she wanted to study. Interested in both graphic design and education, she said her classes and guidance from professors help her discover her purpose and hone her interests. 

“I had to take an art education class where we taught Saturday Art School. In a group, we had to teach an art lesson about the color wheel to third graders. I remember stepping up in front of the students and taking on a leadership role during the lesson. After the lesson, my professor came up to me and asked me if I had ever considered art education. He helped me realize that I had a natural ability to be in front of students. That moment was a turning point for me. My professors at Concordia have not only helped me gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a teacher. They have also helped me discover my purpose,” she explained. “My Concordia experience has prepared me for my future vocation in so many ways. Through my classes, field experiences and professors, I have grown in my understanding of what it means to be a teacher and how important that calling truly is. One of the biggest ways Concordia has prepared me is by giving me opportunities to be in the classroom and learn from real experiences. I have been able to practice what I am learning and grow more confident in my abilities. Concordia has allowed me to view teaching as more than just a job. It has helped me see it as a vocation and a way to serve others. My professors and the people around me have shown me what it looks like to lead with kindness, patience, and Christ-like love. I want to be the kind of teacher who not only helps students learn academically but also encourages them, supports them and reminds them that they are valued because they are created by God.”

She said the university gives students many opportunities to grow their faith and strengthen their relationship with Jesus.

“Throughout the week, there are many community events centered around God that allow students to come together and worship. Chapel every day before lunch, Bible study on Mondays, Praise on Wednesdays, and church on Sundays have become meaningful parts of my week,” she said. “What I appreciate most is that faith is not something that is limited to these scheduled events. At Concordia, conversations about Jesus naturally happen throughout the week. I have had so many opportunities to pray with friends and talk about how God is working in our lives. Even simple moments, like praying together before class begins remind me that my faith is something we are able to live out together every day. Being surrounded by a community that continually points me back to Christ has been one of the greatest blessings of my Concordia experience.” 

Peatrowsky said her Concordia education will give her the opportunity to consider two different directions following graduation.

“I want to either become a second grade teacher or become a high school art teacher. I am thankful that Concordia has allowed me to explore both of these passions. It has given me the experiences and skills to pursue whichever path God has planned for me. No matter where I end up, I know my dream career is one where I can serve others and make a positive impact on students' lives.”

Peatrowsky’s mom is a school principal and her father is a lieutenant with the Omaha Police Department. She also has a younger sister and is very close to her family.

“My parents have sacrificed so much for me and have always gone above and beyond to give me opportunities,” she said. “They have always been there for me. My parents have supported me in every decision, celebrated my successes, and reminded me to keep going when things get difficult. More importantly, they have shown me what unconditional love, hard work, and selflessness look like. I am the person I am today because of the love and support they have poured into my life. I am incredibly blessed to have them as my parents.”

She said her time at Concordia Nebraska has been a tremendous blessing, and she can’t wait to see where the future takes her.

“I am very thankful for the way God works in my life. The older I get, the more I realize how many moments from my past have shown God’s goodness and faithfulness. Looking back, I can see how certain experiences that may not have made sense at the time were part of a bigger plan. I can see why “this happened” because it led to “this,” and how I had to walk through certain challenges to appreciate this season of life I am in now so much more,” she said. “I am thankful that I have a Lord who holds my future in His hands. He sees the bigger picture when I can’t. God has used every experience, challenge and blessing to shape me into the person I am today.” 

At Concordia University, Nebraska, student life is dynamic, engaging and designed to foster meaningful connections among students. Here, students find their place, build lifelong friendships and truly thrive.