One Heart

Emeritus faculty member and administrator Carl Schoenbeck reflects on President Holst's transformative leadership and vision for Concordia St. Paul.

President Robert Holst, who served as Concordia St. Paul's eighth president from 1991-2011, passed away on May 12, 2026. His impact on CSP was remarkable, but the impact he made in the lives of the people he served and worked alongside will continue for generations to come.Dr. Cheryl Chatman, who served CSP as Executive Vice President and Dean of Diversity from 2000-2020, joins the podcast to reflect on her work and friendship with Holst.Watch President Holst's funeral serviceMake a memorial gift to CSP in honor of President Holst

Dr. Kendra Saal, Associate Dean of Prelicensure Academic Performance, was honored as the speaker for the 2026 Poehler Lecture. In this interview she shares about her nursing journey and provides an overview of her lecture.Watch the Poehler Lecture Recording

Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Myrna Rezcallah shares about her love for science, teaching, and finding new ways to engage students in learning. Listen to her Science! With CSP podcast

CSPday 2026 is coming up on Thursday, March 19. Philanthropy Engagement Coordinator shares what's on the docket for this exciting day where our community comes together for our students. Learn more about our day of giving and how donors help students reach their limitless potential through education by visiting the CSPday website.

CSP alumna Jayne Jones shares her journey to becoming the No Sugar Baker, overcoming significant challenges and displaying incredible resilience along the way.Jayne's Website

Dr. Desi Bartlett had a long career in the fitness and wellness industry, and wanted to further her knowledge to better serve her clients. She found CSP's Doctorate in Kinesiology program, which was the right fit to challenge herself and achieve her goals.

CSP faculty members Jerrod Brown and Jeremiah Schimp share about migraines, one of their latest topics of research and writing. In the episode they unpack what migraines are and how the interconnectedness of the body and mind plays into their causes and treatments.

Associate Professor of Organizational Management/Chair HR Management Dr. Steve Manderscheid joins the podcast to talk about his teaching career at CSP and how being a Fulbright Scholar has given him opportunities to expand his impact beyond CSP.

Alumna and CSP staff member Kristi Bauer reflects on her journey as a student and how she's served the church in unique ways.

For CSP senior and current Student Body President Brendan Frazier, his experiences in class and extracurricular activities have given him unique opportunities to lead at CSP and beyond.

Recent doctorate of education in kinesiology alumna Angelina Cummings shares about her passion for movement and how her career path in kinesiology has unfolded, with earning a doctoral degree an important part of her journey.

Recent alumna Charly Horn joins the podcast to talk about discovering CSP as an international student and adjusting to American culture while finding her calling and competing as a swimmer at CSP.

For recent biology grad Carson Krefft, CSP was a place where relationships with faculty members and peers helped him overcome obstacles and prepare for medical school.

Dr. Jerrod Brown, Assistant Professor of Forensic Behavioral Health, and Dr. Jeremiah Schimp, Assistant Professor of Psychology, join the podcast to talk about psychogastroenterology, a topic they recently wrote about for Family Therapy Magazine.

Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Dr. Amy Toonstra joins the podcast to share about her journey as a physical therapist and how she equips Doctor of Physical Therapy students to discover their callings through research opportunities.

Host of the One Heart podcast, Billy Schultz, shares his CSP story and how the concept of vocation has been an enduring presence in his life thanks to CSP.

Coming off a 22-win season and the CSP Golden Bears men's basketball team's first NCAA tournament experience, head coach Matt Fletcher reflects on his coaching journey, building a culture at CSP, and celebrating success.

President Brian Friedrich returns to the One Heart podcast to talk about the state of higher education, how CSP is weathering storms, and the impact philanthropy makes for our students.Check out our record-breaking CSPday results!

Following in her brother's footsteps, recent graduate ZongGao Yang shares about her experiences at CSP, her passion for creating art, and how she incorporated her parents' immigration story into her senior project.Read more about ZongGao's story here

Philanthropy and Engagement Coordinator Emma McDowell shares about all the exciting ways the CSP community can get involved and impact student success on CSPday, which is Thursday, March 20.One Heart listeners can use the promo code "cspday" to get a free ticket to the CSPday Happy Hour.Make your CSPday gift here!

Originally coming to CSP to study computer science, alumna Cadia Gren found her calling in the criminal justice field, and now serves clients as a probation officer.

After earning his BA in Family Life Education at CSP, Ivan Cardona worked as an educator. Sensing a desire to pivot into the professional sports world, he earned his MA in Sports Management at CSP and through various experiences and networking, he landed a job with the Minnesota Twins.

In the midst of being a working mom, Therese Dargis, B.A. '21, found herself wanting to pursue education to further her career. Seeing the opportunities CSP presented, she persisted amidst the busyness of her life and the challenges of having to teach her kids during COVID to earn her degree and advance her career.

We are back for new episodes in 2025 with Provost and COO Dr. Eric LaMott, who shares about CSP's focus on students, our incredible growth, and the recognition we've received. StarTribune Feature Article StarTribune Op-ed StarTribune Orthotics & Prosthetics Article Pioneer Press Article

Adriene Thornton, M.A. '04, has spent her career serving in the healthcare field. As an RN, she loved providing direct care to patients. After receiving her MA from CSP, she moved into healthcare administration where she uses her gifts to serve patients and their families in a new way and unpacks that career pivot.

Alumna Kprecia Ambers, B.A. '15, shares about her passion for art and design, celebrates her CSP experience, and highlights the importance of representation in art. Visit Kprecia's website and view her portfolio.

With the recent announcement that CSP is acquiring Platt College in Greenwood Village, Colo., Dean of Nursing Dr. Hollie Caldwell joins the podcast to discuss the how and why of this acquisition.

Andy Jones, B.A. '06 is a writer, pastor, and CSP alumnus who lives in the Bay Area. In this interview, he shares about his experiences as a CSP student and staff member, his ministry journey, and how he became a published author. His books bring tremendous theological insights in an accessible and understandable manner. Order Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible on Amazon or Concordia Publishing House today. Preorder Ten Lies Satan Loves to Tell on Amazon today.

Senior Denya Jada serves as Student Body President at CSP this academic year. As a biology major who intends to work in public health, she shares how CSP has shaped her and how she leads Student Senate to serve her peers.

Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson joined the CSP community this summer as Senior Development and Church Relations Officer. In this interview, he shares about his formative years, academic and ministry journey, and why he's so passionate about Lutheran higher education.

Dr. Michele Pickel, alumna and faculty emerita at CSP, shares about her calling into education, her love for horses, and how she integrated those passions into Horse Powered Reading. In this venture, she works with trainers and practitioners across the world to encourage students into a love for reading.

Dr. Jerrod Brown, Director for the Master of Arts in Human Services program, returns to the One Heart to address the issue of sleep disturbances. In the interview, he describes what they are, how they're caused, and what each person can do to work toward better sleep.

With a background as an accountant and small business owner, Dr. Eric Grube chairs CSP's undergraduate accounting program. In this episode, he shares his love for accounting as a problem-solving profession and how he prepares students for this meaningful career field.

Rev. Dr. Scott Sailer is part of a three-generation CSP legacy, and shares about his experiences as a student in the late 1970s. As a pastor and now South Dakota District President, he reflects on the training CSP provided him to lead in ministry.

Four-time national champion high jumper Arika Harbo joins One Heart to share about her academic journey and her athletic successes.

As the son of a Concordia St. Paul professor, Dr. Mike Middendorf's connection to CSP runs deep. In this interview, he shares about his time in St. Paul, how he discovered his calling into ministry, and the impact our Concordias have on their students.

President Brian Friedrich joins the podcast to discuss CSP's newest strategic plan, Strategic Plan 2030. In the interview, he shares about the importance of strategic planning, how CSP navigates the challenges within higher education to a place of strength, and how this plan benefits each student who chooses CSP.

Alumna Anna Ripke, B.A. '19, M.S. '21 explored a few different academic paths before she found her calling at CSP serving college students. Now, as an Academic Advisor at Purdue University, she enjoys investing in students and helping them thrive.

CSP alum and 38-year staff and faculty member Joel Schuessler joins the podcast today to talk about his years as a CSP student, his long career at CSP starting in administrative computing and now as a professor in the IT Management program, and his passion for helping people discover and use their God-given gifts.

CSP alumna Amanda McCaughan leads the university's financial aid office, serving students by helping them navigate this challenging and stressful part of higher education. In this interview, she shares about her experiences as a student, her career journey, and the importance of ensuring students have what they need to pursue their degrees.

Dr. Kevin Hall, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, joins this episode of One Heart to talk about coming to CSP as a transfer student, his ministry at a Lutheran camp, and his return to CSP as a faculty member and administrator.

As all-time wins leader during his eleven seasons coaching at CSP, Shannon Currier has seen great changes within himself, CSP, and the players he's served and coached. In this interview, he reflects on his coaching experiences and philosophy, how he brings his faith into his role, the year-round nature of coaching, and what he's looking forward to for the 2024 Golden Bears.

Jenny Zafke, program director for CSP's Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) program, joins One Heart to talk about her career journey, her love for teaching (especially at CSP), and how the university's DMS prepares students to serve patients well.

As Director of CSP's Center for Student Engagement, Kelly Matthias is on the front lines of creating meaningful experiences for students to engage in learning and growth outside of the classroom. In this interview, she shares about her work at CSP in creating and launching programs that allow students to learn about themselves, their gifts, and how they can serve in the world.

Paul Perseke, B.A. '88, is proud of CSP and grateful to give back through his service on the President's Advisory Council and philanthropic gifts. In this interview, he shares about his experiences as a student at CSP, why he gives back, and how CSP's growth increases the value of a CSP degree for alumni.

Dr. Eric Van Hecke began his work as the first Program Director for CSP's Physician Assistant (PA) program in January 2024. He shares about his background, what PAs do, what steps need to take place to launch a PA program, and what skills PAs use in their vocations.

Last week, CSP announced the Elevate the Promise campaign, a $55 million effort to ensure each student at CSP has what they need to fulfill their potential. President Brian Friedrich joins the podcast to talk about the campaign, how it benefits our students, and how it helps CSP to thrive for generations to come.

With approximately 25% of undergraduate college students experiencing food insecurity nationwide, it's incredibly important to identify and support students experiencing this issue so they can be successful. Dr. Jerrod Brown, the Director for the Master of Arts in Human Services program at CSP, shares what food insecurity is, how it affects college students, and what interventions can help alleviate this epidemic. Make your CSPday Gift Connect with Dr. Jerrod Brown

CSPday is March 14, 2024. Emma McDowell, Philanthropy Engagement Coordinator, joins us to talk about how our community comes together on CSPday to make a significant impact for our students. CSPday Website Alumni Association Facebook Page Alumni Association Instagram Account