Joel M. Schuldheisz, Ph.D.
Professor of Education; Director of Athletics
Contact Information
Professor of Health & Physical Education
College of Education
jschuldheisz@cu-portland.edu
Education
B.A., Concordia College, St. Paul, MN
MEd, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Ph.D., Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Background
Joel began his teaching career at Mt. Hope-Redemption Lutheran School in Bloomington, Minnesota in 1978. As seventh grade teacher, he helped to establish a dynamic physical education curriculum and an encompassing athletic program for fifth through eighth graders. After completing his Master’s degree at University of Minnesota (1981), Joel accepted a call to teach and coach at Lutheran High School North in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. His experiences as high school biology, health and physical education, and religion teacher and coach of the junior varsity football, volleyball, and basketball teams helped him to focus his passion of integrating the Christian faith and athletics. For one year (1984-85), Joel returned to his Alma matter, Concordia University-St. Paul, Minnesota to serve as Head Basketball Coach, Assistant Football Coach, and Admissions Counselor. From 1985 until 1994, Joel has served as Athletic Director, Head Men’s Basketball Coach and taught a variety of courses in the Health and Physical Education department. In 1994 Joel took a leave of absence to complete his Ph.D. in Sport Pedagogy and Adult Education at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. Since returning to Concordia University, Joel has resumed his leadership of the athletic department and taught courses at both the graduate and undergraduate level. As a faculty member, he has been an active member of the Community Life Committee and instrumental in initiating and advising the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle on our campus. Joel and his wife Mary have been blessed with two children, Samuel and Abigail. Joel enjoys hiking, bicycling, and windsurfing. Joel commented that the he has enjoyed the opportunity to teach at all levels of education, and feels “teaching future teachers in one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences a professional church worker can have!”
Personal Invitation: A healthy and active lifestyle is an opportunity for you to live life to it’s fullest. At Concordia University we will help you to discover your dream and develop the leadership skills to transform society.