The Board of Regents

Harlingen, TX

Dr. Michelle Abrego is an experienced education professional with over 40 years of diverse experience in the field. Throughout her career, she has held various roles such as a teacher, principal, program director at the Texas Education Agency, educational consultant, and university faculty member and program coordinator. Currently, she serves as a faculty member in the Organization and School Leadership Department at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), where she teaches leadership preparation courses at the master’s and Doctoral level.

Dr. Abrego's research interests and publications encompass a wide range of topics, including exploring partnerships between schools and immigrant families, leadership preparation, mentoring and induction of new teachers and principals, and supporting student research at Hispanic Serving Institutions. Professionally, she is a member of several organizations including the International Association of Educational Leaders, Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration, and the Texas Association of School Administrator's Higher Education Committee.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Martin Luther College (New Ulm, MN), a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI), a Master's in Educational Administration from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin through the Cooperative Superintendency Program.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Abrego resides in Harlingen with her husband Jesus (Chuey), who is also a UTRGV faculty member. They are members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen. Her daughter, Hannah, is currently attending Texas A&M College Station, majoring in Communications. Dr. Abrego contributes to her community by serving as a board member for St. Paul Lutheran's Great Beginnings Early Learning Center. Past community service includes her role as president of Harlingen High School South's Parent Teacher Student Association and her involvement as a Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District Community Ambassador.

Austin, TX

Kristy Carr is the Associate Commissioner of the state’s psychiatric hospitals within the Health and Specialty Care System of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and has over 27 years of state government experience. Before serving as Associate Commissioner, Kristy was Deputy Associate Commissioner for business operations and also worked within the state supported living centers to help serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to HHSC, Kristy worked in the Texas juvenile justice system for over 20 years. In her tenure with the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and Texas Juvenile Justice Department, she served in various capacities and ultimately director for almost seven years prior to her departure from the agency. Kristy has her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Human Services, both from St. Edward’s University in Austin. Kristy is a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Austin where she has served in various capacities including Board President, Board member, Call Committee member, Strategic Planning Committee member, Connects Team member, and serves in other various mission-driven opportunities to support children, youth, and adults both within the community and within the congregation. Outside of spending time with family and friends, Kristy enjoys volunteering and gardening in her spare time.

New Braunfels, TX

Dr. Doering retired in 2021 after 36 years working in the Concordia University System, first at Concordia Bronxville, then Concordia University Texas for 19 years, and then Concordia University Chicago for her last 13 years. She has the honor of being a graduate of both Concordia in Austin (1969) and Concordia in Chicago (1971). Before earning her Ed.D. from Oklahoma State University (85), she taught for 10 years in Lutheran and private elementary schools. Dr. Doering and her husband, Rev. Martin Doering (vacancy pastor, Abiding Word, Gonzales), currently reside in New Braunfels, Texas. They fill their days with volunteer work at the local hospital, exercising and finding ways to use their skills as God leads them.

Casey’s career has spanned over three decades, three industries, and 17 countries. He has spent time with Ernst &Young in their management consulting practice, Compaq Computer when they were the largest manufacturer of personal computers and servers in the world, eleven years with Apple, and seven years with Ceva Logistics, a $7 billion global logistics provider.

Casey currently serves as the Founder and Managing Partner of Provident Global Advisors. Provident Global provides interim executive services to companies, specializing in CEO, COO, Division President, and Chief Sales Officer roles.

Outside of work, Casey is a family man and an avid outdoor enthusiast. He is a devoted husband, and a proud father of three children. He likes most things outdoors but spends most of his time working around the house, attempting to play golf, and cheering his Aggies on in whatever sport is in season. Casey and his wife, Kristy, are active members of ACTS Church Lakeway, Ambassadors for Pine Cove, and are involved with the Standish Foundation for Child and Family Centered Healthcare.

Magnolia, Texas

Mary Beth resides in Magnolia, Texas, with her husband of 50 years, Dean Gaertner. They have two married daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom were raised in the Lutheran system. The oldest grandchild is a recent college graduate, and the youngest grandchild will be attending fourth grade.

Mary Beth is director emeritus of Salem Lutheran School in Tomball, Texas, having retired in 2021, after 41 years of service. She began the early childhood program in 1981. She has also taught in the public schools as a speech and language therapist and prekindergarten teacher, as well as serving as an adjunct professor for the Lone Star College system and Sam Houston State University for two decades.

Mary Beth was raised in Boardman, Ohio, and is a product of public schools. She graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, from Sam Houston State University with a Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in early childhood education, and from California Coast University with a degree in Educational Administration. Her dissertation was “The Effect of Home School Education on Lutheran Schools in Texas.“ Mary Beth received her colloquy from Concordia University Texas and was the 1000th graduate of the colloquy program.

Mary Beth led her school to National Blue Ribbon School status in 2007, Exemplary Accreditation status in 2013 and 2018, and earned the prestigious recognition as National Distinguished Principal in 2012 from the National Association of Elementary School Principals and CAPE (Council for American Private Education).

In 2011, Mary Beth authored the book, Way to Go, a research-based strategy to build positive relationships between parents and teachers. Her book and its strategy have become part of the communication plans for Lutheran schools and early childhood programs across the nation and internationally. She has presented and trained educators and administrators for the office of school ministries in St. Louis, and for the SLED program. She has been the guest on local television and radio talk shows, and the book has been the subject of numerous articles and professional educational journals.

Mary Beth is an independent educational consultant. For the Texas District of the LCMS, she serves as a mentor for new school principals and is a professional coach for Principal 360. She served as board chair and secretary for Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, and currently as the chairperson of the governance committee for Upbring, and is secretary for the Board of Regents at Concordia University Texas.

Houston, TX

Pastor Lonnie Gonzales is a native Houstonian. He grew up in the 1st Ward with his father, the Reverend Jesus Gonzales and mother, Becky Gonzales. Their sacrifices afforded Lonnie the opportunity to graduate from Trinity-Messiah Lutheran School in 1987 and Lutheran High North in 1991. During these formative years, he enjoyed the benefits of a Lutheran Education and developed a deep love of learning. Pastor Gonzales graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mexican-American Studies from Concordia University—Texas, Austin, Texas, in 1995. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 2000. Pastor Gonzales was ordained at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, Sugar Land, TX, as Associate Pastor for Family Ministry. He served there for four and a half years. He then served at Gloria Dei for thirteen years, first as the Associate Pastor of Youth and Family Ministries, and then as the Care and Small Group Pastor. He served as the Houston City Director for LINC Ministries for the past 5 years. Currently, he is serving at Trinity Downtown in Houston, Texas as the Pastor of Outreach. Pastor Gonzales brings more than 23 years of experience in pastoral ministry, organizational leadership and program direction. In addition, Pastor Gonzales served eight years in the United States Army Reserves as a Military Chaplain. His brief military career took him to Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq in support of the combat operation “Enduring Freedom.” He deployed in 2015-16 as the Deputy Chaplain of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). Pastor Gonzales is passionate about preaching, developing leaders, disciple making, and mission outreach to his community. His current favorite quote is from LT. General Luckey of the Army Reserves, “We are fortunate to be a people who have a Mission and a Team.” His favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” His personal hobbies are walking with Joy, his wife of 30 years, taking Joy on dates, cooking, playing golf, and fishing. Pastor Gonzales and Joy reside in Houston and have three adult children: Luke (27) of Houston, Texas, a Song Writer and Musical Artist; Isaiah (25), a fulltime foreign missionary based in New Zealand; and Sophie (20), a full-time student at Sam Houston University majoring in Health Sciences, Pre-Nursing studies.

Willis, TX

Pete is a 1965 graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering, a USCG Third Assistants License, and a commission as Ensign in the US Navy Reserve. He graduated from Adelphi University in 1976 with an Masters of Business Administration. Pete served three years as an Engineering Officer on Texaco Oil Tankers and then worked ashore for Texaco Marine Department in a number of positions in engineering, operations, administration, employee relations, marketing, and quality. Pete retired from Texaco in 1995 and started Maritime Quality Consultants, Inc. During the next 18 years, he assisted a number of companies implement and maintain Quality, Safety and/or Environmental Management Systems. In 1976, he was selected to be an Examiner for the Texas Quality Award. Pete is a lead auditor for an ISO 9000 Registrar and performs external audits on companies in the Maritime Industry. He closed his consulting business in 2014 so that he could spend more time on volunteer activities.

He is a member of the United States Power Squadrons, a non-profit organization teaching boating safety, where he was Squadron Commander of the Beaumont Power Squadron (1995) and chairman of the National Leadership Development Committee (2009-2012).

Pete is President of Living Savior Lutheran Church in Montgomery, Texas, and Chair of the Long Range Planning committee. Having lived in a number of states, Pete has been a Sunday school teacher, choir member, chair of an Endowment Committee, Vice President, and founding Treasurer of a church preschool and day care center.

Pete and his wife, Suzann, have a son and daughter and five grandchildren. Daughter Ginger is a 1995 graduate of CTX with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Elementary School Education and a Christian Education Certificate. Since then, Pete and Su have followed the development of Concordia and contributed annually towards its success. They enjoy traveling, lighthouse photography and spending time with their kids and grandchildren at their home on Lake Conroe.

Tomball, Texas

Ray Kym is currently retired and spends most of his time as a volunteer, assisting with family, church, city and neighborhood projects. Prior to retirement, Ray spent his entire 34 year career with Worth Hydrochem of Houston, Inc. He began as a service technician in 1979, was promoted to service manager in 1984 and vice president in 1990. He purchased the company in 2000 and sold the business in 2013.

Ray completed his Business Management/Marketing degree from Hesston College, Hesston, Kansas in 1979. He's had numerous continuing education classes related to chemical water treatment and business management.

Ray is married to Patricia Ann (formerly Patricia Bokenkamp), they have four married children and six grandchildren. Ray and Pat are active members of Salem Lutheran Church, Tomball, Texas. His service to Salem Lutheran Church includes vice-chairman of Elders, chairman of the Salem Trust Fund, volunteer on the Heart for Honduras mission team, and cemetery maintenance team. Ray & Pat also provide support to other LCMS Texas District and community organizations. Pat is the LINC International board vice-chair and Ray works to train Lutheran pastors in Central American countries and Houston's inner city through the Glocal Mission organization led by Rev. David Kim. Ray also serves as president of the Powder Mill Estates HOA Board where they reside.

Ray enjoys travel, golf, hunting, fishing, singing, drama and hanging out with his "Redhot."

Walburg, TX

Scott Linebrink is a native of Austin, TX where he began his dynamic journey. After graduating from McNeil High School in 1994, Scott's academic excellence was complemented by his exceptional baseball talents. He continued his educational pursuit at Concordia University, where he majored in Environmental Science and became an integral part of the university's baseball team from 1994 to 1996. In 1997, Scott's life took an exciting turn when he was drafted in the second round by the San Francisco Giants, marking the start of his professional baseball career. Over the next 15 seasons, Scott wore several uniforms, including those of the Houston Astros, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, and St. Louis Cardinals. Throughout his baseball journey, he exemplified determination, resilience, and a true team spirit. Despite facing an unexpected shoulder injury in 2012, Scott embraced change with a positive outlook. He returned to his alma mater, Concordia University, to complete his undergraduate degree, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. In 2015, a new chapter unfolded in Scott's life as he embarked on a second career with Water Mission, a global Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing safe water and sanitation solutions to communities in developing countries. Scott has played a pivotal role in expanding Water Mission's outreach by fostering connections among individuals, corporations, and churches. Beyond his professional endeavors, Scott finds immense joy in his family life. Together with his wife of 20 years, Kelly, he resides near Walburg, TX where they raise their two daughters, Ellie and Abby. Scott's dedication to his community extends beyond his work with Water Mission. He actively supports Williamson County Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Professional Athletes Outreach by serving on their respective boards. Additionally, Scott is an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, where his involvement spans various leadership roles, including that of elder and congregational chairman. Deeply appreciative of his Wendish heritage and the Lutheran church, Scott embraces his faith development with profound gratitude. He recognizes his family's legacy of leadership, as his great-great grandfather, Rev. Franz Pieper, once served as the fourth president what was known at that time as the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and also as president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. Honored and excited to continue this familial tradition, Scott remains committed to driving positive change and making a lasting impact on the world through his diverse endeavors and unwavering dedication to his Christian faith.

San Antonio, TX

David graduated from Valparaiso University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also completed his MBA from the University of Texas in Arlington. He is currently an active Certified Financial Planer, employed by Thrivent Financial since 2002. He has a small practice with a team of three other people. Since 1986, he is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Worth Texas.

David is married to Laura, and they have three adult children. Their three daughters graduated from the St. Paul Lutheran School. David has participated in various non-profit boards including Stolen Shakespeare Guild of Fort Worth, UTA Lutheran Student Center (Arlington TX), Recovery Resource Council (Fort Worth), LINC North Texas and Lutheran Outdoor Ministry of Texas.

Some of David’s interests include family, bicycle riding, hiking, bread baking, reading, writing, painting, bird watching, gardening and drawing.

San Antonio, TX

Michael Newman has been a pastor since 1987 and currently serves as President of the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

Before his current mission work, he served congregations in Texas, Minnesota, and the Chicago area. His latest books are: “Gospel DNA: Five Markers of a Flourishing Church,” and “Hope When Your Heart Breaks: Navigating Grief and Loss.”

In 1983 Pastor Newman received his B.A. degree from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan, majoring in Philosophy and Biblical Languages.  He received his Masters of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri in 1987. 

He has been married to Cindy since 1983. They have been blessed with two wonderful daughters and their families. In his spare time you might catch him hanging out with his family, running a few miles on the Texas roads, or enjoying a good book.

Austin, TX

Dr. Denise Patrick, CEO of D Patrick Consulting, is a seasoned leader with a 30-year career spanning professional and academic spheres. She delivers executive coaching, leadership development, and change management, aiding clients in reaching their objectives. Born in New York City, Dr. Patrick's foundational education occurred at the Evangelical Lutheran Church and School of St. Matthew in northern Manhattan, reportedly the oldest chartered Lutheran Church and School in North America. This established a deep, enduring faith that continues to steer her life and career. Her strong dedication to service is evident through her volunteer work for various ministries in the LCMS-Atlantic District. As a dedicated mother, Dr. Patrick successfully homeschooled her now adult daughter. This experience further enhanced her insights into individual learning processes, enriching her approach as an educator and consultant. Prior to D Patrick Consulting, she held significant roles at the City University of New York’s Baruch College as a respected academic program director and lecturer. Her influential work spanned the Zicklin School of Business, the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, and the Weissman School of Arts and Science. She also contributed to the University of New Mexico, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. Dr. Patrick holds a PhD in Business Management from Capella University, a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication from Temple University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication from Baruch College. A member of five honor societies, she has received numerous teaching and leadership awards. In 2021, Dr. Patrick relocated to Austin, Texas, maintaining the commitment to leadership, service, and faith from her early years in NYC. Today, she continues to guide her clients and students towards their goals.

Michael Ratke is a business owner and farmer from the Texas Panhandle. He and his wife Donna own and operate Southwest Ag Services, a Farm Ranch and Dairy retail and wholesale agriculture supply business in Farwell, Texas as well as Annie and Martha’s Artisan Bakery. They are partners with their son in The Pumpkin Patch, the second largest decorative pumpkin shipper in the southern US. He also farms corn, cotton, wheat, hay and cattle. He is currently President of Eagle Crest, Inc. a Real Estate Development company in Clovis, NM and is an advisor to Capital M Management, a firm that operates in the coffee house and clothing boutique space.

Michael graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1985 with a degree in Management and an MBA in Economics in 1987. He spent 4 years with the Texas Department of Banking in West Texas. In 1991 he joined a group to purchase the Muleshoe State Bank in Muleshoe, Texas and Farwell, Texas. In 1992 he began growing pumpkins as a side line, and in 2001 began farming full time after leaving his bank position.

Michael has spent 12 years on the Board of Directors of Legacy Deo, retiring from that Board as its Chairman. He has served 12 years as a member of the Texas District Board for Mission Administration. He has served as a district convention delegate and a lay delegate to the Synodical convention. He is on the Board of Directors of Created With Purpose of West Texas, a Christian pregnancy resource center and on the Board of Directors of the Farwell Hospital District. In 2004 he was named Agriculturist of the Year by the Farwell Chamber of Commerce and in 2019 Named Man of the Year by the same organization. He is a member of the Texico-Farwell Rotary Club and has served as President of the club.

Michael is married to Donna (Kalbas). They met at Southwestern in the Lutheran Campus Ministry. Michael and Donna consider their children their greatest accomplishment in life. Lauren (deceased), Austin, Mitchell and Meredith are each successful in their own right and all three active in their respective church communities.

Michael and Donna are active members of Hope Lutheran Church in Lubbock. They have served the congregation in various capacities. Michael enjoys traveling, fishing, hunting reading and hanging out with his family and helping them each pursue their dreams. He and Donna spend the winters in South Padre Island and enjoy their winter Texan friends.

San Antonio, TX

Mrs. Rich Herczeg teaches middle school literature and Grammar at Concordia San Antonio. She has extensive experience working in Lutheran ministry in San Antonio. She has worked in both public and private schools at the elementary and middle school levels, and has experience as a classroom teacher, team leader and administrator. Mrs. Rich Herczeg’s first husband passed away unexpectedly, but then God brought Joe into her life, and they married in 2015. She is a proud mom of two daughters and one son, all of whom graduated from Concordia Lutheran School. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from Duke University, a Master's in School Leadership from Trinity University in San Antonio, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of Law.

Houston, TX

Sylvia serves as Mission Administrator at Oikos Lutheran Church. She has been honored to serve on the Texas District LCMS Board of Missions for 12 years as well as working with LINC Houston and Trinity Downtown Church in various capacities. Having served in youth ministry for over a decade, Stephen Ministry, cross cultural ministry and in church planting has impassioned her to equip others with the Word of God through accountable relationships empowered by the Holy Spirit to replicate faithful followers of Christ.

Before serving in church ministry, Sylvia worked for Columbia Gulf Transmission, Transco Energy and the Williams Companies. She left the corporate world as a Director of Community Relations and the Williams Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Houston.

Sylvia and her husband of 36 years, Nelson, are both native Texans who prayed long and hard about joining on the journey with a new church plant. In responding “yes” to God, they have seen Him challenge and prune them while always blessing in ways they could have never imagined. They both love spending time with family, loving their dog, and taking road trips!

Spring, TX

Dr. Stephen Sohns is the husband of Ursula, the father of three sons (Aaron, Ben (wife Jessica) and David). His family roots go back to central Texas through parents W.J. and Lyn Sohns. He has been the pastor of Resurrection Lutheran in Spring since April of 1990 after previously serving a dual parish in Manchester/Delaware, Iowa from his graduation in 1984. Dr. Sohns has a passion for those who are disconnected from Jesus and has been privileged to work with the Texas Board for Missions, Board for LINC Houston, and part of the Evangelism committee for Iowa District East. He has served recently as a circuit visitor in Texas before his election to the Board of Regents for Concordia University of Texas. Personal joy has been in serving on mission teams to Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, India and Belize. Being a part of PLI and currently serving as a coach and mentor for PLI Leadership Essentials has provided an opportunity to see the growth of leaders for mission in the LCMS. Dr. Sohns currently is a part of the Harvest Partnership. The Harvest Partnership is a shared effort of “Sending Churches” (Resurrection, Spring and Christ the King, Kingwood) along with church plants/planters in the greater Houston area, Austin, and Missouri. Dr. Sohns is glad to bring experience in congregational leadership, governance, Church Planting, Cooperation with University/Seminary internships, and gospel work with Cross-cultural communities. It is a great privilege to serve CTX as a University that is creating missional leaders for worldwide impact.

Lance was born and raised in Houston Texas. Growing up, Lance and his family attended St. Mark Lutheran Church in Spring Branch. Lance’s mom taught at St. Mark for 15 years, and Lance, his brother, and sister attended school there through 8th grade. Lance is still a member at St. Mark, where he volunteers on the usher team and is a member of the board of directors. His wife, Lauren, began attending St. Mark when they were first dating, and she became a member in 2019. Lance and Lauren were married at St. Mark on 10/10/2020, an anniversary date that would be easy for Lance to remember. Lauren and Lance are expecting their first child in February.

Lance attended Concordia from 2007-2011, which meant he was able to spend one year at the downtown campus before moving to the current campus. He majored in Business, played baseball all four years, and started a staffing business where he rented out other students to catering companies. Concordia was a good fit for Lance, as he loved the small classes. While attending Concordia, Lance was invited by the Dean of the College of Business to join a group of business majors who showed extra promise and initiative. The group was sponsored by Thrivent Financial. While a part of the group, Lance was approached by the regional partner in Austin, who asked him what he wanted to do upon graduating. Lance told him he was very much intent on not being unemployed, and that he had compiled a list of 100 companies that he would apply for in the spring, and that Thrivent was on that list.

Lance only filled out one application, and he began working at Thrivent in August of 2011 where he quickly partnered with Fred Tonn. Fred had been at AAL/Thrivent for 40 years and was looking for a partner to take care of his clients that he had amassed over the years. Lance and Fred worked together for 5 years to transition Fred into retirement. Since then, Lance has worked extremely hard to create a business that is focused on helping his clients be wise with money.

Austin, TX

Ms. Voshage was born and raised in Minnesota. She graduated from Mountain Lake School and Mankato Commercial College. Ms. Voshage worked for IBM for 30 years in Rochester, Minnesota, Boca Raton, Florida, and Austin, Texas. After retirement, she continued to work at fun part-time jobs at needlework store, quilt store and H&R Block. Ms. Voshage is a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. She has served as an officer several times with Women in Mission, served on several boards, was Women's Ministry Director for five and a half years and, in fact, created that program. She currently leads a women's Bible study and serves as a worship assistant at Redeemer. Ms. Voshage volunteers at Concordia High School when called upon. Most of all, she loves to travel the world and takes every opportunity to do that.