Elizabeth Baker Polzin ’05

Please describe your position and what you enjoy most about it. your position and what you enjoy most about it.

The primary responsibility of my position is to lead Concordia’s efforts to ensure student success across the institution with respect to improved student retention and graduation. My work seeks to improve students’ experiences and meet their academic needs so they can be successful. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment I get by helping students. I find great joy in fulfilling my vocation with meaningful work, both as a faculty member and administrator.

What aspects of your HLGU experience helped you prepare for your career?

The classroom experience at HLGU has had a significant impact on my career. I often think back on the prayers of Dr. Bob Bergen as I engage my students in prayer during class at Concordia. Dr. Martha Bergen demonstrated a love for academia and Truth through her ongoing scholarship and teaching, which influenced a desire for me to explore a similar profession. Faculty members like Drs. Swisher and Pelletier and Mrs. Burt helped me prepare to integrate faith into teaching and learning, as they demonstrated such in their courses.

Have you or are you currently continuing your education? If so, please list the institution(s) and degree(s) you earned or are working toward.

Following HLGU, I went on to earn my Master of Arts in School Counseling, certification as a School Psychological Examiner, and my EdD in Instructional Leadership from Lindenwood University.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

In 2018, alongside two of my colleagues, we were awarded the Blackboard Catalyst Award for optimizing the student experience through a new advising model and data-informed student intervention. Through these strategies, we saw a significant increase in retention within one year. Student success is something I’ll always be proud of within my career.

What HLGU professors played a part in your success? How did your relationship with faculty help you succeed?

Faculty at HLGU have always had high expectations of their students. As a student, such expectations made me work hard. Each professor knew me personally which changed my motivation for being a diligent student. I think every professor played a part in my success as a student and future career. I am incredibly thankful to have been a student of Mrs. Burt, Drs. Swisher, Pelletier, Bergen, and Morgan. They possess such knowledge within their discipline and felt like a privilege to learn from them.

Do you have any tips to share with students interested in this field?

Regardless of field, I would encourage students to consider how God has wired them. What comes naturally to you? What talents, strengths, gifts has God given you to use in service to others? As you identify your God-given strengths, leverage those in the world of work. Your neighbor needs your good works–find a career where you can serve and do so to the best of your ability.

What are some of your favorite HLGU memories?

Many memories from HLGU have translated into life-long friendships. I remember many pranks on the third floor of Pulliam, in addition to living in the Prince House my senior year. Long lunches and dinners in the cafeteria with friends were often the highlight of my day! Trips to Java Jive were regular, too.

What on-campus activities were you involved in at HLGU?

During my sophomore year, I served as a Resident Assistant. I was also involved in Gatekeepers and Christian Ministry Fellowship. I worked in the sports center and did the laundry for the men’s basketball team to make a few extra bucks (still debating whether the laundry was worth the money) 🙂

What is one thing you know now that you wish you’d known when you started in the field?

I wish I had known that I should anticipate making mistakes and that mistakes are a great opportunity for growth. I have made plenty of them, but have come to realize that humility goes a long way within the world of work. Lessons learned from making mistakes have always stuck with me longer.

 

Website: https://www.profpolzin.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethpolzin/