Educational Leadership Faculty

Jean Rock, Ph.D.


Education Leadership Department Co-Chair

Dr. Jean Rock is an innovative educator with a passion for teaching and leadership. She has more than 30 years of professional and academic leadership and management experience ranging from positions in support services to nonprofit management to senior-level leadership. She is a devoted lifelong learner who imparts a hunger for knowledge to her students. 

Dr. Rock has served in multiple leadership roles at Concordia University since her arrival in 1986, including her current post in the Education Leadership Department. She previously served as chair of the Department of Leadership and Management, Associate Dean of undergraduate studies, co-chair of the Organizational Management and Communication Leadership program, and Marketing Coordinator. She is a regular presenter at regional workshops and conferences. 

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

  • Ph.D., Education, Training and Performance Improvement, Capella University 
  • M.A., Advertising and Journalism, University of Minnesota 
  • B.A., Communications, Bemidji State University
  • Thrivent Fellow
  • Strengths Coach Certification 

ACADEMIC FOCUS

  • Leadership and Management
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Values and Ethics
  • Talent Management 

PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Rock, J. (2018-2023). Social Media Coordinator. Lutheran Church Canada – Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

Rock, J. (2022, November). Leading with our strengths. Workshop and presentation, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta Canada.

Rock, J. & Walcheski, M. (2021, April). The effect of the Coronavirus Pandemic on graduate education. Presentation at the General Conference of the 2021 Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference. 

Rock, J. & Walcheski, M. (2021, March). Action steps to aid and retain graduate students during a pandemic.  Presentation at the 77th annual meeting of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools, Chicago, IL.

Rock, J. & Walcheski, M. (2020, October). The effect of the Coronavirus Pandemic on graduate education at Concordia University, St. Paul. Presentation at the 84th annual meeting of the Association of Lutheran College Faculties.

Rock, J. (2020, February). Consortiums and systems governance. Research, report, and presentation requested by Lutheran Church Missouri Synod College University System Task Force regarding nationwide reorganization.

Rock, J. (2020, January). Higher education governance. Research, report, and presentation requested by LCMS CUS Task Force regarding nationwide reorganization.

Rock, J. (2019, September). Why won’t this problem go away? Identifying and solving the root cause. Presentation. Graduate Honor’s Society Webinar, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN.

Rock, J. & Frye, B. (2018, August). Online students: Higher education’s “silent” population. Presentation at the 83rd annual meeting of the Association of Lutheran College Faculties, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN.

Rock, J. & Manderscheid, S. (2018, April). Facilitating change: An academic imperative.  Presentation at the annual Spring Leadership Institute, St. Cloud, MN.

Rock, J. & Manderscheid, S. (2017, November). A leader’s role in facilitating change. WebEx Presentation. Emerging Issues in Business Forums. Concordia University Alumni Office, St. Paul, MN. 

Hanson, T., Rock, J., & Schuessler, J. (2016, October). Strengths coaching to articulate purpose for career, service, and in relationships. Presented at the 81st annual meeting of the Association of Lutheran College Faculties, Concordia University, Mequon, WI.

Rock, J. (2015). Self-Assessment for Ministry Leaders. In T. Ries and B. Corrie (Eds.), Leading with the spirit: A handbook on leadership and ministry for clergy (pp.  26-44). Lutheran University Press.

Hanson, T. & Rock J. (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012). Ethical Considerations for Young Adults. Annual presentation for Twin Cities West Chamber of Commerce members and high school students. Minnetonka, MN.

Rock, J. (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012). Personal Leadership Prism: Understanding Your Leadership Style. Presentation at the Advanced Leadership Seminar for Nigerian Public Executives, St. Paul, MN.

Rock, J. (2009). Recruitment and Training of Adjunct Faculty Members. Presentation at the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs Region 4 Conference, St. Paul, MN.