Joel Schuldheisz, Ph.D.

Athletic Director

Associate Professor of Health and Physical Education

Dr. Schuldheisz has served in the health, physical education, and athletic departments at CU since 1985. Joel is currently serving as NAIA Region I Chair and Cascade Collegiate Conference Champions of Character Committee. As Athletics Director he is "excited to see the NAIA's renewed focus on developing character and the zeal for creating a positive atmosphere for championship competition." While serving as a faculty member, Joel authored the Health Education Level 3 & 4 Endorsement and teaches Curriculum and Instruction - Health and Physical Education in Concordia's MAT program.

Joel obtained his M.Ed. in Physical Education from the University of Minnesota (1982) and completed his Ph.D. in Sport Pedagogy and Adult Education at Oregon State University (1997). Prior to his nine years as the men's basketball coach at Concordia-Portland, Joel was an assistant football coach and head men's basketball coach at Concordia University-St. Paul. Before joining his alma matter, he taught at Mt. Hope-Redemption Lutheran School in Bloomington, Minnesota, and Lutheran High North in Detroit, Michigan.

Joel and his wife Mary have been blessed with two children, Samuel (married to Natasha and attending Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN) and Abigail (attending Concordia University in Seward, NE). Joel enjoys hiking, bicycling, and windsurfing. Joel and Mary are members of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Portland.