Concordia College President Dies Hours After Stroke

The president of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., died Wednesday afternoon after suffering a stroke in her home earlier in the morning.

Ron Offutt, chair of the Lutheran school's Board of Regents, notified the Concordia community in an e-mail shortly after the death of Dr. Pamela M. Jolicoeur, announcing the news "with deep regret and profound sadness."

"This is a devastating day for all of us in the Concordia community," Offutt reported. "Please keep Mike, Jessica and all of Pam's family in your prayers during this difficult time."

Jolicoeur had joined Concordia College in 2004 as its tenth president after a 32-year career at California Lutheran University.

As president, Jolicoeur was sought out for her expertise in private higher education and her strong leadership in global education.

She also established the vision for new initiatives in the sciences and the Concordia College School of Business, while enhancing Concordia's leadership in global education.

"She was a visionary leader whose warmth and generous spirit was a joy to be around," commented Dr. Mark Krejci, provost and dean of the college.

A scholarship is being established in memory of Jolicoeur through the Concordia Advancement Office.

Arrangements for a memorial service, meanwhile, are still pending.

Jolicoeur was 65 at the time of her death.