First Lady Takes Transition in Stride

They say that behind every great man is a great woman, but when it comes to the Crafts, Anne stands by the president’s side. Not only does she support her husband, President William Craft’s new job and all that entails, but she also has taken her own steps to connect with the students and community.

While William’s transition to Concordia College has been a busy one, Anne has also needed to adjust to being the first lady.

“It’s strange to be in such a public role,” Anne said. “I think I am much more conscious of what I do and how I present myself.”

At Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where the couple moved from this July, William was the dean and vice president of academic affairs, and Anne worked in an office similar to Concordia’s Academic Enhancement and Writing Center, where she worked with students on study skills, taught reading and ran the tutoring program.

As a way to get involved on campus, Anne has been volunteering her time to the AEWC by helping hire and train new tutors.

“It’s a way for me to get to know the students and get connected,” Anne said.

Troy Schmidt, the AEWC tutoring program coordinator, is glad to have her on board with the increasing demand for tutors this semester.

“I am excited she’s here,” Schmidt said. “Being new to the position of tutoring program coordinator, I don’t know what resources are effective for tutors, and she has experience with that that I don’t.”

Junior Jocelyn Fetsch, one of the students Anne has worked in the AEWC so far, said she didn’t realize she was the first lady of Concordia right away, but that the interview was “laid-back and pleasant.”

“It’s exciting to see that they are putting so much time and energy into getting to know the students even though their schedule is packed,” Fetsch said. “I really appreciate that she values the importance of academics and is promoting the AEWC and all that it has to offer for Concordia’s students.”

Even when Anne is not helping train or hire tutors, the Crafts have dropped into the office in the evening to drop off brownies and say hello to the students.

“She’s the first lady of the college,” Schmidt said with a laugh. “She really uses it as a way to connect with the students, and the students think it’s great.”

Although the beginning of the school year includes countless speaking engagements and events for the president, the pair has worked as a team to acquaint themselves to the college and community.

“I am very impressed with the enthusiasm [Anne] has shown in immersing herself in this place,” Provost Mark Krejci said. “It’s great fun to see.”

William said that being president is much different than his position at Luther, because there are more obligations that are scheduled into the evenings and weekends. However, the couple enjoys them and how connected they have become to the community.

“I have the luxury of not having a full-time job,” Anne said. “That way, I get to attend events with him, and we can be intentional about making sure we have time together.”

William and Anne were both born and raised in New Wilmington, Pa., where they attended the same church. Since getting married, they have lived in Chapel Hill, N.C., and Gettysburg, Pa., where William has worked his way up the ranks of university positions, and Anne has edited books, taught high school and college classes and worked in college administration.
She said that one of her favorite things about the beginning of the year thus far has been all of the opportunities to watch William speak in public.

“He is just so eloquent, as you can tell,” she said.

One of her favorite events so far, among many, was inviting the new students into their home for the ice cream social during orientation week.

“It’s really fun to have a house right on campus,” Anne said. “It was fun to meet so many great people. I want them all to know that I love Concordia and that I am excited to be here.”

The Crafts have two children living in Iowa and Boston that have been unable to visit their new home in Moorhead yet.

“It is hard to be so far from them,” Anne said. “We look forward to introducing Concordia and Moorhead to them.”

The next few weeks will continue to be busy for the couple, as Homecoming is fast approaching. However, if the beginning of the year is any indication, they will be at ease and enjoy the many activities.

“We both have a role to play as ambassadors,” William said. “This is something we can do together, and it is a pleasure for us to have the opportunity to have this as something we can do as a team.”