Andrew Ellingsen is returning to Luther College in Decorah to lead the Richard L. and Judith A. Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies, bringing experience from classrooms, museums and Norwegian-American heritage programs to the role.
Ellingsen began directing the center on Aug. 12, 2026. Luther College Provost Pam Bacon announced his appointment during the week of Aug. 17. He succeeds Associate Professor Maren Johnson, who was recently appointed executive director of the center.
A return to Luther and Decorah
Ellingsen is a longtime Decorah educator and former director at Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School. Before joining Luther, he spent more than five years directing folk art education at Vesterheim.
During his museum leadership, Ellingsen expanded participation and grew programs through strategic planning and other organizational initiatives, according to the appointment announcement. His work also strengthened connections between Vesterheim and Luther College.
The two organizations partnered on January Term classes hosted at Vesterheim and developed a Vesterheim–Torgerson Center internship pipeline for Luther students. They also created plans for education-focused tours in Norway.
Ellingsen had worked directly with Johnson before taking over the center. The two co-taught FCUL 139: Nordic Tales and Traditions, a course piloted in 2024 for Luther students studying away during their first year.
Educator with Decorah and Nordic ties
Ellingsen began his career in elementary music education and taught elementary music for nearly 20 years in the Twin Cities and later in Decorah. He subsequently taught undergraduate elementary music methods at Luther.
His professional and academic experience also includes faculty work for Orff Schulwerk graduate courses at Southern Methodist University, the University of Memphis and the University of St. Thomas.
Ellingsen earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Luther in 2003. He also holds a master’s degree in music education from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.
In announcing the appointment, Bacon cited Ellingsen’s background as an educator and program leader, as well as his Decorah roots and connections in the Norwegian-American heritage community. Johnson welcomed the selection and described Ellingsen as a thoughtful leader who can help advance the center’s work.
Center connects Luther, Norway and local heritage
Established in 2018, the Torgerson Center reflects Luther College’s history as the first college in the United States founded by Norwegian immigrants. Its mission is to build connections with modern Norway and other Nordic countries through innovative programs and strategic partnerships.
The center provides learning opportunities for students and faculty and collaborates with Vesterheim on programming. Luther describes it as the only endowed undergraduate Nordic Studies center in the United States.
From Luther’s Decorah campus, Ellingsen’s experience in classroom teaching, museum education, international programming and the college’s academic community is expected to support the center’s continued work with students, faculty, Vesterheim and Nordic partners.