Mike Ellis was born in Trenton, Michigan. He grew up near Bridgewater, South Dakota and then moved to Seward, Nebraska, where he attended Seward High School. He graduated from Concordia University-Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry and later with a Secondary Education Certification in Science. While at Concordia-Nebraska, he participated in varsity football and baseball, earning Academic All-American honors in both. He initially worked in the Wildlife Division of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for one year after graduating.

He began his teaching ministry at Concordia Jr.-Sr. High School in 2002. He completed a Master’s Degree in Biology at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. While at Concordia, he has taught biology, chemistry, junior high science, human anatomy and ecology among others. He also coaches football and Envirothon.

Mike and his wife, Brooque, were married in 2001 and have been blessed with four wonderful children: Malachi, Eliana, Isaiah and Keziah. Mr. Ellis enjoys traveling and numerous outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, hunting and bird watching as well as watching his favorite sports (football and baseball).