Luke’s journey to Morningside was influenced by a personal connection, his then-girlfriend, who was a year ahead of him in school and already attending Morningside. The two married in 2000, and her experience at the university played a role in his decision to enroll. At Morningside, Luke pursued a degree in education, with a focus on history and general science.

Although he commuted to campus as a married student, Luke fully immersed himself in campus life. He actively participated in student groups, including a history club and even a racquetball club. His involvement allowed him to feel deeply connected to the Morningside community.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in 2004, Luke began his career as a public school teacher in northeast Nebraska. He returned to Morningside to earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education, graduating in 2009. For nearly a decade, he worked in public schools, honing his skills in teaching and leadership. 

In 2011, Luke transitioned to a role as an autism specialist at the Sanford School of Medicine in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Over the next five years, he not only worked in diagnostic clinics but also became the Director of Training, overseeing special education training across South Dakota. “It was a pivotal time in my career,” he says. “I learned so much about working with diverse needs and leading teams.” 

In 2016, Luke stepped into his first administrative role as the Executive Director of the Family Visitation Center, a facility that provides supervised visitation for families. Then, in 2020, he was asked to serve as interim CEO of Southwestern Mental Health Center, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “It was an unbelievable experience, leading a healthcare organization through such a challenging time,” he says. By June of that year, he was officially named CEO, and in 2025, the organization rebranded as ElevaCare. 

Though Luke’s career path veered from education to business, he credits his time at Morningside with preparing him for leadership. “People often ask, ‘How does a teaching degree help in business?’” he says. “Differentiated learning is the key to success in business. Just like in a classroom, where you have 25 students who learn differently, in business, you have employees who need different approaches. Morningside taught me how to work with people, explain things clearly, and adapt to different needs.”

He also emphasizes the importance of the soft skills he developed at Morningside. “The coursework prepared me for life—how to handle myself in public, answer tough questions, and navigate difficult situations. Those lessons have been invaluable.” 

When asked what advice he has for current Morningside students, Luke doesn’t hesitate. “Be a lifelong learner,” he says. “What you learn at Morningside is just the foundation. Build on it, apply it to everything you do, and you’ll go far. The skills you gain here will take you places you never imagined.”

From a small-town Nebraska kid to the CEO of a thriving mental health organization, Luke Comeau’s story is a testament to the power of education, adaptability, and lifelong learning. His journey serves as an inspiration for Morningside students and alumni alike, proving that with the right mindset, the possibilities are endless.