Recent News

Tim Olin, associate professor of history

Central College's Olin Speaks at European Conference

Timothy Olin, associate professor of history at Central College, presented a paper during the 500 Years Entwined History: Central and Ottoman Europe Conference in Budapest, Hungary in May. Olin was one of 17 presenters from European and American colle...

Jun 3, 2026, 2:01pm EDT

The final gathering of Marburger Leadership Institute fellows featured a presentation of medallions. Standing on left side of stairs: Melissa McAninch, associate professor of education, education chair and Marburger Leadership Institute co-director, and Jack Every ’28, medallion designer. Standing on right side of stairs: Ajay Six ’27, Julianne Taylor, senior lecturer of education and Marburger Leadership Institute co-director, and Seth Marburger ’16 and son of Dan and Elizabeth Marburger. On stairs: Row 1 – Jillian Fairbanks ’27, Rylee Dunkin ’27, Jasmyn Williams ’26, Georgia Matthews ’26. Row 2 – Lydia Fisher ’27, Emma Murphy ’27, Taylor Sniezek ’26. Row 3 – Madeline MacGregor ’26, Brianna VanGroll ’28, Samuel Vis ’27.

Central Art Student Designs Medallion for Inaugural Marburger Leadership Institute Fellows

The first class of Dan Marburger Leadership Institute fellows was honored this month with the presentation of a specially commissioned medallion - designed by a Central College student, chosen by the family of Dan Marburger, 1989 Central graduate, and ...

Jun 3, 2026, 1:57pm EDT

Central announces its full-tuition scholarship recipients for the incoming Class of 2030.

Central College Announces 2026-2027 Top Scholars

Central College announces the new recipients of its prestigious full-tuition scholarships for the Class of 2030, representing both the outstanding achievements of these students and the generosity of the donors who make the awards possible. Top schola...

May 26, 2026, 11:21am EDT

Central celebrated outstanding faculty during an awards night including four faculty promotions.

Central College Announces Faculty Awards and Promotions

Central College's Board of Trustees approved the following faculty promotions, effective Friday, Aug. 1, 2026. Anna Christensen has been promoted to associate professor of philosophy with tenure. Nicole Palenske Ladner has been promoted to profess...

May 19, 2026, 4:46pm EDT

Central’s 2026 Commencement ceremony shifts inside the P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium.

Central Commencement Moves into P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium

Central College will move the 2026 Commencement ceremony to the P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16. "Due to the anticipated heat and unpredictable weather for Saturday, we have decided to make adjustments to ...

May 14, 2026, 11:28am EDT

Central's History Club members. Front row, left to right: Samuel Kerns ’29, Joshua Kuhlers ’28, Lori Witt, associate professor of history, Madison Price ‘27. Back row, left to right: Kael Dircks ’26, Christopher Little ’26, Lauryn Venema ’26, Elizabeth Kerns ’26. Members not pictured: Chase Grandia ’26, Caelin Barbour ’26, Steel Anderson ’28, Alivia Akers ’27, Laura Waggoner ’27, Connor Helm ’29, Campbell Crabb ’29, Landon Messer ’28, Christian White ’29.

Central College Announces Student Leadership Awards

The Central College Student Development office announced the 2026 student leadership award recipients. Each year, Student Development seeks nominations campus-wide to recognize the contributions, achievements and efforts of Central students, student gr...

May 12, 2026, 12:07pm EDT

A Blessing to One Who Cared and Served Graciously

For nearly a generation of Central College students, the warm smile and open arms of Chaplain Joe Brummel have been a steady presence - a reminder they are seen, valued and welcome exactly as they are. This spring, Brummel will retire from his role as ...

May 7, 2026, 9:45am EDT

Central College students released the latest edition of “Synaptic,” showcasing outstanding student creativity.

Synaptic Showcases Works Honoring Academics and Creativity

Central College released the 2026 issue of Synaptic, the annual assemblage of outstanding student work from across a wide array of academic disciplines. Synaptic integrates the arts and English programs, highlighting excellence in creativity and academ...

May 5, 2026, 10:51am EDT

Central College is expanding access to online summer courses for community members, alongside current, incoming and transfer students.

Central College Opens Online Courses to Community Members and Students

Community members in the Pella area and beyond now have a new way to pursue college coursework - Central College is expanding access to online courses for community members, alongside current, incoming and transfer students. Whether a lifelong learner...

Apr 30, 2026, 11:00am EDT

Central is expanding access to online courses for the community and students.

Central College Opens Online Courses to Community Members and Students

Apr 30, 2026, 9:19am EDT

About Central College

Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private college known for its active student body, academic rigor and athletics success. Our students learn collaboratively with supportive educators who share a commitment to intellectual engagement, personal growth, career readiness and civic involvement. Founded in 1853 and shaped by its Christian heritage, the college of 1,100 students participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the American Rivers Conference. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa’s largest lake.