Mathew Kelly Installed as Endowed Professor

by Jeanette Budding

Pella, IA (11/03/2026) — Central College faculty, staff and friends celebrated the installation of Mathew Kelly, professor of art, as the 12th Kenneth J. Weller Distinguished Professor of the Liberal Arts.

Named after Central's 18th president, who served from 1969 to 1990, the three-year endowed professorship recognizes a distinguished faculty member and provides support for teaching. The professorship honors the college's commitment to the liberal arts while recognizing donors for their generosity and investment in faculty.

"Professor Kelly exemplifies the expectations of the holder of the Weller Distinguished Professorship to engage in an invitational approach to teaching, which inspires an unusual level of intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning in students. It was an honor to be a part of his installation and see our academic community's support for his work," says Mary E.M. Strey, vice president for academic affairs. "I encourage the community to see Mat's work on exhibit through November 6 at the Mills Gallery."

During the installation ceremony, Kelly presented his process and creative vision for his graphic novel, "Paracusia." The project developed during a semester-long sabbatical in which Kelly wrote, revised and began illustrating the work. The story follows a master thief heckled by his guilty conscience who tries to discover who will betray him, only to meet a child who inadvertently reveals both his worst nightmare and greatest strength. Kelly shared key creative insights: Quiet the chatter, inspiration isn't always a lightning strike, seek awe, quiet fear, move beyond regrets and remain present.

Kelly earned a bachelor's degree in printmaking from the University of Hampshire and a Master of Fine Arts in printmaking from Syracuse University. He began teaching at Central in 2006, earned tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2012, and was promoted to professor of art in 2022.

Kelly has been recognized as a recipient of the Hutch Bearce Community-Building and Faculty Leadership Award and the Dr. John Wesselink Award, for faculty achievement in scholarship having direct impact on classroom teaching. He has long championed interdisciplinary inquiry and community engagement across campus and within Pella. His leadership helped develop Central's multimedia design major, and his artwork has been showcased across the nation, including solo exhibitions and recent works in Central's Mills Gallery.

Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private college known for its active student body, academic rigor and athletics success. Ranked the No. 2 Best Value College in Iowa by Niche.com, Central offers a learning environment with supportive educators committed 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. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.

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Mathew Kelly holds a plaque with his father and wife at his side

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Mathew Kelly, professor of art, became the 12th Kenneth J. Weller Distinguished Professor of the Liberal Arts. He was joined by his father, George Kelly, and his wife, Anne McCullough Kelly.

Central College

Mathew Kelly Installed as Endowed Professor

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