Recent News

Harry Smith, 1973 Central graduate and new executive-in-residence, poses in his NBC office with the Central C painted on the wall.

Central Alumnus Harry Smith Returns as an Executive-in-Residence

Central College Trustee Harry Smith, a Class of 1973 graduate, will join Central as the newest executive-in-residence. Smith, a multi-Emmy award-winning reporter, announced on air he'll be moving on to his alma mater after spending the past 12 years on...

Apr 2, 2024, 1:57pm EDT

Neil Nakadate, Author, to speak at Central College Writers Reading

Central College will welcome Neil Nakadate, author of "Looking After Minidoka: An American Memoir." Nakadate will read from his book during the Writers Reading at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, in the Boat, Moore and Weller Rooms in Maytag Student Center ...

Mar 28, 2024, 12:54pm EDT

PPI will support Central College’s development of a decision science curriculum by a team of faculty at Central. From left, Russ Goodman, professor of mathematics, Stephen Fyfe, professor of computer science and 1987 Central graduate, Dave Pavlat, associate professor of kinesiology, and Erik Insko, professor of mathematics and computer science. Not shown: Anya Butt, professor of biology.

PPI Presents Gift to Central College

Central College announces that PPI, Inc., formerly known as Precision, Pulley and Idler, will invest $50,000 to support the college in exploring the development of a curriculum around artificial intelligence, digital transformation and analytics, known...

Mar 26, 2024, 9:00am EDT

Central RED Society will explore the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark expedition, April 4 & 11.

Central RED to Offer a Two-part Lewis and Clark Program

TThe Central RED Society will present a two-part presentation about the Meriwether Lewis and William Clark expedition. Jim Gilbert, a retired educator, will examine the voyage in a presentation called Lewis & Clark, The Great Expedition on Thursday, Ap...

Mar 25, 2024, 12:07pm EDT

Jodie Smith, director of career development and civic engagement, at Central College.

Central Announces New Director of Career Development and Civic Engagement

Central College named Jodie Smith as the director of career development and civic engagement. She joined Central's career development office in October, serving as the associate director of career and professional development. In her new role, Smith w...

Mar 7, 2024, 11:12am EST

Central College's Papakonstantinidis Publishes AI Writing Research

Stavros Papakonstantinidis, associate professor of communication studies at Central College, published research on artificial intelligence writing software as a tool gathered over the past two years. The article, "Embrace or Resist? Drivers of Artific...

Mar 6, 2024, 10:00am EST

Artist Amy Haney will exhibit her printmaking in the Lubbers Center for the Visual Arts through Friday, April 12.

Amy Haney Art Exhibit at Central College's Mills Gallery

Central College welcomes the works of Amy Haney, an artist specializing in printmaking. Haney's exhibit titled "Aviate" will open Monday, March 4, and be open to the public through Friday, April 12, in the Mills Gallery. A reception for the artist wil...

Mar 4, 2024, 12:32pm EST

Central RED (Ready to Engage and Discover)

Central RED to Host Precision Pulley and Idler's RJ Van Dyke

The Central RED Society welcomes RJ Van Dyke, a 2006 Central College graduate, as he presents "Precision, Pulley & Idler: What Do They Do!" on Tuesday, March 12. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. in the Boat/Moore Rooms, Maytag Student Center, on Cen...

Feb 29, 2024, 9:45am EST

Adam Duerfeldt ’06 will speak at Central College’s Commencement ceremony 10 a.m. Saturday, May 11.

Adam Duerfeldt '06 to speak at Central College Commencement

Adam Duerfeldt, associate professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Minnesota, will speak at Central College's Commencement ceremony, which will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium....

Feb 26, 2024, 10:34am EST

Central College will participate in the I-RAISE grant to develop research administrators within the state.

Central College Joins I-RAISE Grant Collaboration

Central College has been named a partner in the National Science Foundation's grant designed to build a more robust regional research administration workforce for the future. Iowa State University will oversee grant internship activities to spearhead a...

Feb 22, 2024, 10:50am EST

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.