Recent News

Clay Thompson, retired vice president of Caterpillar Financial Services, a Central Board of Trustee and a 1990 Central graduate, engages students on business during class.

Central College Brings Industry Leader to Prepare Students in Business

Central College welcomes Clay Thompson, retired vice president of Caterpillar Financial Services, a member of the Central Board of Trustee and a 1990 Central graduate, as an executive in residence for the Fall 2023 semester. "Clay brings global busine...

Nov 20, 2023, 11:22am EST

Mills Gallery, Central College’s art gallery, will feature student work until Friday, Dec. 8.

Mills Gallery to Feature Student Exhibit

Central College's Mills Gallery will feature the works of 15 students who are creating art pieces with different mediums during the Fall 2023 semester. Brian Roberts, professor of art and 1992 Central graduate, curated the student exhibition. "The cre...

Nov 16, 2023, 11:58am EST

Central College launched a new major and two new minors in the Fall 2023 semester.

Central College Expands Majors and Minors

Central College began offering a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Central also added two more minors - data science and social justice studies. "Central has developed and expanded the options to enga...

Nov 14, 2023, 5:36pm EST

Noel Cover Foundation scholarship recipients: front row, from left: Robert Groves ’24, Isaiah Friedrichsen ’27, Luis Velazco ’25, Gabe Wilson ’24, Cody Hall ’24. Back row, from left: Shale Chapel ’24, Carson White ’27, Keegan DeZeeuw ’27, Logan Linkvis ’24, Spencer Taylor ’26, Grant Miller ’26. Not shown: Owen Brase ’26 and Dean Kimball ’24.

Central College Receives $50,000 Gift from Noel Cover Foundation

Central College has received a $50,000 distribution from the Noel Cover Foundation of Cozad, Nebraska, to support scholarships for students. Central is one of four colleges to receive regular gifts from the foundation and the only Iowa institution rep...

Oct 30, 2023, 4:53pm EDT

Central RED to Host Abby Terpstra with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

The Central RED Society will present "Iowa's Natural Heritage - Protecting and Restoring Our Land, Water and Wildlife," with Abby Terpstra, director of philanthropy for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Wednesday, Nov. 8. Lunch will be served at 1...

Oct 25, 2023, 11:01am EDT

Lawrence Haddad, executive director at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, World Food Prize Laureate Lecturer.

Central College Hosts Lawrence Haddad for World Food Prize Laureate Lecture

Lawrence Haddad, executive director at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, will present the annual World Food Prize Laureate Lecture at Central College. The World Food Prize Laureate Lecture will be at noon, Thursday, Oct. 26, in Van Emmerik St...

Oct 24, 2023, 10:48am EDT

“Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein” will be performed on Central College’s campus, Oct. 25-29.

"Mel Brooks Musical: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN" Comes to the Central College Stage

"It's Alive!" The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Central College will present "Mel Brooks Musical: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN" 7 p.m. Oct. 25-28 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, in the Kruidenier Center on Central's campus. From the creators of the recor...

Oct 19, 2023, 3:11pm EDT

Catherine Haustein, author, freelance chemistry, professor emerita of chemistry and Central Class of 1977 graduate.

Catherine Haustein, Author, Will Speak at Central College's Writers Reading

Central College will welcome Catherine Hinga Haustein, author, professor emerita of chemistry, freelance chemist and 1977 Central graduate, to the Fall 2023 Writers Reading. Haustein will read from her newest novel, "Snakes in the Class," at 6:30 p.m.,...

Oct 16, 2023, 2:36pm EDT

Central College’s 2023-24 Student Senate. Front row, DelTon Alexander, Jenna-Marie Hernandez, Gunner Hutton, Cassie Elliott. Second: Esveidy Soto-Soto, Ethan Berning, Bailey Anderson, Abigail Goering, Jennifer Larson, Mykenna Cole, Lindsey Hollibaugh, Piper Eighmy, Joslynn Moore. Third: Nathan Larson, Cole McGriff, Cashen Thompson, Carter Nelson, Daysi Harris, Emma Murphy, Lucas Vroom. Missing: Mya Ehresman, North Lindell, Alejo Marcon, Morgan Roelfs, Jaycee Shaver.

Central Student Senate Officers Announced for 2023-24

Central College Student Senate announces the executive officers for the 2023-24 academic year. Jenna-Marie Hernandez has been elected as Student Senate president. A biochemistry and biology double major and Spanish minor from Slater, Iowa, Hernande...

Oct 12, 2023, 3:35pm EDT

High-school seniors who participate in one of Central’s Scholar Days can earn additional scholarships as well as learn more about the academic programs of interest, participate in an open-ended group discussion and interview with a Central faculty member.

Central College Expands Scholarship Options and Offers Scholar Days

Central College will host four Scholar Day experiences for prospective students to earn top academic scholarships beyond financial aid awards at the time of admission, up to full tuition. Scholar Days will be Saturdays, Nov. 4, Nov. 11, Jan. 27 and Feb...

Oct 9, 2023, 10:37am 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.