Recent News

Students participating in the summer Upward Bound program explored STEM courses at Central. They discovered force and energy concepts by propelling water rockets.

Central College's Upward Bound Program Receives John Deere Foundation Grant

Central College received a grant for more than $43,000 from the John Deere Foundation to support the college's long-standing Upward Bound program. This program helps low-income, potential first-generation college students achieve academic success. The...

Sep 7, 2023, 10:46am EDT

Central RED to Tour Osky Bike Trail

Central College's RED Society will host "Let's Go Ride the Osky Bike Trail," at Lacy Sports Complex in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Thursday, Sept. 7. Participants can meet at the Lacy Sports Complex parking lot by the tram tour sign at 9:30 a.m. The cost of $16 ...

Sep 6, 2023, 4:49pm EDT

On the first days of classes, Central College welcomed students and raised more than $175,000 for Journey Scholarships.

Central College Donors Give $175,000 During 48-Hour Challenge

The Central College community launched into the new academic year with gifts totaling $175,470 during the 48-Hour Challenge to support the Journey Scholarship Fund. During this concentrated two days of giving, 356 donors contributed to the Journey Scho...

Aug 31, 2023, 1:29pm EDT

Central College is one of 16 Iowa private colleges and universities in a three-year grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations and the Teagle Foundation.

Central College Selected for Iowa Private Transfer Collaborative Grant

Central College joins 16 other Iowa private colleges and universities to participate in a three-year grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations and the Teagle Foundation awarded to the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. T...

Aug 28, 2023, 4:07pm EDT

The faculty joining Central are, front row, from left: Ann McDonald, Courtney Comstock, Sonja Lindberg and Katelin Valster. Back row, from left: Jim Fuller, Matthew Sutter, Michael Thompson, Adam Bradley and Erik Insko

Central College Announces New Faculty Appointments

Central College named new faculty for the 2023-24 school year: Adam Bradley, assistant professor of kinesiology, with a B.S. from Iowa State University; Ph.D. from North Dakota State University. Courtney Comstock, lecturer of accounting, a 2020 Centr...

Aug 21, 2023, 2:27pm EDT

Central RED Hosts Speakers on Wildfires and Travel

Central College's Central RED Society will present "Flying for Wildfire Fighters" with Donald Todd and "Travels on Seven Continents" with Philip Larson on Tuesday, Aug. 22, in the Dave and Ardie Sutphen Common Room, in Graham Annex on Central's campus....

Aug 10, 2023, 10:00am EDT

Left photo: Emily Shields ’25; Center: Bailey Anderson ’25 and Nathan Kulhman ’24; Right: Seth Olsen ’25, Duncan Delzell ’25 and Jaxon Thompson ’24.

Central College Students Explore Passion for Research

Research opens so many doors of opportunity for curious students on Central College's campus. This summer 13 students received funding to conduct research on campus with faculty in biology, chemistry, genetics, kinesiology and musical theatre. Russ Be...

Aug 7, 2023, 4:23pm EDT

Central faculty traveled to Iceland (top left), Trinidad (top right), Greece (bottom left) and Chile (bottom right).

Central Faculty Explore New International Programs

Central College faculty completed international travel in May and June funded by a grant from the Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students Program. This grant is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supported in its implementatio...

Jul 27, 2023, 10:00am EDT

Aaron Roerdink ’97 was named the associate dean of learning enrichment and associate professor-in-residence of chemistry at Central.

Central College Appoints Associate Dean of Learning Enrichment

Aaron Roerdink, a 1997 Central graduate, has been named the inaugural associate dean of learning enrichment and associate professor-in-residence of chemistry at Central College. He will begin at Central in late-July. "Aaron brings exceptional skills t...

Jul 26, 2023, 1:25pm EDT

Central College students completed a mission trip to Kigoma, Tanzania.

Central College Campus Ministries Honors Donor

The joy of giving continues for the Braskamp family. In Spring 2022, seven siblings established an endowment at Central College to honor their parents - Allan and Grace Braskamp. That endowment is now spreading joy through community outreach and missio...

Jul 24, 2023, 3:23pm 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.