Recent News

High marks to Central's economics, accounting and management team. Isabella Schlerman, Class of 2026, Mickey Martens, Class of 2027; Ann McDonald, lecturer of business management; John Juszczyk, Class of 2027; and Scott Johnson, Class of 2026

Central Students Compete in Inaugural National Impact Case Competition

Central College students competed in the inaugural Tippie National Impact Case Competition, placing fifth overall. The team had two weeks to analyze a case provided by the host and prepare recommendations, which they presented during the two-day compet...

Dec 1, 2025, 12:06pm EST

Central received recognition for five Best of District VI awards from CASE.

Central College Wins Five Best of District VI CASE Awards

Central College received five Best of District VI awards from the Midwest Division of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. All entries were created in 2024. The alumni magazine, Civitas, won in the alumni/general interest magazines ca...

Nov 20, 2025, 9:21am EST

Nathan Smith, Class of 2026, collaborated with Iwan Williams, executive director of retail management, along with other Student Senate members to develop and re-evaluate the Maytag Student Center’s future using the latest gift from the Fred Maytag Family Foundation.

Strong Relationships and Values Secure Generous Gift to Central College

The nearly century-old relationship between the Fred Maytag Family Foundation and Central College continues with the foundation's latest gift of more than $720,000. The donation is earmarked for renovations to the namesake building, Maytag Student Cent...

Nov 17, 2025, 9:21am EST

‘Tis the season for music to ease you into the holidays with the Central College ensembles.

Central College Offers Musical Performances for the Holidays

Central College's music program invites the community to celebrate the season with a series of festive performances. The College Community Orchestra will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, in the upper Chapel. The ensemble will be conduct...

Nov 13, 2025, 12:43pm EST

Central’s new multimedia design major will include theatre projection on sets, similar to this scene from the production of “Bonnie and Clyde.”

Central College Launches New Multimedia Design Major

Central College will introduce a new multimedia design major beginning in Fall 2026. "In today's digital-first world, captivating an audience requires a powerful blend of artistry and technical skill across many industries," says Mat Kelly, who holds ...

Nov 11, 2025, 10:24am EST

Central Professor Publishes Research on Large Language Models with Teaching

Central College's Stavros Papakonstantinidis, associate professor of communication studies, publishes new research on the emerging role of large language models (LLMs) in academic feedback for student writing in the highly ranked Q1 journal, "Language ...

Nov 10, 2025, 1:56pm EST

John R. Bylsma, a 1959 Central graduate, leaves bequest to Central College for scholarship.

John R. Bylsma Estate Gift Creates Endowed Scholarship at Central

The Central College family embodies a large and marvelous tradition - one that John Robert Bylsma, a 1959 Central graduate, deeply understood. Upon his passing in 2024, his estate established the John R. Bylsma Scholarship, an endowed fund supporting s...

Nov 6, 2025, 3:52pm EST

Throughout November, Central students will complete service projects — mats from recycled bags, food drive and clothing drive. Pictured is Katie Wilson ’23 giving instructions for mat making.

Central Students Plan a Season of Gratitude

Central College students and staff will team up doing a world of good this November and early December with the annual Season of Gratitude program, bringing meaningful service and generosity to campus and beyond. The community is invited to participat...

Nov 4, 2025, 10:05am EST

Kayla Flanders, chief financial officer and controller for Central College

Central College Names New CFO and Controller

Central College President Mark Putnam announced the appointment of Kayla Flanders as chief financial officer and controller. Flanders served as vice president of finance at Pella Corporation since 2024. She begins her duties at Central Tuesday, Oct. 28...

Oct 28, 2025, 9:50am EDT

Central College Visual and Performing Arts presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel, Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

Carousel Production Coming to Central College

Central College opens another exciting production season with Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel this Halloween weekend. Performances will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Friday, Oct. 31, and Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Kruidenier Theatre on Central's campus...

Oct 24, 2025, 2:41pm 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.