Recent News

Full-tuition scholars announced for Central's Class of 2029.

Central's Top Scholars for 2025-26 Awarded

Central College announces the recipients of its prestigious full-tuition scholarships for the Class of 2029, recognizing both the outstanding achievements of these students and the incredible generosity of the donors who make these awards possible. "C...

Jul 23, 2025, 11:40am EDT

Central Announces Consolidated Operations Plan and Promotions

Central College President Mark Putnam announced a consolidated operations plan and new leadership aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing customer services. The college has realigned five administrative divisions, focusing on campus services, fa...

Jul 21, 2025, 11:25am EDT

Central’s silver award-winning entry in the CASE awards features Scotty Johnson ’26.

Central College Earns Silver in CASE Circle of Excellence Awards

Central College received a silver in the Circle of Excellence Awards hosted by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The award-winning entry, "On Track for Greatness Campaign," features Scotty Johnson, Class of 2026 business management ...

Jul 17, 2025, 9:24am EDT

Joining the Central College Board of Trustees in 2025 are Roger DeWaard ’90, Adam Gregg ’06, Dan Huitink ’04, Sonia Parras Konrad and Carrie Mc Neese Valster ’96.

Central College Board of Trustees Welcomes New Leaders

Central College Board of Trustees announces a new treasurer and elects five new members, terms began July 1. The trustees tapped Mike Van Voorst, 1993 Central graduate and current trustee, for treasurer. He recently retired as vice president and finan...

Jul 15, 2025, 12:04pm EDT

Abby Rocha, assistant professor of mathematics, Central College

Central College Professor Abby Rocha Publishes Research on How Teachers Learn Math

Central College's Abby Rocha, assistant professor of mathematics, publishes new research in the journal "Frontiers in Education" on how mathematics teachers learn and grow their practice. Her work, "Unpacking Constructs used to Describe Teachers' Math...

Jul 10, 2025, 10:04am EDT

Lois Kuyper-Rushing, Class of 1977 graduate, received a Fulbright Scholar Award to catalogue Eugène Bozza music in France this fall. Pictured are Kuyper-Rushing with Jean Leduc of Alphonse Leduc in Paris, 2011. Leduc was Bozza’s primary publisher.

Lois Kuyper-Rushing '77 Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award

Central College alumna Lois Kuyper-Rushing, Class of 1977 graduate, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to travel to Valenciennes, France, in the fall. Kuyper-Rushing will transcribe and edit manuscripts creating a critical edit...

Jul 9, 2025, 12:23pm EDT

Hilary Rowe, director of marketing and communications, Central College.

Central College Promotes Hilary Rowe to Director of Marketing and Communications

Central College has named Hilary Rowe as its new director of marketing and communications. Rowe, who has served as Central's annual giving manager since 2024, will continue part of that role while taking on leadership of the college's marketing, commu...

Jul 7, 2025, 11:44am EDT

Mark De Jong, a 1981 Central graduate, and his wife, Julie, established the Arthur and Joyce De Jong Endowed Scholarship — a gift that honors his parents and is doing a world of good.

A Gift That Keeps on Giving: Alumnus Honors Parents Through Endowed Scholarship

Mark De Jong didn't just attend Central College, graduating in 1981 - he grew up in its shadow, literally living across the street from campus as a toddler in a house that sat where a Scholte parking lot now spreads. That deep connection to Central, f...

Jun 23, 2025, 3:00pm EDT

Moore Family Foundation will fund Central faculty professional development and faculty-led projects that enhance student learning. Pictured is Paulina Mena, professor of biology and Ruth and Marvin Denekas Endowed Chair in Science and Humanities, speaking to a group of students.

Moore Family Foundation Grants Central College Faculty More Than $135,000

Central College faculty received $135,364 in grants from the Moore Family Foundation to support 22 proposals for the 2025-26 academic year. The Moore Family Foundation provides grants to support Central faculty professional development and faculty-led...

Jun 11, 2025, 4:27pm EDT

Maggie Fisher Schlerman, (standing) accounting program, a 2002 Central graduate, has been promoted along with two other faculty members.

Central College Celebrates Faculty

Central College Board of Trustees approved the following faculty promotions at Central, effective Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Shelli Green, kinesiology program, a 2007 Central graduate, has been promoted to associate professor. Katherine Nesbit, English ...

Jun 5, 2025, 12:31pm 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.