REGIONAL
Private Colleges
THE SOURCE 2026 • 27
REGIONAL
Central College Pella
Central College in Pella, Iowa, is a private, four-year liberal arts college. Central is known for its academic rigor, its leadership formation and— most importantly— for its work creating genuine connections among students, faculty, coaches and alumni that help graduates realize their career aspirations for a lifetime.
The college is dedicate to cultivating diversity of thought and culture through the arts and sciences, professional fields of study and experiential learning. The Central experience is rooted in exploration and self-discovery and enhanced by life in a residential community of about 1,100 students with wide-ranging perspectives. Founded in 1853, Central values its longstanding relationship with the Reformed Church in America. The college participates in NCAA Division III athletics and is a member of the American Rivers Conference.
Contact information 812 University St. 641-628-9000 www. central. edu
President Mark Putnam 641-628-5269 president @ central. edu
Photo courtesy of Central College
William Penn University Oskaloosa
Contact Information 201 Trueblood Ave. 800-779-7366 www. wmpenn. edu
President John Ottosson 641-673-1076 ottossonj @ wmpenn. edu
William Penn University is a private university located in Oskaloosa. The school was founded in 1873 by the Religious Society of Friends, who initially christened it as Penn College. The name was changed to William Penn College in 1933 before finally being renamed William Penn University in 2000.
William Penn University’ s mission is to give its students and education that fosters qualities of leadership, technology and the also the timeproven Quaker traditions of simplicity, peacemaking, integrity, community and equality. The school offers over 20 different majors spanning eight academic divisions. William Penn University participates in the NAIA and is a member of the Heart of American Athletic Conference.