Imagine More

What is Imagine More?

Imagine More is an initiative that reimagines how Central College and the City of Pella can work together in deeper, more intentional ways. With a shared history dating back more than 170 years, the college and the city have always been interdependent, and Imagine More seeks to take that partnership to a new level. By collaborating on areas like real estate, student engagement and local services, both Central and Pella aim to foster greater synergy and vitality for mutual benefit.

What inspired Imagine More?

Imagine More was inspired by the history of higher education and its evolving needs. This perspective, combined with modern business concepts, led to the idea that Central and the City of Pella could benefit from shared resources and collaboration. By focusing on what truly matters and forging strategic partnerships, both the college and the city can thrive without the need to manage everything independently. The inspiration for this initiative stems from understanding the past and shaping a more adaptable future.

What makes the Central/Pella relationship unique?

The relationship between Central and the City of Pella is deeply rooted in history, with both growing and developing together since the college’s founding six years after Pella’s establishment. Central was founded not just by a denomination but through the energy and drive of Pella’s citizens, making the connection between the two more personal and enduring. More than 10% of Pella’s population are Central graduates, illustrating how intertwined their identities are. This unique bond is characterized by a highly synergistic relationship, where shared services, programs and facilities minimize redundancies and create mutual benefits. The proximity of Central to Pella’s downtown further enhances this collaboration, offering students immediate access to the community’s amenities and fostering a true college town atmosphere. Central and Pella have always been connected and with Imagine More, this connection can only become stronger.

What makes Imagine More stand out from other institutions of higher education trying to build deeper roots within their communities?

Imagine More stands out due to the deep, long-standing connection between Central College and Pella, built over 170 years of collaboration. This relationship is reinforced by an impressive continuity of leadership — both at the college and within the community — leading to strong trust and shared commitment. This continuity has fostered a uniquely deep, lasting partnership, making Imagine More a natural progression of this strong foundation. Few institutions can match this level of trust and integration. This interconnectedness makes Central and Pella’s partnership distinctive compared to other institutions and towns, offering students a unique draw to the area.

Why now?

The timing for Imagine More is driven by the broad challenges facing higher education today, including demographic shifts, economic pressures, technological advances, workforce expectations, social change and evolving public policy. Higher education is in the midst of a generational transition and as the landscape changes, the symbiotic relationship between Central and Pella becomes even more critical. Both need each other to succeed, and the external conditions make this the right moment to reimagine how we can grow and thrive together.

How does the Pella community benefit from Imagine More?

Imagine More brings vitality to Pella through the contributions of Central students who volunteer, work in local businesses and participate in community activities. The college’s presence drives economic benefits, from students spending locally to the influx of campus visitors. When we imagine more together, we boost commerce, enhance nonprofit support and foster overall well-being in the community.

How do the elements of Imagine More affect the student experience at Central?

Imagine More enhances the student experience by extending learning beyond the classroom. At Central, everything is part of the learning experience, from part-time jobs and internships to volunteering with local nonprofits and participating in community activities. By engaging with Pella’s vibrant community, students gain hands-on experiences in a variety of settings, such as community theatre, churches and local organizations. This broader interaction creates a living laboratory, offering rich opportunities for experiential learning and personal growth, making college life more dynamic and fulfilling.

How does Central see Imagine More evolving?

Imagine More is currently in a growth phase, shifting mindsets and embedding the college-community relationship into daily life. The goal is for the partnership with Pella to become second nature. The evolution of Imagine More will be seen as this connection becomes a way of life, leading to new programs, services and collaborative opportunities that deeply intertwine the college and the city.

What do you want the community of Pella and beyond to know about the future vision for Central College?

Central’s foundation is strong thanks to generations of supporters paying it forward, and through the Imagine More initiative, both Pella and Central can continue to grow and thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. Central graduates have been engaging with their communities, leading with empathy and creating change since 1853 — and that impact grows exponentially with each class that passes through our campus. We look forward to the next 170+ years of collaboration and an even stronger partnership with our beloved city of Pella.

What is the timeline for these plans?

The goal is to conclude current plans in 2028-29, with the spirit of the initiative and partnerships continuing into perpetuity.

How can I get involved?

Central is eager to establish new and continued partnerships in our growing community. If you have an opportunity or want to imagine how we can partner together, let’s talk!

Additionally, we are always looking for support from individuals, businesses and organizations who believe in this concept and want to help animate the college’s efforts.