Imagine More
What if you couldn’t tell where Central College ends and the City of Pella begins?
Through Imagine More, Central and the City of Pella are working together to strengthen our shared future — aligning campus planning, community priorities and new opportunities for growth.
This shared vision brings new energy and intentionality to how we learn, live and work — rethinking how we use our spaces, resources and partnerships to create opportunities that benefit both Central and Pella, now and for the future.
A World of Possibilities
The Imagine More initiative builds on our comprehensive campaign — World of Good — and is focused on building partnerships that will allow us to serve our students and our community in new ways.
Partnership Areas Learn About the Campaign A World of Good
FAQs
What is Imagine More?
Imagine More is a shared initiative between Central College and the City of Pella to deepen collaboration and expand what’s possible, together. Building on more than 170 years of connection, it focuses on intentional partnerships in areas like housing, student engagement and local services to strengthen both the college and the community.
Why now?
Higher education is navigating rapid change — from shifting demographics to new workforce expectations. And communities of every size are facing similar challenges. This moment calls for new approaches. Imagine More builds on this strong partnership and rethinks how Central and Pella can work smarter together, sharing resources and focusing on what matters most to continue to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
Who will these housing options serve?
Plans are being explored to support a mix of needs — including students and members of the Pella community. The goal is to create thoughtful options that benefit the broader ecosystem, not just one group.
How does Pella benefit from Imagine More?
Thoughtful development can increase housing availability, support local businesses, attract and retain talent and create more opportunities for connection. The goal is long-term vitality for both Central and Pella.
Additionally, Central brings energy, talent and economic impact to the community. Students work, volunteer and engage locally, while visitors and events support local businesses. Imagine More builds on that momentum to strengthen quality of life and community vitality.
How does Imagine More enhance the student experience?
Additional and more flexible housing options can enhance the student experience — especially with more options that offer greater independence. Apartment-style living creates opportunities for students to take that next step, while still staying closely connected to campus, friends and resources.
At the same time, Imagine More expands what it means to learn at Central. By strengthening connections between campus and the community, students gain greater access to internships, jobs, service opportunities and everyday experiences that happen beyond the classroom. Together, these efforts create a more connected, flexible and real-world college experience — one that supports students both where they live and how they learn.
What is the timeline for development?
Some elements are already in early planning stages. Development will happen over time, potentially starting with work as early as the summer of 2027. Updates will be shared as projects move from concept to implementation.
What kinds of housing or development projects are being considered?
Imagine More explores a range of possibilities — from apartments to row houses and more, these projects will serve both students and residents. Projects will focus on enhancing livability, accessibility and connection between campus and community.
Where will new development take place?
Potential projects are being considered both on and near campus, as well as in areas where development can strengthen connections between Central and the broader Pella community. Specific locations will be shared as plans are finalized. All the land that could be developed would be on Central-owned land (and will remain under Central ownership).
How will these development and capital projects be funded?
Imagine More emphasizes partnership. That means exploring a mix of funding models — including private investment, strategic partnerships and philanthropic support — rather than relying solely on college or city resources.
Will local businesses or organizations have opportunities to be part of these developments?
Yes. A key goal is to create opportunities for local partnerships — whether through retail and services spaces or participation in new developments. Preserving all that makes Pella distinctive is a priority. Any development will be approached with care, with an emphasis on complementing the community’s character, scale and values.
Partnership Areas
Central launched Maytag Marketplace, which includes an on-campus convenience store with must-have items as well as grab-and-go food and beverages for students and Pella residents alike.
Food is integral to the college’s residential life and overall experience. In addition to the existing meal plans, Central introduced Big Red Bucks. This means students’ dining dollars and dining options extend beyond Central’s campus to participating restaurants in the area, stimulating our local economy.
Pella is growing — and with that growth comes a need for more housing. Through Imagine More, Central College is part of the solution.
By thoughtfully reimagining how portions of college-owned land can be used, Central and the City of Pella are exploring the development of approximately 1,000 new rental units — including apartments, row houses and other options designed to support both students and local residents.
This approach helps create a more walkable, connected community while addressing workforce housing needs and supporting continued economic growth. It also aligns with broader city and county plans, forming the foundation of the Imagine More Community Urban Renewal Plan — a collaborative effort to use land, resources and partnerships in ways that benefit the entire community.
Central is committed to being more intentional in our partnerships for program and activity development. We want to ensure the public knows what’s going on at Central and feels welcome on our campus whether it’s for an event or a walk on a beautiful day! We are also working toward making sure our students know about the amenities, events and resources in our wider community through programming and campus messaging.
Central and Pella are strengthening partnerships across the full educational spectrum, from K-12 through higher education and beyond. Students gain meaningful, real-world experience through our local partners while also contributing to the region.
At the same time, Central is exploring new academic programs and learning enrichment opportunities that build on faculty strengths and respond to emerging needs — including pathways for graduate education, expanded access through transfer partnerships and online course offerings for students and community members.
The arts will also play a central role. By investing in new and reimagined spaces for creative expression, Imagine More envisions a vibrant arts presence that brings together campus and community — supporting performances, programs and experiences that enrich life in Pella for all.
Handshake is a platform designed to provide college students with access to meaningful career opportunities. Now, not only can students use the tool to find internship and career opportunities, they can also secure employment on campus or in the community.
This extends area businesses and retailers the opportunity to fill openings and work with Central students in part-time and other positions. The platform is now a one-stop-shop for students looking to work, find a great internship, volunteer in the community or all three!
Not everyone knows this, but Central is a nonprofit. The programming, scholarships and opportunities we provide our students are deeply rooted in donor support. As we move into our comprehensive campaign — World of Good — we look to do good through our partnerships and look to our partners to do good so that more students can receive a Central education, open doors of opportunity and do great things in our world.
It’s Central to Pella
More than 10% of Pella residents are Central alumni. That percentage grows even more substantially when you factor in current and past parents of students and employees of the college. Central has had a large impact on Pella and vice versa. Let’s work together to do good in our community and our world.
Learn More About Pella
Ready to Imagine?
To be part of MORE here in Pella, contact Carol Williamson, Central’s director of Imagine More, at 641-628-7667 or williamsonc@central.edu.
You can also contact the Advancement office at 641-628-5154 or development@central.edu.