Member Spotlight – The Foundation of Central Christian College of Kansas
Central Christian College of Kansas is a small, private, four-year college with a history that began in 1884. Central offers over 40 areas of study, such as Education, Business, and Exercise Science, as well as online education programs.
The Foundation Office for Central Christian College is located off campus above The Well at 100 North Main, Suite 201. Executive Director for The Foundation is Dr. David Ferrell, whose father (for you long timers in McPherson) was John Ferrell, known around McPherson as “Mr. Central.” Dr. Ferrell has been at Central Christian College for 38 years, and during that time span has worn several hats – instructor, athletics director, admissions director, and CEO. On top of being The Foundation’s Executive Director, Ferrell is the chair of the college’s Business Department, something he’s very passionate about.
Dr. Ferrell shared that one of the things Central has participated in over the years is the Major Field Test in Business. This is an assessment tool that is used by around 400 colleges and universities around the country to help gauge the learning accomplished by each participating institution’s graduating seniors. Central Christian College students have done quite well. Individually, one Central student performed at the 92nd percentile level.
Starting The Foundation of Central Christian College of Kansas was the vision of former college President Hal Hoxie, who laid the legal groundwork to get it going. Although the college and Foundation are two separate legal entities, they have become very closely aligned, and support the same mission of the school – to educate men and women of character who impact the world for Christ. Ferrell said that Central Christian College has “a long history of helping students to get firmly planted in their faith, in their vocation, and their place in society.” He added that they feel very positive about their influence on the generations that have come through the college.
The Foundation of Central Christian College of Kansas is managing assets valued at over $10 million. The Foundation also oversees the 501C3s and LLCs which have been started through the college. One of the businesses that they look after is Kids Kampus Childcare Center & Pre-School, which has been a great venture for the college. Two Tigers and a Truck is another business undertaking, as well as Heartbeat Coffee. Their newest endeavor is starting up a wrestling center. Central Christian College has been working with the local federation and kids wrestling clubs with hopes of being able to share the facility with local community organizations.
There’s always something happening at Central Christian College of Kansas. With homecoming weekend just around the corner on October 4th-6th, there will be tons of activity! The weekend will start with the inauguration of college President Dr. Lenny Favara on Friday afternoon. Following that will be activities for alumni and their families to participate in – including alumni softball and volleyball games, a KidsZone, a cookout, and much more. Go here for a complete schedule of the weekend’s events. To learn more about The Foundation of Central Christian College of Kansas, their mission, vision and purpose – visit their website. You can see photos from Chamber Connections hosted at The Foundation Office at Central Christian College of Kansas here.