PELLA, IOWA (November 12, 2025) — Central College will introduce a new multimedia design major beginning in Fall 2026.
"In today's digital-first world, captivating an audience requires a powerful blend of artistry and technical skill across many industries," says Mat Kelly, who holds the Kenneth J Weller Distinguished Professorship of the Liberal Arts and serves as chair of the department of visual and performing arts.
"Our multimedia design program is built for this landscape, teaching students how to integrate text, images, audio, video, and performance to communicate, inform, and entertain. The new major offers flexibility and career-ready strengths of at least four programs on campus. Students are already excited about the possibilities."
"This dynamic program enriches student experience and career preparation with both the creative and the technical education required for high-demand careers across a broad array of industries," says Mary E M Strey, vice president for academic affairs.
"These new programs exemplify a Central education which balances humanities, creative arts, and technical coursework, to provide graduates a superior depth of experiences, knowledge, and perspectives. The interdisciplinary faculty cohort who designed this major and minor is exceptionally gifted and qualified to engage students within this new curriculum."
Kelly explains the program combines elements from communications studies, art, English, and musical theatre into its own single, interdisciplinary major.
"To make memorable and educational multimedia presentations, one needs to have the solid concept behind it — understanding your audience, what essential ideas need to be conveyed; how can color, imagery, and sound help enhance communication? These are just some of the questions we ask frequently in our creative disciplines," Kelly says.
"This major enables our students to create thoughtful, stand-out work while building upon principles of design, marketing, and visual arts."
"Through a generous donor, Central will have a new state-of-the-art multimedia design lab to enhance the work and student experience of this new major," says Sunny Eighmy, vice president for advancement and a 1999 Central alumna.
"I love how our past graduates pay it forward to our current students and faculty."
Graduates of Central's multimedia design program are prepared for careers in multimedia and graphic design across industries such as advertising, business, entertainment, environmental design, and video production — fields where complex ideas must become clear, compelling visual stories. Students can also apply their creative skills in musical and theatrical performance, museums, libraries, parks, and conservation centers — anywhere engaging educational experiences are essential.
Central College of Pella, Iowa, is a private college known for its active student body, academic rigor, and athletics success. Ranked the N° 2 Best Value College in Iowa by Niche.com, Central offers a learning environment with supportive educators committed 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. Central is an active part of the Greater Des Moines region and just minutes from Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake.
