Central Christian College of Kansas

Central Christian College

Central Christian College in the early 20th century
Former names	Orleans Seminary Central Academy and College Central College Central College of the Free Methodist Church
Motto	Christ-Centered Education for Character
Type	Private
Established	1884 (1884)
Affiliation	Free Methodist Church
President	Hal Hoxie
Provost	Lenny Favara
Dean	Dean Kroeker
Location	McPherson, Kansas
Colors	Blue and Gold
Athletics	NAIA (Independent) NCCAA
Sports	17 sports teams
Nickname	CCC
Mascot	Tigers
Affiliations	Higher Learning Commission
Website	www.centralchristian.edu

Central Christian College of Kansas is an evangelical Christian college located in McPherson, Kansas offering undergraduate degrees both on-campus and online. Central Christian is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church.

Orleans Seminary, was founded on the Nebraska plains in 1884 by Free Methodist preacher Rev. C.M. Damon and his wife. At that time, "seminary" designated a Christian school regardless of grade levels. Orleans Seminary endured years of small enrollments, repeated faculty turnover, and deteriorating facilities.

Because of deteriorating facilities and a more central location in the support area, Orleans Seminary was moved to McPherson, Kansas, in 1914. The relocated school was named Central Academy and College. Along with its elementary and secondary grades, Central added the first two years of college to its curriculum at this time. Occupying a four-story brick building left by the relocated Covenant Church affiliated Walden College, Science Hall was a welcome change to the faculty and students of Central. The first president of Central Academy and College was L. Glenn Lewis, and the first principal, Charles H. Watson. In 1918, Central received accreditation from the Kansas State Department of Education, becoming the oldest accredited junior college in Kansas.

Charles A. Stoll became president in 1923, presiding until his untimely death in an automobile accident in 1939. A residence hall, built in 1927and remodeled in recent years, bears his name.

Orville S. Walters assumed the presidency from 1939-44. During the war years, Dr. Walters was able to successfully complete a $40,000 debt elimination campaign, upgrade facilities, and change the official name from Central Academy and College to Central College. Dr. Walters inspired a number of young men to enter the field of medicine. He resigned as president in 1944 to practice medicine and serve as the school physician. It was during President Walters' administration that the first intercollegiate athletic program (basketball) was begun after the Free Methodist Church lifted a ban against interscholastic athletics in their affiliated colleges. Howard J. Krober was the first coach of the basketball program. By 1950, Central boasted men's basketball, baseball, track, and ping pong.