Central College announces Dr. Mark Putnam as its 21st president. Putnam will assume leadership in July 2010 following current president Dr. David Roe’s retirement in June 2010.

“We are pleased to welcome Central College’s 21st president Dr. Mark Putnam to the Central College family,” said David Wesselink, chair of the Central College board of trustees. “He has an outstanding set of capabilities that will help Central College build on the very successful legacy of Dr. David Roe.”

Putnam is senior vice president for executive affairs at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., where he has taken on a succession of leadership roles over 10 years. He also has held key administrative posts at Connecticut College and at Alliance Theological Seminary. Putnam earned his master’s degree and doctorate from Columbia University (N.Y.), and his bachelor’s from Nyack College (N.Y).

“Central’s momentum has the college superbly positioned to capitalize on the prospects that lie ahead of us,” Putnam said. “I see at Central a desire to become ever more effective and have an ever more profound impact on the students who will shape the future of our society.

“For myself and my family, this is a unique and exciting opportunity to help lead an accomplished institution to even higher levels, and to be part of the dedicated, passionate and driven campus community,” he said. “I am eager to begin working with the exceptional faculty, students and staff on campus, alumni around the world, and neighbors in Pella.”

The search for a new president started after Roe’s retirement announcement in February.

“This has been a thorough and thoughtful process, and we appreciate the support of the community through it all,” said Wesselink. “Mark brings the very best combination of background, experience and skills to meet the future needs of Central College.”

Roe has served as Central’s president since 1998. During his tenure, Central’s campus has grown with new buildings and programs. The college has become a leader in sustainability and has two, soon-to-be three, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-rated buildings on campus and will implement a new core curriculum next year which involves a global sustainability component. Central recently added an international program in Ghana, Africa, to its nationally recognized study abroad programs. The college is in the home stretch of its Campaign for Central and is optimistic for its successful conclusion.