Central College celebrates the careers of two longstanding administrators who retired after the 2022-23 academic year – Carol Williamson and Marguerite “Peggy” Fitch.
Carol Williamson retired from the role of vice president for student development and dean of students, after 23 years of service to Central. Over the years, Williamson served in other roles that made a lasting impact on the college, including 11 years as vice president for enrollment management and dean of admission.
In her most recent position, Williamson oversaw wellness and counseling services, residence life and student safety, Campus Ministries, the information center, student support services, the work-based learning program, Upward Bound, Talent Search and student leadership, involvement and inclusivity.
Williamson’s legacy includes supporting Central students through campus life during a global pandemic. She also led the efforts of Central’s Building a Culture of Inclusion initiative, setting a firm foundation for the college’s continuing work on equity and inclusion for students, faculty and staff. Under her leadership, the college introduced a successful new tuition pricing strategy and initiated the Central Ready program, an independent learning and living program for students with special needs. Williamson also has been involved in the Pella community, volunteering with the historical society, Tulip Time and more.
Peggy Fitch, professor emerita of psychology, concluded her successful career at Central in June. Most recently, Fitch served as professor of psychology and Title IX coordinator and equity officer. She also led the Building a Culture of Inclusion initiative. Over the years she served a variety of administrative and academic roles. She accepted the role of vice president for student development in 2012 and the Title IX coordinator role in 2014.
Fitch’s commitment to service learning was recognized twice by the Iowa and Minnesota Campus Compact. She taught Central’s first-year intersections courses for 11 years as well as courses about inequity and social change, developmental psychology and more. She held the Kenneth J. Weller Distinguished Professorship in Liberal Arts from 2007 to 2010 and received the Outstanding Performance Award for Institutional Service and chaired the diversity task force. She was an advocate for students.
“Central has been blessed to have benefited from the amazing work of Carol and Peggy,” says Mark Putnam, Central president. “They have advised and supported so many students. I want to express my appreciation for both and how they’ve made a last impression on the college.”
