Central College’s Board of Trustees approved the following faculty promotions, effective Friday, Aug. 1, 2026.
- Anna Christensen has been promoted to associate professor of philosophy with tenure.
- Nicole Palenske Ladner has been promoted to professor of biology.
- Sara Shuger Fox has been promoted to professor of kinesiology.
- Jay Wackerly has been promoted to professor of chemistry.
Aaron Roerdink, dean of the faculty and 1997 Central graduate, presented five faculty members with distinguished awards for their outstanding leadership with students and among peers.
- Shelli Green, associate professor of kinesiology and 2007 Central graduate, received the Frank W. Moore Faculty Award for promoting student learning in the natural sciences division through teaching and/or service over time.
- Stavros Papakonstantinidis, associate professor of communication studies, received the Huffman Award for Outstanding Support of International Education. This award recognizes the contributions made by Donald and Maxine Huffman to Central’s programs in international education.
- Shelley Bradfield, professor of communication studies, received the Hutch Bearce Community-Building and Faculty Leadership Award for community building and mentorship or leadership.
- Mat Kelly, professor of art, received the Dr. John Wesselink Award for scholarship with a direct impact on teaching.
- Anna Christensen, assistant professor of philosophy, received the David Crichton Memorial Teaching Award for excellence in teaching that challenges and shapes the intellectual development in students.
“We are deeply honored to recognize these faculty members, who are devoted to serving Central students,” Roerdink says. “Their dedication to their students and to this institution goes far beyond the classroom — it lives on in the leaders, thinkers and trailblazers their teaching has helped foster.”
