Featured Works

President Mark Putnam’s work has been featured in publications around the globe and in major United States markets, providing valuable perspectives on a wide range of higher education issues. His book, “Leading Across the Arc of Time,” reflects his deep commitment to thoughtful leadership as he shares insight to help institutions navigate complex challenges.

Civitas: The Courage To Change

Central has an amazing history of developing people who build the courage necessary to say, “Let’s do something hard.” Civitas, Feb. 22, 2013.

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Living at the Edge of Risk

Published by Daily Gate City, serving Keokuk, Iowa, and the Tri-State area, Dec. 6, 2012. I set aside some time recently to watch the Ken Burns documentary series, “The Dust Bowl,” which aired on PBS. The promotional text describing the series reads…

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The Search for Authentic, Relevant Community: The Journey of Young Adults

President Mark Putnam thoughtfully reflects on deepening the relationship between the church and the emerging generation of young adults in Perspectives, a journal of Reformed Thought. What will it take? Read The Search for Authentic, Relevant Community: The Journey of Young Adults.

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The Art of Relational Learning

Relationships are Central. In Civitas, President Mark Putnam addresses Central College’s history of dedication in creating an environment for learning rich in relationship, active in engagement and increasingly without borders.

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An Army of Activists

In Civitas, President Mark Putnam shares stories of actively engaged citizens and the innovative culture of Central College graduates who value lives of service.

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Education for Democracy

Education For Democracy This publication was developed out of a series of essays focused on education reform, originally posted on Mark: my words and written by Central College President Mark Putnam in spring 2012. As federal, state and local governments contemplate policy and funding changes for education at all levels, this publication is intended to […]

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Integrated Learning

President Mark Putnam introduces the new model of integrated learning at Central College in Civitas.

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Integrated Learning

Inside Higher Ed, April 19, 2012 In a piece requested by editors at Inside Higher Ed, a national online source for news, opinion and jobs for all of higher education, President Mark Putnam speaks to his experience at Central College, the future of private liberal arts colleges and why people and relationships matter in education. […]

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Education Reform Larger Than 1 Approach

Published in The Cedar Rapids Gazette, March 18, 2012 The Gazette published a version of President Mark Putnam’s fourth essay in a series on education reform.

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Let’s Go

Published in Civitas, Feb. 17, 2012 International travel can be intimidating at first, but once you have crossed our nation’s borders, your life will be different. I know this not only from my personal experience, but also from students and alumni who eagerly tell stories of their experiences exploring the world. Read more

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