Diego Mateo came to North Central College hoping to serve students in communities needing support for their schools. He majored in music education and found support through the challenges he faced as a first-generation, Latinx student. His rich, varied academic experience culminated with winning a national championship in forensics and serving as the student speaker at Commencement in 2023.

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Program seeks to prepare college students for careers in teaching, particularly in high-need schools, leading naturally to an association with North Central College.

North Central College has named Dr. Marci J. Swede as its new dean of the School of Education and Health Sciences.

North Central College has been awarded a $3.2 million grant— the largest private grant in the institution’s 157-year history—from the Kern Family Foundation to develop principals and teachers who foster “cultures of character” in their schools.

North Central College provides a transformative education committed to a liberal arts tradition while preparing students to be curious and engaged. Summer undergraduate research gives students the chance to touch on all of those areas at once.