The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Leonard “Lenny” F. Favara as the 14th president of Central Christian College of Kansas. Favara was chosen following a thorough search and selection process. He takes over the post on a permanent basis after serving as interim president since June 2018.
Favara has dedicated much of his life to the Central Christian College community, and college officials said they are looking forward to his leadership as president. He was the student body chaplain when he was a student, and he has continued to serve in many capacities at Central for more than 20 years. Favara has taught and mentored students in the classroom, in residence living, and on the athletic fields, as well as most recently serving as provost. The board, faculty, staff and students are filled with great anticipation for the future under his leadership, according to a college news release. College officials said Favara has demonstrated commitment and dedication to the college’s past, and his passion and vision for the college’s future make him an outstanding choice as the next president.
Dr. Gary Anderson, the board chair and a 1972 Central graduate, affirmed the appointment.
“President Favara brings strong leadership skills, a career filled with many successes and much passion and vision for Central Christian College,” Anderson said. “We are confident that Lenny is the right person to lead our college well into the future.”
An ordained elder of the Free Methodist Church – USA, Favara comes with an extensive educational background, which began at Central Christian with earning an associate’s degree and later, as a member of the first four-year graduating class, he also earned a Bachelor of Science in ministry. In 2003, he graduated from Kansas State University with his Master of Science. Most recently, in 2009 he received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in psychology, with a specialization in industrial and organizational psychology, from Northcentral University in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Humbled and honored to begin this new role at Central Christian, Favara said, “Scripture tells us that God orders our steps. Therefore, I trust God’s timing and submit to His design during this important juncture in the history of this great institution. Dea and I stand ready to take on the enormously exciting challenge of running the next portion of the race set before us.”
Favara is married to Dr. Deanna “Dea” (Martin) Favara, daughter of Kenneth, a 1961 Central graduate, and Vida Martin. Having served in a number of roles at Central Christian including administrative assistant to student development, resident director at Parsons Hall, online instructor and director of dual-credit, she now looks forward to serving the campus community as first lady. Having met at Central Christian, the two recently celebrated their 29th anniversary. They have two children, Jeremiah and Joseph, who started kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary School this year.
Affiliated with the Free Methodist Church – USA, Central Christian College was founded in 1884. The institution operates in McPherson, Kansas, and fulfills its mission to provide “Christ-centered education for character.” To read more about the institution’s legacy, mission and activities, visit centralchristian.edu.
