NCC is considering a major identity change: a transition from “college” to “University.”
The possibility comes as the Naperville institution continues to expand its academic and campus offerings, including graduate programs, a new dining hall and other modern amenities. College leaders say a name change could increase the institution’s visibility, strengthen recruitment and better reflect its growth.
North Central has used its current name since 1926. The institution changed its name from North-Western College in an effort to distinguish itself from Northwestern University. Its history dates back further to 1861, when it was founded as Plainfield College.
Now, nearly a century later, the administration is examining what a new identity could mean for the institution.
President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá said North Central’s location in Naperville provides an opportunity to strengthen the school’s visibility and identity. He also said the “University” designation could help the institution stand out within Illinois higher education and among employers and recruiters.
Ultimately, Gòkè-Paríolá said the goal is for students to receive a diploma that carries the “weight” associated with a university.
Despite the possibility of a name change, the administration says the undergraduate experience that defines North Central would remain intact.
Current Thoughts
Gòkè-Paríolá emphasized the importance of maintaining the school’s close student-professor relationships and described the vision as becoming “a university with a soul of the college.”
James Godo, vice president for Communication and Marketing, echoed that sentiment. “We’re not changing anything, but the name is to reflect more of who we are,” Godo said.
Students also appear to view the possible transition as an opportunity for growth, while expressing concern about preserving the culture that currently exists on campus.
Following a recent meeting with Gòkè-Paríolá’s leadership team, Student Governing Association President Gwennie Gilbert said she supports the potential change.
“I believe that the name change of North Central from College to University will elevate our school’s reputation,” Gilbert said, citing the institution’s growing enrollment and expanding accredited programs.
For student-athletes, the school’s name carries an especially visible significance. Players represent North Central every time they compete, wearing the institution’s name across their uniforms.
Jocelyn Trotter, a member of the women’s basketball team, said that responsibility gives the name added meaning.
“With the North Central name on my jersey, it feels much bigger than me,” Trotter said. “Being an athlete here means representing the college at all times.”
Trotter also said that changing “College” to “University” could influence how the institution is perceived in collegiate athletics. The word “University,” she said, can create an immediate impression of a larger institution and could potentially influence how opposing teams and recruits view North Central.
At the same time, Trotter expressed concern that continued growth could affect the close-knit atmosphere that currently characterizes the campus.
“I think, or at least hope, the culture would stay the same,” Trotter said. “But with more students, it could get harder to keep the close-knit community that makes North Central what it is.”
There is currently no set date for a possible transition. Gòkè-Paríolá said a proposal of this magnitude would ultimately have to go before the Board of Trustees. Because the board meets periodically, the timing of any decision remains uncertain yet imminent.
Should a name change be approved, however, current students and alumni would not necessarily be left with an outdated degree.
According to Gòkè-Paríolá, graduates would be able to request a replacement diploma reflecting the institution’s new university designation at no cost.
