The change is intended to reflect the institution’s range of undergraduate and graduate programs and professional pathways, President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá said. Adding “Naperville” is also meant to make the school’s location clearer and distinguish it in the higher-education market, according to the college.

The school said the decision followed discussions with trustees, senior leaders and other stakeholders, including donors, corporate partners, prospective students and the Alumni Board. Gòkè-Paríolá said the process was informed by data.

The name change comes after three consecutive years of record enrollment, the college reported. Over the past decade, North Central added nine advanced clinical practice programs and two post-graduate programs in fields including athletic training, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies and nursing, Gòkè-Paríolá said.

The school has more than 3,000 students and offers over 100 undergraduate majors, 74 minors and concentrations, and 29 graduate degree and certificate programs. University is often associated with institutions offering a broad range of degrees and graduate study, though the label alone does not determine a school’s size or academic quality.

Founded in 1861 as Plainfield College, the institution has changed its name three times. It became North-Western College in 1864 and North Central College in 1926. The school said the 1926 change helped distinguish it from Northwestern University in Evanston and reflected its place in the Evangelical church.

North Central remains affiliated with the United Methodist Church and describes itself as rooted in the Christian tradition, while welcoming students from different faith backgrounds.