Dr. Favara first became acquainted with Central Christian College of Kansas when he attended Central College as a student in 1987. During that time, he was a member of the Cross Country team and served on Student Government as the Christian Life Director. He graduated both with an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Ministry.
Over the past 20 years, Favara has served under a number of titles including Coach, Dean, Professor, Pastor, Provost, and now President. During that time, Favara also completed a Master of Science from Kansas State University and then went on to complete a Doctorate in Philosophy in Psychology, with a specialization in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, from Northcentral University in Scottsdale, AZ.
In the local community, “Lenny” has been a proud supporter of McPherson and the surrounding area. Currently, he serves on the Hospital Board and the United Way Board. Though, if asked, he would tell you that some of his most enjoyable memories stem from his time with the McPherson Community Theatre directing such favorites as Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady, Honk, and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. When not directing from behind the scenes, you may find him down at the Cosmosphere where he volunteers in the education department.
Demonstrating a deep commitment to student success and a great appreciation for the college’s historical context and mission, Dr. Favara is passionate about guiding the college and preparing it for its next 135 years of service. His first year at the helm has been one defined by growth, excitement, and service.
Dr. Favara is married to Dr. Deanna (Martin) Favara, daughter of Kenneth, CC’61, and Vida Martin. Having served in a number of roles at Central Christian including Administrative Assistant to Student Development, Resident Director Online Instructor, and Director of Dual-Credit, “Dea” now looks forward to serving the campus community as First Lady. Having met at Central Christian, the two recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. They have two children: Jeremiah & Joseph.
The First Family | (L to R) Jeremiah, First Lady Dea, President Favara, and Joey
EDUCATION
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (A.A.)
GENERAL STUDIES | MAY, 1989
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.M)
MINISTRY | MAY, 1991
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY
MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)
INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL
PSYCHOLOGY | AUGUST, 2003
NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.)
INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL
PSYCHOLOGY | APRIL, 2009
10 FUN
- Raced mountain bikes
- Worked as a manny
- Performed at Disney World
- Trekkie
- Enjoys quilting & yardwork
- Music: Eclectic – Techno, Jazz, Classical, 90’s, Swing, etc.
- Nearly failed college intro to psychology (got a D)
- Loves Thai food (hot)
- Hero: Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Rock climber
- Became a certified scuba diver in high school
- Placed in the county fair
- Can make fudge with pinto beans
- Sings alto and plays keyboard
- Holds a Doctorate of Naturopathy
- Has a wide collection of bats (mammal)
- Can roof a house
- Was a foster mother
- Loves rain, snow, and storms
- Loves motorcycles, four-wheelers, and roller coasters – The bigger the better
1987-1991 – Student at Central Christian College of Kansas (CCCK)
1990-1991 – CCCK cross country coach
1991-1993 – Youth Pastor and Conference Director of Youth Ministry Cape Coral Free Methodist Church – FL Conference (Cape Coral, FL)
1992-2000 – National Administrator for National Student Ministries Free Methodist Church of North America
1992-1993 – CCCK admissions counselor
1993-1996 – Minister to youth and director of Christian Education Aurora Free Methodist Church (Aurora, CO)
1996-2000 – Pastor of Creative Arts and Youth Light & Life Chapel (Williamsport, PA)
2000-2011 – CCCK instructor and coach
2011-2018 – CCCK chief academic officer and instructor
2018-PRESENT – CCCK president
