By Alissa Paolella, Communications Manager

On March 6, Central State University stepped boldly into a new chapter with the inauguration of its 10th President, Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti.  

The ceremony was a vibrant celebration filled with enthusiasm, highlighting the rich history of Central State, its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, and the bright future that awaits under Dr. Kuti’s visionary leadership. Excitement filled the air as the University community came together to embrace this momentous occasion and the possibilities that lie ahead. 

Dr. Kuti’s connection to Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution dates to 1982, when he arrived on campus as an international student from Nigeria. His journey, as recounted by Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Amy Hobbs Harris in her introduction, was shaped by the relationships he built with faculty who saw his potential and guided him along his path. “One of my favorite stories is about his professor who always kept packets of snacks in her office,” Hobbs Harris shared. “He went for the snacks but stayed for the conversation. And it was through those conversations that he built a relationship that changed the course of his life.” 

This emphasis on personal connections and mentorship is a hallmark of Dr. Kuti’s leadership style. As Hobbs Harris noted, “Watching Dr. Kuti’s impressive curiosity, his care for others, and his commitment to this Institution is truly inspiring.” 

In his address, President Kuti laid out a bold vision for Central State, centered on transforming the University into a “Destination Learning Environment” — a place where students, faculty, and staff thrive in an environment that fosters success, innovation, and integrity. 

Dr. Kuti reflected on the University’s motto, “Veritas et Lux” (Truth and Light) and “Recta et Honor” (Straight and Honor), emphasizing that these values will serve as guiding principles in his leadership. “Truth requires us to pursue academic knowledge, while light brings clarity. Together, they illuminate the path to success,” he said. 

He also underscored CSU’s strategic importance as one of only four public 1890 Land-Grant Universities in the Midwest, serving a region with a population of 76 million people. While Central State welcomes students from across the U.S. and 15 foreign countries, Dr. Kuti emphasized that strengthening recruitment in Ohio and surrounding states is essential for the University’s growth. 

To enhance academic excellence, Dr. Kuti announced a comprehensive academic program review to ensure the University’s offerings align with student interests, regional workforce needs, and financial sustainability. He highlighted plans to launch CSU’s Allied Health programs, introducing stackable credentials and certificates that will prepare students for immediate employment in healthcare fields while they pursue their degrees. 

Additionally, the Institution is adapting to the evolving job market by integrating artificial intelligence literacy and digital skills training into the general education curriculum, ensuring graduates are prepared for careers in emerging industries. 

Beyond academics, President Kuti emphasized strengthening student engagement and leadership opportunities. This includes revitalizing Greek life — aiming to bring all nine Divine Nine organizations to campus within 18 months — and expanding student organizations, which now number 70. “The more connections students have to campus, the more likely they are to succeed,” he said. 

As a Land-Grant and Research University, CSU is committed to expanding its research capacity. Dr. Kuti announced the establishment of master’s programs in Humanities and Agricultural Sciences in 2026, with additional programs in Engineering Management and Computer Science to follow. 

The University’s faculty are already making significant strides in research. He highlighted the work of Dr. Sakthi Kumaran, who is using advanced technology such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to improve agricultural productivity. CSU’s Research and Demonstration Complex is also leading initiatives in bee genetics, specialty crops, and environmental stewardship. 

In recognition of Central State’s growing research impact, the University was recently designated as a Research College and University in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications — a milestone that underscores its expanding influence in the academic and scientific communities. 

Financial sustainability and operational excellence 

President Kuti reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the University’s financial stability through prudent resource allocation and strategic growth initiatives. He expressed gratitude to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey, and state education partners for their steadfast support in advancing Central State’s mission. 

A key component of his administration’s approach is the Marauder Ethos, a University-wide commitment to excellence in customer service, engagement, and continuous improvement. This initiative aims to ensure that every interaction within the CSU community is guided by three core principles: 

• Respectful engagement: Treating every individual with dignity and professionalism. 
• Responsiveness: Addressing needs efficiently and effectively. 
• Continuous improvement: Striving for excellence in all aspects of University operations. 

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A partnership between the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), Central State University in Ohio (CSU) and local mental health agencies has been formed to address the growing mental health needs of K-12 students in the region.  

The new initiative, the Cincinnati Mental Health, Education, and Successful Urban Relationship Expansion in the Schools (MEASURES) program, will work to expand the behavioral health workforce and create inclusive, supportive environments for students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. 

The MEASURES program — funded by a three-year, $3.75 million grant from the Department of Education — aims to address critical gaps in the mental health and educational landscape by providing tuition stipends for UC graduate students majoring in school and mental health counseling, school psychology and social work. UC partnered with CSU to create a pipeline for CSU students to address the diversification of the school-based behavioral health workforce.   

Training students in these disciplines, program administrators say, is crucial to supporting students in high-need schools, especially those in diverse communities within CPS, where there is an increasing demand for mental health services. 

“The need for mental health services in our schools is at an all-time high, and we must ensure we have a workforce capable of meeting the unique challenges facing students today,” says the grant’s co-author Amanda La Guardia, an associate professor in UC’s School of Human Services.  

“This is a strategic approach to preparing future professionals who will be equipped to create culturally inclusive, identity-safe environments in our schools, fostering the mental well-being of all students,” says Dana Harley, co-author and UC professor of social work.     

The program will focus on four key goals: 

1. Recruitment and support: Identify, recruit, select and financially support 45 students (9 per year) from diverse backgrounds to enter the MEASURES program. Students will focus on school counseling, school-based mental health counseling, school psychology and school social work disciplines, addressing the critical shortage of school-based mental health providers in K-12 education. 
2. Career education: Provide local education agencies with mental health career education, particularly for high-need K-12 secondary populations, encouraging students to explore careers in behavioral health. 
3. Inclusive practices: Prepare mental health providers to use evidence-based methods to implement inclusive practices and create culturally and linguistically responsive, identity-safe environments for students. 
4. Strengthening partnerships: Foster a stronger multidisciplinary collaboration between the partners to cultivate a diverse mental health workforce that reflects the needs of students in urban schools. 

“Through this collaboration, the MEASURES program is set to make a lasting impact on both the mental health field and K-12 education, ensuring a future generation of mental health providers who are not only skilled but also dedicated to promoting equity and inclusivity in schools,” says La Guardia. 

Feature Image: Photo by Liza Summer from Pexels

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Central State University is gearing up for its highly anticipated Homecoming Week, running from Oct. 7-12. This year’s theme, the Maroon & Gold Experience, invites alumni, students, and community members to celebrate the Marauder spirit with various engaging events.  

Tuesday, Oct. 8 

• 6-8 p.m., Student Government Association Inauguration, University Student Center Ballroom 

Wednesday, Oct. 9  

• 7 p.m., Central State University Chorus Concert at 7 p.m., Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center 

Thursday, Oct. 10  

• 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Visiting Alumni Day, Central State University 

• 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Jammin@Noon sponsored by Fidelity Investments, University Student Center Game Room  

• 2:30-3 p.m., Unveiling of the Marcella A. Sampson ’74 Plaque, Office of Career Services, Second Floor, University Student Center  

• 7-9 p.m. Mister and Miss CSU Coronation, Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center 

Friday, Oct. 11  

• 10 a.m. shotgun start, Ron Cosey Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing, Locust Hills Golf Club 

• 10 a.m.-midnight, Vendor Fair, Madison W. Beacom/Gaston F. Lewis Gymnasium parking lot 

• 1-3 p.m., Athletic Hall of Fame Luncheon*, University Student Center Ballroom 
  honoring inductees Chantel White-Lawrence, Jerry Parker, Bridgette Edwards, and Aja Lewis 

• 3-7 p.m., Marauder Athletics Homecoming Day Soiree*, University Student Center Ballroom 

• 8-11 p.m., “Coachella” Homecoming concert featuring Kamry, K Stylist, Dreezy, Sada Baby and Skilla Baby, Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium

Saturday, Oct. 12 

• 8 a.m., Annual CSU National Alumni Association Scholarship Breakfast followed by the National Alumni Association Meeting, Norman E. Ward Center Ballroom  

• 10 a.m.-midnight, Vendor Fair, Beacom/Gaston Gymnasium parking lot 

• 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m., Homecoming parade, campus-wide 

• 1-4 p.m., Football game against Clark Atlanta University*, William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium  

• 7 p.m. Last Stomp Greek Step Show*, Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium  

For a complete schedule of events and ticket information, visit the CSU Homecoming website at centralstate.edu/student-services/homecoming.  

Join us as we celebrate unity, pride, and tradition during Central State University’s Homecoming 2024! 

*Tickets are required for select events and may be purchased online at https://www.centralstate.edu/get-event-tickets. Cash is not accepted for ticketed events. 

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By Kimberly N. Jones

Interim Vice President

Central State University

WILBERFORCE — Dr. Morakinyo Kuti’s journey to the presidency of Central State University has been as diverse and enriching as the Institution he now leads. From his early days growing up in Nigeria to becoming an esteemed alum of Central State in 1985, Kuti’s path has uniquely prepared him for the role of the University’s 10th president.

Kuti, who began his Presidency on July 1, brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the Institution’s future. Most recently serving as the vice president of Research and Economic Development, Kuti has already made significant strides in fostering innovation and addressing societal needs through research initiatives. 

Kuti graduated from Central State University with a Bachelor of Science, earning a Master of Business Administration with an International Business concentration from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, in 1987. In 2017, Kuti earned his doctoral degree in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University.  

At the heart of Kuti’s approach is a strong belief in leveraging research to tackle pressing societal issues. He emphasizes the importance of identifying problems that research can solve, ensuring that resources — particularly talented individuals — are directed toward these goals. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering researchers, faculty, and staff with the necessary tools and support to drive innovation.  

Under his guidance, Central State University is set to expand its research capabilities and launch new programs to address critical disparities in healthcare and other societal issues.  

Journey to Central State University

Born out of a profound understanding of the transformative power of education, Kuti’s journey began when he left home at age 10 to attend boarding school in Nigeria. This experience shaped his life, instilling in him a deep appreciation for the educational environment and its impact on students.

“Leaving home started my educational journey as a student and let me understand the power of education,” Kuti said. “From that day forward, I’ve always realized the importance of the physical, emotional, and educational environment necessary for students to succeed.”

His arrival at Central State University seven years later, in 1982, marked the beginning of a long connection to the Institution. Under the mentorship of former Presidents, Kuti witnessed firsthand the evolution of Central State — from enrollment growth to campus revitalization. Those who impacted Kuti’s career included former Presidents Dr. Lionel H. Newsom (1972-1985), Arthur E. Thomas (1985-1995), John W. Garland, Esq. (1997-2012), and Cynthia Jackson-Hammond (2012-2020), Dr. Jack Thomas (2020-2023), and Dr. Alex B. Johnson (2023-2024).

“Dr. Lionel Newsom was the President of the University when I first arrived — a remarkable man, a gentleman, and we all looked up to him as the President of the University. He was always someone you gravitated toward as a leader,” Kuti said. “Though Dr. Thomas was completely different from Dr. Newsom, I came to appreciate his style of leadership in being a forceful advocate for the University.”

He continued, “Then, I saw how John W. Garland grew the University from less than 900 students to about 2,500 students when he left. He had a remarkable run, not just in student enrollment growth, but also the physical transformation of the University campus.”

Kuti also worked under Jackson-Hammond, who guided the University out of fiscal watch during her tenure. “I saw all these different presidencies and how they affected the University. I was able to learn from each one. In some cases, you learn what to do; in others, you learn what not to do, which is sometimes just as important.”

Throughout his career, Kuti’s commitment to education and leadership in higher education never wavered. Pursuing a Ph.D. reinforced his dedication to educational leadership, informed by theories of social equity — how to treat people equitably in society — and policy feedback — how to implement public policy to improve society. His tenure as a faculty member and a senior staff member further solidified his understanding of Central State’s mission and the pivotal role of the community in shaping its future.   

Diversity and inclusion are foundational to Central State’s mission. Kuti’s personal experiences and scholarly insights into social equity inform his approach to supporting underrepresented students. “For society to prosper, everyone must have equal access to educational opportunities,” Kuti asserts. His commitment to removing barriers and creating an inclusive environment underscores Central State’s role in empowering all students to succeed.

Looking ahead, Kuti emphasized the importance of strategic planning in guiding Central State’s future. “Our strategic plan will be the roadmap for the next five years,” he explained. In collaboration with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders, Kuti aims to develop a plan that reflects shared goals and aspirations over the next nine to 12 months. 

As Central State expands its footprint in Ohio and beyond, Kuti highlights the University’s role as an 1890 Land-Grant Institution committed to academic excellence, research, and community engagement.

“Central State has Extension agents in 42 of 88 Ohio counties, addressing critical issues from agriculture to economic development,” he said. This statewide presence exemplifies the University’s commitment to serving diverse communities and driving positive change.

“As a Land-Grant University, we’re compelled to improve the lives of individuals in our communities by using the knowledge we’ve created through research,” Kuti added. “As a University among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we produce more than our fair share of African American students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). As a University, we’re small, but we have a major impact across Ohio.”

One focus for the future is to enhance the Central State University-Dayton location, which houses the Workforce Training and Business Development Center.   

Kuti said, Central State intends to become a regional presence in the Miami Valley and beyond by collaborating with organizations such as the Dayton Development Coalition, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, and the Southwest Ohio Strategic Council of Education.

As an alum and now President, Kuti’s vision for Central State University is clear: to enhance the student experience, foster academic excellence, and ensure the University’s long-term sustainability. “Our goal is to improve the quality of our student experience and their academic outcomes,” Kuti emphasized.  

Central to this vision is the implementation of guided pathways, aimed at supporting student success from enrollment to graduation. This initiative reflects Kuti’s belief in creating a supportive educational environment where every student can thrive. 

Beyond academics, Kuti is committed to fostering a culture of research and innovation at Central State. “Research at Central State aims to address societal needs,” he explained. Through strategic initiatives and interdisciplinary collaboration, Kuti aims to position Central State as a hub of innovation, tackling pressing issues and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. 

The post Central State’s new President sets vision appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

WILBERFORCE, Ohio –  A nationwide search led to Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Ph.D., Central State University’s own vice president for research and economic development and director of Land-Grant Programs.

Kuti’s appointment as the 10th president of Central State University marks a new era of research and innovation for the institution. With his extensive experience and track record of success, Kuti is well-equipped to lead the university in fulfilling its mission of providing [high] quality education and opportunities to underrepresented students.

As an 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State has a unique responsibility to educate and empower students in the agricultural and food science disciplines. Kuti’s dedication to this mission is evident in his efforts to secure funding for the university, which has been used to enhance the physical infrastructure and support faculty research. Additionally, his programs have provided scholarships and experiential learning opportunities, ensuring that students have the resources and support they need to succeed.

Under Kuti’s leadership, Central State achieved significant growth in external awards and has climbed the ranks in the National Science Foundation survey. This recognition is a testament to Kuti’s ability to foster a culture of research and innovation within the university. By securing funding and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, Kuti has created an environment where faculty and students can thrive.

Kuti’s commitment to supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields is commendable. Through his programs, hundreds of students have been able to pursue their dreams and enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies. By providing mentorship, resources and opportunities, Kuti has empowered these students to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

With his educational background in finance and public policy, Kuti brings a unique perspective to his role as the president of Central State University. His expertise in these areas will be invaluable in guiding the university’s strategic plan and ensuring its long-term success.

Dr. Alex Johnson, interim president of Central State University, has expressed confidence in Kuti’s ability to lead the institution. With his proven track record and dedication to the university’s mission, Kuti is poised to make a lasting impact on Central State and continue its legacy of excellence.

As the 10th president of Central State University, Kuti said he is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With a focus on research, innovation and student success, he is committed to taking the university to new heights and ensuring that it remains a beacon of excellence in Ohio and beyond.

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Wilberforce, Ohio – Central State University will hold its annual College Preview Day on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Madison W. Beacom/Gaston F. Lewis Gymnasium (1400 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce). Check-in will start at 8 a.m.

Registration for the free event, which is open to the public, will remain open until 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20. 

The event allows attendees to learn about the University, speak with current students and faculty, and experience a typical day of college life. Lunch and a Marauder football game (vs. Lane College) are included. 

Activities throughout the day include academic showcases, where attendees can disperse to colleges of their choice for Q&A sessions and interactive lab experiences; information sessions on admissions, financial aid, and campus life and an overview of academic programs (including speakers from such departments as the Honors College); and a meet-and-greet with faculty, staff, and current students.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their official high school or college transcripts for on-the-spot acceptance contingent upon maintaining the academic requirements of Central State University.

Students of all ages who would like to take part in College Preview Day may make a reservation via Eventbrite. 

“We’re expecting students to come from everywhere,” said Director of Admissions and Recruitment Tammi Love, Ph.D. “Anywhere where we have a base or a mouthpiece.”  

Love is confident that word about the event has gone out through multiple channels and such “mouthpieces” as alumni who remain true to their Centralian pride, helping in their own ways to recruit those whom they may feel to be a good fit for Central State.

“We have a lot of alumni helping out because they love their alma mater,” Love said.

Her department nonetheless continues in its striving for further marketing pushes to ensure students of all regions and backgrounds around the nation and beyond will be aware of this upcoming event. 

Other strategies the Admissions Department leverages include recruitment specialists assigned to specific territories. This ensures that, for instance, certain high schools are kept aware of both Central State and events such as College Preview Day. 

Love suggests that students and families who want to offset the cost of lodging and travel expenses can often find opportunities for group rates and the like through their local Central State representatives. They can reach out through their high school counseling services or by contacting Central State to learn more. 

“A lot of students who come are coming with alumni,” Assistant Director for Orientation and Campus Experience Nkem Onianwah said. “Alumni are bringing out many people by the busload. The wonderful thing about this is that many of them are able to target a lot of high schools throughout Ohio and farther off, as well, such as Michigan and Indiana. These are the places that we get the most students from.”

Onianwah noted that alumni often pay out of their own pocket to help students make it to College Preview Day. 

“It’s something that keeps the alumni connected with the school and the student base,” Onianwah said. “It’s a real family.”

College Preview Day has remained a “longstanding tradition,” in Onianwah’s words, due to its “giving students a chance to see what college life will be like. It also exhibits what resources the community at Central State has here. It’s about tradition and it’s about providing the students with what information we can about how they too can become Pirates (incoming students) and Marauders.”

“I do think that Central State stands alone and holds its own,” Love said. “The uniqueness of Central State is that it does not live in a metropolis. There is a benefit to Central State sitting in the community it does sit in. The nature that surrounds it. The fact you can be in this setting and be able to focus on what you’re supposed to be doing while at college.”

Concurring with Onianwah, Love believes that “the ‘family feel’ is real here at Central State. A lot of other colleges brag about this kind of thing. But from my experience, this is one place that really gets it right. You feel it as soon as you walk onto the campus, as soon as you engage. Not every college can say this, and it be true.

“This goes a long way for young people getting ready for the future,” Love concluded. “This way they can really understand and know what that support can be like before they go off into the world outside of college later on. And, as proven by our alumni, it’s also clear that once you graduate, you’ll still be connected.”

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By Debbie Alberico

Central State University

Madison Gonzalez has found her passions — to ensure everyone with whom she works knows their voice will be heard and valued; to help others so they can, in turn, become change agents. 

Gonzalez is a Central State University rising senior and social work major in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences. She plans to graduate after the fall semester and is committed to discovering innovative ways to meet the needs of underserved communities.  

Gonzalez recently took time out of her busy schedule to share her University experience and future aspirations. 

Her face lights up when she talks about her internship in estate planning with Franklin County Probate Court. Still wearing her scrubs after a shift at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where Gonzalez is a summer intern, she smiles broadly when talking about the children and families she is honored to support. 

College has not been easy for Gonzalez, who hails from Columbus, Ohio, but she has persevered, matured, and learned more about herself than she knew possible. 

After graduating high school, Gonzalez’s heart was set on attending another university, but she found the price tag was not within her reach. So, with encouragement from alumni — her aunt, Angela Walker, ’87, and grandmother, Denise E. Scott, ’76 — Gonzalez ultimately landed at Central State, the most affordable public university in Ohio.  

It was a decision that changed the trajectory of her life.  

When Gonzalez first got to Central State, she was undecided on a major. First, she considered psychology. As psychology courses overlapped with the social work curriculum, Gonzalez began asking herself whether social work would be the right career for her.  

“The more I talked to professors, teachers, and family, the more they were encouraging me to consider social work,” Gonzalez said. “At first, I didn’t think social work would be a good fit. You hear horror stories. But I started taking classes and doing research on my own, and it was the perfect fit. … I was drawn to the flexibility I would have — I could be in a hospital, a rehabilitation center, or another setting.” 

Gonzalez said she always knew she wanted to help people. “I knew it wasn’t in the aspect of open-heart surgery,” she laughed. “It was more so in … meeting people’s needs.”  

Gonzalez said conversations with Professor Nikkita Jackson helped her narrow down the many options for careers she could follow with a degree in social work.  

Another area of interest is the growing rate of police departments using rapid response teams, which such combine the resources and knowledge of police officers, social workers, and community members to help people in crisis. “There is training and different types of situations where a social worker could be a great advocate in that space,” she said.  

Despite her race to the finish line, Gonzalez did not originally plan to graduate early.  

“When I first got here, I was going to try to figure it out and get my feet wet in college,” she said. “Quite naturally, it didn’t magically happen for me. I did fail a class, but I took that moment to be realistic with myself.    ‘You need to focus. You got here, you took a tumble, and now you will pick yourself up from there.’  

“I studied, did my homework, asked more questions, took more notes, and bounced ideas off my peers. I was doing so well that I decided I was going to get this done early.”  

During the spring semester — before Gonzalez walks with the graduating class of 2024 — she will stay busy studying to earn social work licensure. From there? The sky’s the limit.  

“I essentially want to get my foot in the door (at Nationwide Children’s Hospital) to work with children or adolescents,” Gonzalez said. “Kids are our little angels. I want to make sure they’re being advocated for because as children, they may not always have a voice. I want them to know that they’re just as important as Mom and Dad, their auntie, and their cousins. I want to help them so they can help people, too.”  

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The following statement was issued Monday, May 15, by Central State University Board of Trustees Chair Mark Hatcher:

Today, Dr. Jackson Thomas informed the Board of Trustees that he is not seeking renewal of his contract as president of Central State University.

The board thanks Dr. Thomas for his service to the university and the progress that the university has made during his time as president. The board will immediately begin plans for a search for Dr. Thomas’ successor.

The post Statement from Central State University Trustees Board chair appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

Statements provided by Central State University

Central State University President Jack Thomas, Ph.D, on May 17 informed the university’s Board of Trustees that he will not seek renewal of his contract. 

“After taking an educational sabbatical, I plan to continue serving the students of Central State University as a tenured professor, Thomas said in his letter to then board.

Thomas became the ninth President of Central State on July 1, 2020, and will remain president through the end of his term, June 30, 2023. 

Thomas’ letter to the board and Central State community follows:

“I came to Central State University in July of 2020 to an empty campus in the midst of the Global Coronavirus Pandemic. Despite the difficulties stemming from the pandemic, our University rose to the occasion and remains resilient.

“Working with my staff, faculty and others, we implemented much-needed changes to enhance the University’s academic profile, improve our infrastructure, expand our academic offerings, grow our enrollment, boost our fundraising efforts, rebrand the University, and increase corporate, community, and government outreach. We laid out a positive and progressive vision for the future with the new Strategic Plan, ‘Reach Higher, Go Further, Thrive!’

‘We delivered excellence in leadership by providing vision, strategy, direction, and focused action for the University. Working together, we have developed — and delivered on — a vision to enhance the profile of Central State through:

• – Growing corporate partnerships from 18 in 2020 to over 60 today, resulting in major gifts and pathways to internships and employment for our students
• – Creating a new strategic plan entitled Reach Higher, Go Farther, Thrive!
• – Implementing Project Innovation, a $75 million dollar expansion of the campus which includes seven new buildings through public-private partnerships – one of which has been completed, one is 80% completed, and two are currently underway
• – Launching the silent phase of a multi-million-dollar capital campaign of which nearly $14 million dollars has been raised
• – Establishing Central State Global, boosting overall enrollment from 1,800 students to over 4,800 students in two years
• – Launching the Honors College to attract highly motivated and high-achieving students across Ohio, the nation, and the world, resulting in the institution’s first Barry Goldwater, Boren, and Gilman Scholars
• – Supporting Athletics through the renovation of McPherson Stadium, installing the new artificial turf, building a new NCAA-compliant track, and constructing Jumbotron scoreboard
• – Enhancing our national and international profile through community engagement, hosting government officials on campus, and accelerating scholarly activity
• – Planning to further develop cutting-edge undergraduate, masters and doctoral degree programs
• – Diversifying our business model to adapt to an increasingly competitive higher education landscape and meeting the distance learning expectations and needs of modern students

“Every decision was always made with the best interests of our students’ future and with the overall University’s sustainability at heart. We introduced a bold strategy to enhance productivity, progress rapidly, and ensure accountability at the University. Through it all, we continue to transform students’ lives, participate in outstanding research, achieve a tremendous level of student, faculty, and staff success, and positively impact the communities in which we live, serve and learn.

“It has been a privilege serving as President during this historic period as we made monumental strides in moving the University forward. During my final days as President, I will continue to work to ensure that everything is in place for the new leadership to begin the next chapter in Central State University’s history.

As I reflect upon my time as President, I wish to thank the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni for their support throughout my leadership tenure here. It has been an honor advocating tirelessly for the University through my interactions with national and world leaders, governors, legislators, and leaders of multiple constituencies. I am grateful for the opportunity to interact with the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who make up the Central State University family. It has been a privilege serving you as President.

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By Debbie Alberico

Central State University

WILBERFORCE, Ohio – Central State University’s Career Expo was designed to inform and educate students about what to expect after graduating and on how to effectively begin a career. Scores of Central State University students perused the information tables in the University Center Ballroom on March 14, 15 and 16 at the Career Expo organized by the University’s Center of Excellence for HBCU Corporate Engagement and the Office of Career Services 

Business professionals from industries such as banking, insurance, law enforcement, transportation, government, education and others were available for impromptu face-to-face meetings with students.

“It’s a great way for students to not only learn about the value of their major, but also find out about the transferrable skills employers look for in students,” said Dr. Jack Thomas, Central State University president.   

Many Central State University alumni were in the professional ranks at the expo. Fifth Third Bank was represented by Central State University alum Taylor Elliot (Class of 2022) and Kenneth Hughes (Class of 2020). 

According to Elliott and Hughes, Fifth Third Bank values personal beliefs and needs and seeks to hire people who want to make sure their customers have the very best experiences.  

Devin Watkins, associate national bank examiner for the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of the Comptroller of Currency, who graduated from Central State in 2018, was looking for students interested in internships or full-time jobs. “The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) ensures that national banks and federal savings associations operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, treat customers fairly, and comply with applicable laws and regulations,” according to the website www.occ.gov. “We serve many economic sectors and value diversity in our workforce,” Watkins said.  

Cardinal Health’s Andre’ Love graduated from Central State University 2019 with a degree in computer science. He works in cyber security at Cardinal Health where they say, “Just the way you are is just right for us.”  According to Love, he was on campus representing Cardinal Health and looking for the best new talent to join its team. 

Kentucky’s Jefferson County Public Schools Human Resources Specialist K. Nicole Marshall and Dr. Stephanie White, diversity hiring specialist, were on hand to talk with students of any background and major.         

According to White, the JCPS not only hires teachers, but people in all areas, including business, finance and engineering. Marshall said  she was impressed with the students that she met. “They came with resumes and were well prepared to discuss their options,” she said. 

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