Overview:
• Dr. Morakinyo Kuti, Central State University's 10th president, brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future, emphasizing research to address societal issues.
• Leveraging his diverse educational journey and mentorship from former Presidents, Kuti is focused on expanding research capabilities and enhancing the student experience to ensure long-term sustainability.
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.