Local educator selected to participate in advanced placement program reading
Dr. Liza Abram Benham, a faculty member at Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio, was selected to participate in the College Board's Annual Advanced Placement Reading in US Government/Politics, held this year in Salt Lake City, Utah, last month. Each June, AP teachers and college faculty members from around the world gather in the United States to evaluate and score the free-response sections of the AP exams. During the June 2014 scoring sessions, more than 12,500 AP Readers evaluated more than 4.2 million AP exams.
AP Readers are high school and college educators who represent many of the world's leading academic institutions. The AP Reading is a unique forum in which an academic dialogue between educators is both fostered and encouraged. "The Reading draws upon the talents of some of the finest teachers and professors that the world has to offer," said Trevor Packer, senior vice president, AP and Instruction at the College Board. "It fosters professionalism, allows for the exchange of ideas, and strengthens the commitment to students and to teaching. We are very grateful for the contributions of talented educators like Dr. Benham.”
The Advanced Placement Program enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies - with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both - while still in high school. Through AP courses in 34 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to analyze complex problems, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue - skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.
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U.S. Air Force awards Central State $516,000 for training
Central State was recently awarded $516,000 for training from the U.S. Air Force through Clarkson Aerospace of Houston, Texas for a 4-year period from 2014-2017, under the Research Collaboration Program of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL).
The award enables collaborative research partnerships between AFRL , academia and industry, in areas including, but not limited to materials and manufacturing and aerospace sensors that engage a diverse pool of domestic businesses that employ scientists and engineers in technical areas required to develop critical war-fighting technologies for the nation's air, space and cyberspace forces through specific AFRL core technical competencies.
Central State University has been working with Clarkson Aerospace and Universal Technologies Corporation for many years on AFRL initiatives under their Minority Leaders Program (MLP).
According to the College of Science and Engineering Dean Dr. Subramania Sritharan, Central State has been very successful in training students through this program and placing them at AFRL locations for defense research work in three critical areas: (1) material testing/characterization, microelectronics/MEMS packaging and additive manufacturing;(2) advanced battery manufacturing technologies; and (3) hyper spectral imaging technologies for advanced sensors; a continuation offer of the MLP.
“The funding allows students to engage in research on campus, with the companies engaged in research and production for AFRL and in the different research laboratories within AFRL,” Sritharan said. “Students are selected from the Departments of Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Management (hyper spectral imaging, Manufacturing Engineering (advanced battery manufacturing) and Mathematics & Computer Science (hyper spectral imaging).
“Faculty experts from these departments will engage in leading the research in collaboration with scientists from other institutions and AFRL. The students are expected to carry out research on campus during the academic terms and at the different directorates of the AFRL. The students are paid for the research work during the academic term and during summer. Students learn the use of advanced scientific instrumentation, computer modelling and research techniques,” he said.
The first allocation of $75,000 is being used in the areas of material research and for studies to improve the Lithium ion battery manufacturing technologies. The remainder of the allocation, approximately $250,000, will be received based on the progress made.
As an Ohio Center of Excellence for Emerging Technologies, the advancement of this Center depends on the ability of the Center to be critical partner for advancing technologies and training the necessary work force in cutting-edge research.
“In addition, the College of Science and Engineering was awarded $3.9 million by the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish the Center of Excellence in STEM and STEM Education
(STEM-X-ED), Sritharan said. “The objective of the Center is to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers needed in the defense industry. This objective is achieved through improving STEM learning, enhancing research skills and through internship training in the defense industry. The grant from the Research Collaboration Program of AFRL enables Central State to fulfill the requirement of training the students through internships.
“Central State is unique amongst the minority institutions in having research capabilities in core technical competencies expected by AFRL. The participation of underrepresented minorities in STEM areas and particularly in defense industry is very low. The effort AFRL and DoD provide to support the university help improve this situation, he said.
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HBCUX Network to Host Bahamas First American Football Classic
For the first time, two Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) will play a football game in Nassau, Bahamas. HBCUX, a recently launched digital media network, and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism are teaming up to produce the inaugural “Bahamas HBCUX Classic.” HBCUX is planning a weekend of events this fall in Nassau highlighted by a football game and battle of the bands competition between Central State and Texas Southern Universities, preceded by a star-studded tailgate concert. The game will be held in Nassau’s refurbished 15,000-seat, multi-purpose Thomas Robinson Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2014.
HBCUX Network founded by President & CEO Curtis Symonds and General Manager & COO Clint Evans showcases the talent, diversity and value of HBCUs that have been around for 177 years. “Bringing an HBCU football game to the Caribbean will truly be a unique experience on many different levels,” Symonds said. “This is the culmination of a dream, and a combination of ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking, hard work, commitment and faith on our part as well as the Minister of Tourism Obediah Wilchcombe and his staff to advance tourism in the Bahamas. The game allows two HBCU presidents to provide a cultural experience for their students in addition to promoting their universities to a wider audience. Paramount to this experience is allowing the Caribbean and international communities to see first-hand the educational value HBCUs have to offer.” Symonds added that HBCUX Network is committed to hosting the event for the next three years.
Representing The Bahamas, the Permanent Secretary for the Bahamas Ministry of Financial Services Harrison Thompson said, “The Bahamas HBCUX Classic not only supports our goal to bring more people to our beautiful islands, but Bahamians can experience American football at home, and gain insight into what two HBCUs have to offer should one decide to continue their education in the United States.” Both schools will have staff available to speak to potential students during the weekend.
Jahan Culbreath, athletic director, Central State University said “This is a wonderful opportunity for Central State to participate in the inaugural Bahamas HBCUX Football Classic. It will allow Central State to showcase our university while broadening our reach within the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Participating and traveling to another country always adds to a quality collegiate experience for our students. We look forward to establishing new relationships with the wonderful Bahamian community.”
President of Texas Southern University (TSU) Dr. John M. Rudley, stated, “For Texas Southern University, accepting an invitation to be a part of the first American football classic in Nassau, Bahamas highlights our willingness to take the lead in educational innovation, even as it relates to athletics. This is a tremendous opportunity for Texas Southern University to showcase academic and athletic programs to the citizens of the Bahamas. Texas Southern University must chart new directions so that we can take full advantage of opportunities to introduce Historically Black Colleges and Universities athletics to individuals in places like the Bahamas and abroad.
Athletics, like academic programs and student life, can be the vehicle that we use to introduce college to high school students everywhere. One never knows the interest of the student, so why not expose them to everything we have to offer. We will do that by offering, not only an opportunity to see competitive football, but TSU will participate in a career and recruitment fair while in the Bahamas. Our Student Government Association leaders will also be on the trip.
We are especially excited and hopeful this first endeavor will create a lasting relationship between the government of the Bahamas, its citizens and Texas Southern University. We are an inclusive university and we welcome this opportunity to create long-lasting relationships and opportunities for our students.”
HBCUX Network, the Ministry of Tourism and both universities participated in a joint news conference in Nassau, Bahamas to announce the event. Symonds hopes to attract thousands of existing students, alumni and football enthusiasts to the inaugural Football Classic. Tickets to the game start at $25.00. HBCUX Network will be offering packages starting around $375.00 for a two-night hotel stay at the Atlantis resort, transfers, game tickets and a one month subscription to the HBCUX Network.
HBCUX Network headquartered in Washington, DC, is a 24/7, education, entertainment, lifestyle and sports programming network. The programming includes original series, student productions, music, movies and specials. HBCUX Network is an advertiser and subscription supported service, with a portion of the proceeds generated going to scholarship funds to attend HBCUs.
The Bahamas, located 50 miles off the east coast of Florida, is an ecological oasis featuring 700 islands over 100,000 square miles of ocean with the world’s third largest barrier reef and the clearest water on the planet—with a visibility of over 200 feet. The Bahamas attracts almost six million international visitors each year.
Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, is one of the nation's oldest historically black universities, with a 125-year legacy of academic and athletic achievements. It is Ohio’s only predominately African American public institution of higher education but promotes diversity in its student body, faculty and staff. With the return of football to Central State in 2005, the Mighty Marauders are reviving a legacy that produced several conference championships. Central State’s move to NCAA Division II widens the university’s competitive field and provides more exposure for CSU’s student athletes. Central State’s marching band, the Invincible Marching Marauders, have twice performed at the national Honda Battle of the Bands and been featured in the 2006 film “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.”
Texas Southern University, in Houston Texas, was founded in 1927. With an enrollment of 9,700 undergraduate and graduate students, it is one of the nation’s largest historically black universities. Although initially established to educate African Americans, Texas Southern University has become one of the most diverse institutions in Texas. The TSU Tigers football team, a member of the NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference, is in a rebuilding mode with 16 new recruits for the 2014 season. "The Ocean of Soul" marching band promotes excellence and the school’s legacy is that of preparing and developing accomplished professional men and women to take their rightful place in the global society. TSU offers some of the most unique degree programs that lead to jobs of the future, including Maritime Transportation, Urban Planning, Aviation Science Management, Entertainment and the Recording Industry, Sports Management, Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
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Kentucky State and Central State to play 31st Circle City Classic®
INDIANAPOLIS – Central State University Marauders will compete against rival Kentucky State University Thorobreds in the 31st Circle City Classic® on October 4, 2014.
“We are thrilled to have these two teams and their strong bases of alumni to participate in Classic this year,” said Tanya Bell, President & CEO. “We will rally together this year in the name of football, culture, music and tradition during the first weekend of October.”
The theme for this year’s Classic is “Buy One. Send One.,” which reflects the purpose that Classic serves as a fundraiser to send Indiana students to college. “A ticket purchase will help pay for a student to attend college,” Bell said. Since 1984, more than 3 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to Indiana youth.
The Circle City Classic® game this year will feature the anticipated Battle of the Bands, one of the highlights of HBCU classics.
Kentucky State’s Marching Thorobreds Band is under the direction of Robert Griffin, Director of Bands. The Thorobreds Marching Band has performed in several classics and has participated in the Honda All-Star Battle of the Bands.
Kentucky State Athletic Director Denisha Hendricks said, “We are so excited to be returning to the Circle City Classic.® This will be a great experience for our student-athletes and the entire KSU family.”
Central State’s 150-member Invincible Marching Marauders is under the direction of Ramon Key, Director of Bands. The band has been featured in the movie “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” and has appeared at the Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase in Atlanta, GA, several football classics, and NFL performances.
“The Circle City Classic® gives Central State University and Kentucky State University the opportunity to showcase the talent of our students, as well as to promote academic achievement of two universities in the Midwest. The opportunity to participate in the Circle City Classic® is not just about the outcome of the game, but the quality academic experience the two universities provide the communities, alumni and fans. Most importantly, it is about the quality collegiate experience for the students,” said Jahan Culbreath, Director of Athletics for Central State University.
Tickets for Circle City Classic® officially go on sale Monday, April 21, 2014. Tickets are available by calling the IBE Box Office at 317.925.2702, the Lucas Oil Stadium Ticket Office at 317.262.3389, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticket Master outlet.
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Celebrate Central State Becoming an 1890 Land-Grant Institution
Members of the Ohio Delegation and Central State University President Applaud, Celebrate Central State Becoming an 1890 Land-Grant Institution
Washington, DC –– Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11), Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Congressman Michael Turner (OH-10), Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-3) and Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, President of Central State University, released the following statements to recognize the designation of Central State University as an 1890 land-grant institution in the Conference Report to H.R. 2642 – Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013:
Congresswoman Marcia Fudge:
“I am pleased Central State University has finally been granted federal land-grant status. This historic institution will be pivotal in Ohio’s agricultural research and will now receive appropriate funding to support and expand its education initiatives. Central State is well-suited to carry out the land grant mission, which will greatly benefit all Ohioans for years to come.”
Senator Sherrod Brown:
“This designation is nearly 125 years in the making and long overdue. As one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Universities, Central State University can play an important role in promoting agriculture research and education through the country. Central State University designation as an 1890 land-grant university means increased opportunities for partnerships with Ohio’s agriculture industry and increased potential for its graduates to obtain jobs in Ohio’s leading industry.”
Congressman Mike Turner:
“As Ohio’s only public Historically Black College and University, Central State University’s designation is long overdue. I want to thank my colleague Rep. Marcia Fudge for working with me to ensure that CSU and its students have the opportunity to benefit from these important programs and expand upon their proud history of agricultural education.”
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty:
"As the only alumna in history from Central State University to serve in Congress, I was honored to work with CBC Chairwoman Fudge and other colleagues to bring CSU across the finish line to join other HBCUs as an 1890 land grant university. This will afford faculty and students an enriched opportunity to not only showcase its great Water Resources Management Program but to partner with Ohio's other land grant university -- The Ohio State University."
Central State University President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond:
“Congressman Mike Turner’s tireless efforts on behalf of Central State led directly to this designation, and we at the University are extremely grateful for his efforts. Sincere appreciation is extended to Congresswoman Marcia Fudge and her staff, whose efforts were pivotal in garnering support among members of Congress across the country. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Representative Fudge clearly understands the important role that Central State University plays in affording educational opportunities for Ohio students, especially underserved populations. In addition, we are so proud of Congresswoman Joyce Beatty not only for her stellar representation as an alumna, but also because of her tenacity and leadership toward the uplift of all Ohio citizens. Furthermore, Central State University, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students are immensely grateful for Senator Sherrod Brown’s leadership, the perseverance and his dedication in support of CSU receiving land-grant status.”
A land-grant college or university is an institution designated by Congress to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890; Central State University falls under the latter. The Morrill Acts provided federal land sold by the state to fund agricultural studies at public colleges and universities.
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Local educator selected to participate in advanced placement program reading