Central State University’s Fall 2016 First-time Student Class Grows by 22 Percent
“These students are coming from 21 states and international countries - the most diverse in recent years. They are serious about their academic pursuits and we will provide all of the necessary support services to ensure their successful matriculation, graduation and job attainment, right here in Ohio," Dr. Krah said.
This Spring, Central State lowered its out-of-state surcharge by 76 percent for new incoming students. As a result, the 2016 new student class reflects a strong out-of-state contingent with the largest number of first-time out-of-state students coming from Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.
As the most affordable University in Ohio, Dr. Krah went on to say, "Central State University's quality academic programs are the best value for students seeking a rigorous rewarding collegiate experience. It is the perfect choice for any student, in-state, out-of-state and international."
The University is projecting a record incoming class for Fall 2017, as more families understand the value and benefits of a Central State University education.
Public Comments about Central State University Are Sought as the University Undergoes a Periodic Accreditation Review
Central State University is inviting the public to comment about the University in preparation for a periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency.
The Higher Learning Commission is a regional accreditation agency that accredits degree-granting institutions of higher education located in the 19-state North Central region of the United States. Institutions are evaluated against a set of standards that institutions must meet to retain accreditation. Accreditation validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution ranging from its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources.
Central State, an 1890 Land-Grant University, has been accredited by HLC since 1949. A team of peer reviewers will visit campus in March 2017 to assess the institution’s ongoing ability to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation.
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the University to the following address:
Public Comment on Central State University Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, IL 60604-1411
The public may also submit comments on HLC’s website at www.hlcommission.org/comment. Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be signed and in writing. All comments must be received by February 6, 2017.
Central State University President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond Garners Top National Award
Central State University President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond has received the prestigious recognition of being named the 2016 Female President of the Year among all historically black colleges and universities (HBCU).
HBCU Digest, a national publication dedicated to covering historically black colleges and universities, identified Dr. Jackson-Hammond at an acclaimed event held in Washington D.C. on July 15, 2016.
The national award recognizes the impact of leadership to higher education and to the progress and growth an institution has made during the previous academic year. Central State University, under Dr. Jackson-Hammond’s leadership, has had substantial media coverage regarding its engagement as an 1890 University; reduction in out-of-state fees to support college affordability; development of new academic STEM-Ag programs; and students commitment to the new branding logo of Service…Protocol…and Civility®.
Winners were selected by a panel of previous HBCU Award recipients, presidents/chancellors and media members.
Among the University’s accomplishments under President Jackson- Hammond’s leadership:
Securing $2M in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, to support the development of a well-qualified and diverse pool of students interested in agriculture/engineering.
Development of new degree programs, extension services and the new School of Agriculture to advance the University’s land-grant mission.
Completion of an energy conservation project which is saving the University $1M annually.
Opening a new $33M University Student Center, which houses a 500- plus seat dining hall, ballrooms, computer labs, administrative offices and more.
Implementing a new surcharge for CSU’s out-of-state incoming and continuing students that is reduced by more than 70 percent, making “cost of attendance” much more affordable.
President Jackson-Hammond said she is, “…grateful for the recognition and shares this award with the Central State University team who is so very committed to advancing quality educational experiences for all students.”
Central State University has been ranked among the top universities in the country according to several national rankings including US News Best College Rankings, College Choice, Affordable Schools.net and GoodCall 2016 Best Schools. For the top 50 best Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) category, CSU placed on both College Choice and the US News & World Report polls.
President Jackson-Hammond became the eighth president of Central State University on July 1, 2012, and the first female president in the 129-year history of the University. Under her leadership, the University developed and is guided by Six Compelling Priorities: provide a quality academic/collegiate experience for all students; target diverse student enrollment; improve retention rates; reduce time to degree completion; development of graduates with the knowledge, skills and dispositions for advanced studies and professional careers; and efficient and effective institutional operations.
Central State University Welcomes Two New Members to the University’s Board of Trustees
Central State University is proud to welcome two new members to the University’s Board of Trustees. The appointments, by Ohio Governor John Kasich, bring the current total number of trustees to seven voting members.
Mr. Reginald L. Fields
Mr. Reginald L. Fields is the director of communications and external affairs for the Ohio State Medical Association, the state’s largest physician-led association, where he specializes in strategic communication, brand reputation, and community outreach. He is also a community service advocate holding board appointments for several statewide organizations focused on improving the lives of people with mental health disabilities and eradicating childhood hunger.
Mr. Fields previously worked as an award-winning journalist, twice nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, the industry’s highest writing honor. He worked as a national general assignment reporter for The (Baltimore) Sun and later as the Statehouse Bureau Chief for The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, Ohio’s largest daily newspaper.
A Columbus, Ohio native, Mr. Fields earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Ohio Wesleyan University and his Master of Arts degree in Organizational Communication from Ohio University. He resides in Columbus, Ohio. He fills a vacant seat on the board.
Mr. Marlon R. Moore
Mr. Marlon R. Moore is Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer for Huntington Bank, a $76 billion regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. His organizational focus is on improving the mix of diverse talent and suppliers through strategic execution of Huntington’s diversity & inclusion strategy. Through Mr. Moore’s leadership, the diversity team is impacting the culture at Huntington by creating an environment where employees are engaged and empowered.
Mr. Moore earned a Master of Arts degree in Psychology, with a specialization in Diversity Management, from Cleveland State University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Mr. Moore was instrumental in building an award-winning Supplier Diversity program at KeyBank prior to joining Huntington. Mr. Moore recently served on the Board of Directors for the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and in 2013 was appointed to the Ohio Minority Business Advisory Council by Governor Kasich. Mr. Moore resides in Galena, Ohio and fills the seat vacated by Della Green.
CSU awarded grant from the National Science Foundation to support Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Management scholars
Central State University incoming freshmen majoring in Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Management are the focus of a new scholarship program to prepare them for graduate school or employment. The “Undergraduate Scholarships for Advancing Education Excellence” will create reoccurring scholarships for academically prepared, low-income freshmen. Recipients will receive at least $7,500 per year for four years. The program will enhance retention, persistence, graduation and job placement/entry into graduate schools of participating majors who graduate from these programs.
“This is a very needed field and Central State is the only HBCU that has a Water Resources program,” said Dr. Ramanitharan Kandiah, Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering in CSU’s International Center for Water Resources Management.
The scholarships are for in-state and out-of-state students. Interested students can contact Dr. Kandiah at rkandiah@centralstate.eduor 937-376-6260.
Central State University Ranks Among the Top 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Central State University Ranks Among the Top 50 Historically Black Colleges and Universities
College Choice, an independent online publication that publishes rankings and reviews of colleges, ranked Central State University among the best HBCUs in 2016. Schools and programs were evaluated based on publicly available information about academic quality, student satisfaction, reputation in the field, and return on investment. College Choice's rankings are designed to help prospective students make the most informed choice about where to invest their time and resources in earning their degree, according to the website.
“Students who are considering an HBCU would benefit from the traditions set forth by these universities,” according to the website. “They were created in a tradition of making their students self-reliant and encouraged them to think for themselves, making these universities more rigorous in their academic pursuits, which lead students to come out of these universities with a higher quality of education.”
College Choice noted that Central State has “one of the most diverse academic programs on the list” with four colleges spanning a variety of studies such as Jazz Studies, Economics, and Environmental Engineering. Central State is the only HBCU to offer a bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Management. The University also now offers a bachelor’s of science degree in Sustainable Agriculture.
Central State was also among the top 50 in US News & World Report’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ Rankings.
Central State University and BTL Global Institute Will Offer Three Project Management Courses
Central State University will offer two levels of project management courses to address the needs of individuals interested in understanding project management concepts and those preparing to take the PMP® or CAPM® Certification Exams.
The PMI certification exam preparatory classes offer flexible schedules and are competitively priced so that participants can choose to attend class on weeknights, Saturdays or in a hybrid schedule that includes online instruction. The offerings are part of Central State’s Workforce Development option and will be held at CSU-Dayton, 840 Germantown St. BTL Global Institute, a research and training institute based in Mason, Ohio, will be the instructors.
These classes are designed for individuals with project management experience wishing to improve their knowledge and skill and for project managers interested in preparing for the Project Management Professional or PMP® exam or the Certified Associate in Project Management or CAPM® exam.
Students will explore the five Knowledge domains and 10 Knowledge areas addressed in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®), which the PMP exam is based on. For those choosing weeknight or hybrid schedules, classes begin May 2. The program is offering an experience credit or need scholarship. Please ask for qualification requirements during registration.
This class is an ideal starting point for individuals managing projects at work or at home, while not necessarily having had formal project management training. Participants will learn the roles and responsibilities of project team members across the project life cycle and how to define and develop the foundations of a project management plan. Classes begin in July or August, depending on the format you choose.
Central State University Reduces Out-of-State Surcharge
Attending Central State University (CSU) will soon become more affordable for 44 percent of the University’s enrolled students.
Central State will lower the out-of-state surcharge by 76 percent for new incoming students starting Fall 2016. For a subset of new and returning students from counties outside of Ohio (Wayne, MI, Cook, IL and Marion, IN), the new rate will go into effect Fall 2017, when the surcharge waiver agreements expire June 2017. All other full-time, out-of-state continuing students returning Fall 2016 will see the greatest change in the cost-of-attendance as a result of the new surcharge structure. The surcharge cost will be reduced to $100 annually through graduation.
Central State University is the most affordable University in Ohio for in-state students. Now with this new surcharge structure, CSU will be one of the most affordable universities for out-of-state students. According to Dr. Stephanie Krah, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, “Many out-of-state students become residents of Ohio because of internships and employment opportunities. The goal of the surcharge reduction is to make college more affordable for students who attend Central State.”
This is the latest of several ongoing initiatives that the University is implementing to address affordability and reduce time to degree. Last year, the University launched the 15 x 8 = Graduation Campaign which encourages students to successfully complete a minimum of 15 credit hours each semester for 8 semesters. This ratio will promote college completion within 4-years for most academic programs.
Central State University Student Named Ohio’s Top Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year
WILBERFORCE, OH. – A Central State University student has won the 2016 Outstanding Student Teacher Award from the Ohio Association of Teacher Educators.
Erica Bohannon, an Early Childhood Education major, was selected as the top teacher candidate among candidates nominated from 51 Ohio universities and colleges. The award is for demonstrating exemplary teaching strategies during student teaching.
Bohannon is currently student teaching in a Head Start class at Rosa Parks Early Learning Center in Dayton. She has accepted a full-time job there after graduation in May.
“Every since I was eight years old I knew that this was my gift,” Bohannon said. She said she loves pre-kindergarten children because they are “ so innocent, pure. They just need somebody to love, care and teach them.”
Bohannon, who lives in Trotwood, Ohio and who is an academic scholar, credits her second grade teacher for getting her interested in education. She said she grew up in an impoverished community and she remembers that her teacher visited her home and let her and her family know that she cared about Bohannon’s education. “At a young age I would play school with my cousins and neighborhood kids. I had folders with their names on it and I gave them homework.”
After obtaining an associate’s degree in early childhood education, Bohannon came to Central State to work on her bachelor’s degree. At Central, “they’ve helped me to further my studies. I really appreciate the culture here.”
Dr. Maureen Brustkern, assistant professor of Early Childhood Education and Bohannon’s academic advisor, said, Bohannon’s “hard work, dedication and joyful attitude” made her a perfect choice.
Bohannon will receive her award on Thursday, March 31, at the Spring Conference of the Ohio Confederation of Teacher Education Organizations (OCTEO) in Columbus, Ohio. Her advice for others considering a career in Early Childhood Education: “ I would just say take it seriously and go in with an open mind and go in knowing you are going to impact somebody’s life.”
CSU partners with Barnes & Noble College to manage its campus bookstore
Retailer Bringing Cost-Saving Options and Expanded Services to Central State Students and Faculty
Central State University has named Barnes & Noble College, a Barnes & Noble Education Company (NYSE:BNED), as the new operator of the Central State University Marauder Zone Bookstore. The transition to new management will take effect April 15, 2016.
“Central State University is very excited to partner with Barnes & Noble College,” said Dr. Daarel Burnette, Central State’s Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer. “We are always looking for opportunities to bring affordability to our students, and this partnership will do just that. Barnes & Noble College understands the rapidly changing business model for campus bookstores and has a proven plan to deliver top-notch services while maintaining a cost-effective approach.”
Barnes & Noble College is recognized for its ability to bring innovative programs and solutions to college and university campuses. The selection of Barnes & Noble College will allow the bookstore to offer students a variety of affordable choices for course materials, including a robust in-store and online rental textbook program, an extensive selection of used and new books, as well as digital content through its Yuzu® digital platform.
In addition to a variety of cost-saving textbook options, Central State students will enjoy a campus bookstore that reflects the University’s unique brand, including an expanded selection of Central State Marauder logo apparel, snacks and beverages, art supplies, laptops and other technology products, as well as gifts for alumni, friends and family. The bookstore will also carry school supplies and other educational and reading materials and sponsor many events including author signings and poetry contests.
Barnes & Noble College will create and manage Central State’s online bookstore website, delivering an innovative, customized shopping experience so that students, faculty and alumni have the choice to shop in-store or online.
Central State faculty also will gain access to a groundbreaking online community called FacultyEnlight (www.facultyenlight.com), a streamlined textbook adoption platform that combines advanced search capabilities with detailed information on course material formats, pricing and reviews by other faculty.
Central State is one of 41 higher education institutions that Barnes & Noble College partners with in the state of Ohio, including The Ohio State University, the University of Toledo, Kent State University, Wright State University and Case Western Reserve University. Barnes & Noble College operates more than 748 campus stores nationwide.
“We’re proud to partner with Central State University,” said Patrick Maloney, President of Barnes & Noble College. “We look forward to delivering a retail and digital learning experience that will support the University’s quality academic programs in an environment that nurtures student success.”
Central State University Partners with BTL Global Institute to Offer Project Management and Leadership Training
Central State University has signed a partnership agreement with BTL Global Institute Inc. to offer a portfolio of professional development courses in project management and leadership.
The move allows the University to offer workforce development courses for business professionals seeking to augment their skills with high-demand training.
Dr. Fidelis Ikem, Dean of Central State’s College of Business, said, “The demand for project managers has not been met in our local market place. We at CSU are delighted to partner with BTL Global Institute to develop the next generation of project managers. “
BTL Global Institute is a research and training institute based in Mason, Ohio. Its focus is innovations in business, technology and leadership, and future workforce development through career-oriented professional development and training. Asha Shetty, President of BTL Global Institute, said, "BTL Global Institute is very excited about the opportunity to partner with CSU, utilizing our skills and expertise in delivering career-oriented, workforce development programs in this region and the community at large."
The first course offered will be a five-week project management course that prepares students to take the national certification test in project management. Courses will be offered at Central State University-Dayton and the main campus in Wilberforce. In addition, classes will be conducted in a traditional classroom setting, online and a Flex Option- that includes a combination of online and classroom instruction.
Central State is a regionally accredited 1890 Land-Grant University that provides a strong liberal arts foundation and STEAM curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally.
Central State University Honors its Rich History During the 129th Charter Day Convocation
Central State University celebrated its 129th anniversary on March 1 with a ceremony that paid homage to the past and celebrated the great impact the institution has on young lives.
The 129th Charter Day Convocation included an address by Traci E. Bell-Thomas, ‘92, and the induction of six distinguished alumni into the 2016 Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame. Central State University President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond told the crowd that the University community should be mindful that Central State has not persevered because of individual efforts but because of the collective energy of many.
“Let us chart our future together students,” President Hammond said. “Our future depends on each and everyone of us.”
The 2016 Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame inductees are:
Shendorah Fisher, Olalla, Wash., ‘00 & ‘03
Derrick Lee Foward, Dayton, Ohio, Class of ‘90
James N. Joyner, Upper Marlboro, Md., Class of ‘62
Rev. Dr. William Carver Lennard, Tuskegee, Ala., Class of ‘63
Dennis J. McNeal, Cincinnati, Ohio, Class of ‘66
Rosie A. Turner, Xenia, Ohio, Class of ‘81
Watch Central State's newest video to learn about the student experience on campus
President Jackson-Hammond Garners $2M in Federal Funding for STEAM initiatives
Central State University President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond has secured $2M in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service to support the development of a well-qualified and diverse College of Science and Engineering student applicant pool.
The funding spans four years and will provide academic scholarships and expanded experiences to eligible students majoring in science, technology, engineering, agriculture and mathematics. (STEAM).
The intent is to develop a highly qualified agriculture/engineering applicant pool to provide NRCS and USDA a future workforce of underrepresented talent through the integration of disciplines that apply engineering science and technology to agricultural production, conservation, and processing.
The funding supports three major projects: 1) scholarships for eligible undergraduate students engaged in agriculture/engineering science disciplines; 2) pre-college outreach pipeline programs to support the goal of producing students with integrated knowledge and experiences; and 3) participation of students, faculty and staff at conferences and experiential learning events that support agricultural sustainability, natural resources conservation and agricultural production. In addition to academic support, students will be able to engage in USDA/NRCS federal internships and contribute to the replenishment of the workforce in those agencies.
The funding will also support a more robust recruitment of middle and high school students to the University’s Seed to Bloom program to provide innovative teaching and learning activities that lead to increase interest in STEAM disciplines. Additionally, a summer residential program specifically for high school pre-college students is being designed to encourage and engender interest in Agricultural innovations.
Faculty and staff from across various disciplines are engaging in program development and the Office of Sponsored Program serves as the monitoring office for the grant.
U.S. Department of Agriculture to offer full-tuition scholarships at Central State University
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, is offering four-year full-tuition scholarships at Central State University.
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program will provide full tuition, possible employment, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to four years to selected students pursuing a bachelor's degree in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related academic disciplines. The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors.
The deadline for application is Monday, April 11, 2016. Applications are available at CentralState.edu. For eligibility requirements and more information, go to http://www.outreach.usda.gov/education/1890/index.htm
As an 1890 Land-Grant University, Central State provides liberal arts and STEMA curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies.
Civility in Action – Marauders Score On and Off the Field
Central State University’s Marauder Football Team has gotten some great praise for their off -the -field behavior.
Lamar H Murphy Jr., from Springfield, Va., met some of the players the weekend of Sept. 12 while staying at the Doubletree Hotel in Atlanta, Ga. In a letter that he wrote to CSU President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, he said, “I had occasion to be in the vicinity of, speak with and casually interact with some of the young men and coaches during their stay prior to the game with Clark-Atlanta. I was most impressed with their kindness, good humor and demeanor.“
“As a senior citizen with a limp, I often find myself invisible to many young people, but your student athletes offered help, urged me to board the elevator before them and were happy to chat with me about the team,” Mr. Murphy wrote.
He was so impressed, Mr. Murphy said, “My compliments to you and your university regarding the fine young men on your football team who represent the school and the athletic department.”
In the note was a donation to the University’s General Fund that he coined a “token of delight for having met them.”
U.S. Department of Agriculture to offer full-tuition scholarships at Central State University
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its USDA/1890 National Scholars Program, is offering four-year full-tuition scholarships at Central State University.
The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program will provide full tuition, possible employment, fees, books, and room and board each year for up to four years to selected students pursuing a bachelor's degree in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related academic disciplines. The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program is available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college and rising college sophomores and juniors.
The deadline for application is Monday, April 11, 2016. Applications are available at CentralState.edu. For eligibility requirements and more information, go to http://www.outreach.usda.gov/education/1890/index.htm
As an 1890 Land-Grant University, Central State provides liberal arts and STEMA curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies.
Central State University Ranked Among Most Affordable Selective Small Colleges for a Psychology Degree
Central State University has been named the sixth most affordable selective small college for students to receive a psychology degree in the United States.
The ranking is by Best Psychology Degrees, an online resource for gathering up-to-date information about psychology degree programs. The ranking was created using information from the National Center for Education Statistics' College Navigator database.
The online site ranked the 50 most affordable selective small colleges. Colleges were required to have an admissions rate of 40 percent or less (an indicator of selectivity) and have a student population of fewer than 3,000 students. The top 50 accredited programs were selected and ranked based on their average net price.
"Central State University embraces change; but one thing that has not changed is its continuing commitment to providing an excellent, affordable education to residents of Ohio and beyond," said Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, CSU President. "This ranking illustrates our commitment to offering quality, affordable academic programs in an environment that nurtures student success."
CSU offers a bachelor's in psychology with a universal curriculum to develop a variety of professional skills valuable to interpersonal communication and human resources development across occupations. Graduates can find pre-professional jobs working in psychiatric programs, daycare, child welfare, management, or the court system. They can also pursue advanced studies to become licensed psychologists. The full article is at: http://www.bestpsychologydegrees.com/top/affordable-selective-small-colleges-for-a-psychology-degree/
Central State University Student Accepted into the Peace Corps
A Central State University student has been accepted into the Peace Corps.
Senior Kyree Rollins will spend two years in Togo serving as a health extension volunteer working in community health and malaria prevention. His job will be to assist the Health Ministry on issues of maternal, neonatal and child health and HIV and AIDS. He will join about 25 other volunteers working in primarily rural areas of the West African country. He starts this summer.
Rollins said when he heard about his assignment, “I knew it was the perfect fit.” He has had an interest in public health since growing up as a teen in Washington, D.C. While in D.C., he was a peer educator with Metro TeenAIDS, a non-profit organization that promotes safe sex.
Rollins, who speaks French, said his high school French teacher is the one who got him interested in studying abroad. He said he is excited about the assignment because he “wants to be able to teach people what I learn there.”
Central State University’s College of Business Receives ACBSP Accreditation
Central State University’s College of Business has received its first ever 10-year accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
The accreditation covers all degrees offered in the College – Accounting, Economics and Business Administration. The Business Administration major currently has eight concentrations, including a new concentration in Agribusiness.
Notification of the recognition completed the average three to four year process in a record two years.
Dr. Fidelis Ikem, Dean of the College of Business, praised his students, faculty, staff and Business Advisory Council for their “diligence and cooperation in the effort put forth leading to the accreditation status.” He said that the College of Business “will continue to focus on preparing students through quality academic programs.
The accreditation acknowledges the University’s commitment to teaching excellence and quality improvement. Dr. Charles Wesley Ford, Jr., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs noted that, “The ACBSP accreditation recognition affirms the quality of the business program and the commitment of CSU’s highly qualified faculty.”
Acknowledgements are in order to the Office of the President, administration, faculty, staff, advisory board and students for their support and participation in achieving this accreditation.
An active Business Advisory Council provides internships and guidance to assist students prepare for full-time careers. Internships from major corporations include KeyBank, Walmart, Honda, Verizon, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo.
Central State University, Ohio's 1890 Land-Grant institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The accreditation body, ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence.
Central State University Expands its International Recruitment Efforts by Signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Leadership Institute USA
Central State University has entered into a partnership with the African Leadership Institute USA that will yield faculty and student exchanges and the international recruitment of Nigerian students. On Wednesday, the University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the ALIUSA to formalize an agreement to work together. Iyorwuese Hagher, executive director of the African Leadership Institute and former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, said the agreement comes at a time when global education is very competitive and “Africans are thirsty to get a western education.”
“For Central State to open its doors for the greater recruitment of Nigerian students…This is the future, this is the hope, this is the planting of a seed that will give birth to a big forest.”
Ambassador Hagher said that currently six Nigerian faculty members are working to come to Central State to do research. The MOU states that the African Leadership Institute will identify and help recruit qualified Nigerian students to attend CSU fulltime.
Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, president of Central State, said, “ Today is the day of a new beginning, a new creation between Central State University and our brothers and sisters in Nigeria.”
The African Leadership Institute USA is a multifaceted “think tank” that focuses on critical analyses of issues, policies and practices impacting the African continent. It has offices in Dayton and in Nigeria.
Last month, Central State signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth of The Bahamas’ Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to expand opportunities for Bahamian students to attend the University.
Two Central State Students are working with Air Force researchers to find different commercial markets for military technologies
CSU Senior Darius Lang and Senior Kristy Rochon presented their research at the 2015 Commercialization Catalyst event in Dayton to show scientists, engineers and venture capitalists different uses for technologies. Both Lang and Rochon worked on a project using chemiluminescence dye to make the writings from a wax crayon glow in the dark. Rochon has also been working on a medical application for a microfiber woven fabric that helps with fluid transfer. The projects are part of the Air Force Research Lab’s effort to find business applications. The hope is that venture capitalists will fund the next phase of research.
Central State University Employee Wins National Alumni Award
Central State University’s Director of Sponsored Programs and Research is among the inaugural recipients of the 1890 Universities Career Exemplar Award given by a national association for land-grant universities. Morakinyo Kuti is an alumnus of Central State. Hewas chosen because he was instrumental in the development of the $4.7 million Center of Excellence in STEM and STEM Education proposal funded by U.S. Department of Defense in 2010. The Exemplar Award, given by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), recognizes distinguished alumni of the 19 historically black land-grant universities who have achieved excellence in navigating their career pathway and providing mentorship to other traditionally underrepresented students pursuing similar career pathways. The awardees were nominated by their alma maters and evaluated on their commitment to their institution, individual achievement, civic engagement and impact in providing access, opportunities and mentorship to current students and new alumni. “The award truly belongs to the hundreds of students who took advantage of the opportunities that CSU provided to them. I am just a symbol of their hard work and perseverance,” Kuti said. “My Central State University education is a major reason for my success, therefore I truly appreciate the privilege to enable other students to fulfill their dreams as well.”
CSU strengthens relationship with the Bahamas
WILBERFORCE, OH. – Central State University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commonwealth of The Bahamas’ Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to expand opportunities for Bahamian students to attend the University.
The four-year agreement provides 10 four-year scholarships each year to students from the public schools in the Bahamas. The first students will enroll Fall of 2016. The Ministry of Education financed the majority of the scholarships, said Jahan Culbreath, Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Athletics. “We are anticipating to have more than 10 students a year,” he said.
This week, Central State representatives met with 2,300 students in 11 different schools in Nassau and Freeport to talk about the scholarship opportunity. The partnership is established to encourage Bahamian students to major in areas of study that are nationally in demand but are not readily available in the Bahamas, such as, but not limited to: Fine and Performing Arts, Water Resource Management, Accounting, Entrepreneurship and Engineering.
Dr. Stephanie Krah, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said it is the University’s goal to build a variety of partnerships with The Bahamas. Last year, Central State University’s football team played in The Bahamas.
CSU Interim Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Athletics Jahan Culbreath and The Honourable Jerome K. Fitzgerald, the Minister of Education, Science and Technology for The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, sign a Memorandum of Understanding expanding opportunities for Bahamian students to attend CSU starting in Fall 2016.
Central State University Hosts Event Focused on Improving Ohio’s Water Quality
Ohio Chancellor John Carey and researchers from several state universities met at Central State University on Friday and spoke about the collaborative research effort to improve the toxic algae issues at Lake Erie and elsewhere in Ohio.
At the event, representatives from The Ohio State University, the University of Toledo and Central State University provided updates on research each University is involved in and talked about the future.
Central State Kicks Off its Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Prevention Campaign
Central State kicked off its Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Prevention campaign in an effort to educate and bring awareness to students. On Friday, October 16, Central State held its first event of the campaign, “No Means Know!” Dr. Stephanie Krah, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said, “the purpose of this event was to bring awareness to students about sexual assault and domestic violence.”
Nine community organizations attended the event. They were the Ohio Domestic Violence Network; Greene County Family Violence Prevention Center; Ohio Prosecutor’s Office-Greene County Victim Witness; Buckeye Health Plan; Artemis Center; YWCA of Greater Dayton; Greene County Combined Health District; Life Connection of Ohio and the Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton.
Students who attended also had the opportunity to sign the “No means Know” banner. Krah said, “This banner signifies that our students are committed to becoming more knowledgeable on Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence prevention on our campus.”
On Oct. 20, the Ohio Department of Higher Education launched a statewide initiative designed to help all of Ohio’s Colleges and Universities prevent and better respond to incidents of sexual violence. The Changing Campus Culture Report calls for campuses to adopt five recommendations.
Central State is now in the process of planning different educational initiatives for the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Prevention campaign. There will be monthly workshops and educational programs for students to participate in. Central State will also hold two Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Prevention events in Spring 2016, including a “Take Back the Night” event.
Central State University Student Center Grand Opening
More than 300 people attended the opening of Central State University’s new Student Center today. The rush of excitement was for the new building but also for the University’s special guest Mr. Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who helped cut the ribbon and who pledged his support for the University's $30M Capital Campaign. The $33.5M facility features many amenities including a 500-plus seat dining area. Mr. Johnson said, “I am so proud to be a part of this.”
Central State University Receives Nearly $600,000 to Create an Ag-STEM Institute
Central State University will create an Ag-STEM Institute to prepare youth and college students for careers in agriculture.
Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown announced an award of $599,997 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund the program. The funds are from the Department of Agriculture’s 1890 Capacity Building Grants Program.
“The agricultural research and education fostered at 1890 land-grant institutions supports farming and production nationwide,” Brown said. “These federal resources will help Central State University continue its long tradition of providing Ohio students with a quality education that allows graduates to obtain jobs in one of Ohio’s leading industries.”
As an 1890 Land-Grant University, Central State University is expanding its highly regarded STEM curriculum to include teaching, research and extension initiatives in the area of sustainable agriculture.
The goals of the Ag-STEM Institute are to:
Increase the recruitment and retention of African Americans and minorities into Agriculture-related STEM majors at Central State
Develop a pipeline of minority graduate workforce with the appropriate technical and professional skills to fulfill the employment requirement for USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture and related Agriculture businesses in the nation.
Enhance Ag-STEM career awareness and interests for Youth in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
Cleveland.com Reports that Central State University is the Least Expensive Public College in Ohio
Central State University is the least expensive public college in Ohio, according to a report today on Cleveland.com. The distinction is based on an analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
The updated College Scorecard allows students to search and compare colleges and universities based on a number of factors such as location, size and degrees or programs. Each college or university also has other information listed including financial aid, typical total debt and the percent of the student body receiving federal loans.
The average annual net cost, at Central State, after an in-state student receives all federal, state and college aid, is $11,172. The scorecard does not rank colleges, but the media outlet did.
Senior Kyree Rollins will spend two years in Togo serving as a health extension volunteer working in community health and malaria prevention. His job will be to assist the Health Ministry on issues of maternal, neonatal and child health and HIV and AIDS. He will join about 25 other volunteers working in primarily rural areas of the West African country. He starts this summer.
CSU Senior Darius Lang and Senior Kristy Rochon presented their research at the 2015 Commercialization Catalyst event in Dayton to show scientists, engineers and venture capitalists different uses for technologies. Both Lang and Rochon worked on a project using chemiluminescence dye to make the writings from a wax crayon glow in the dark. Rochon has also been working on a medical application for a microfiber woven fabric that helps with fluid transfer. The projects are part of the Air Force Research Lab’s effort to find business applications. The hope is that venture capitalists will fund the next phase of research.
