central state university the hbcu of the midwest wilberforce ohio

About Central State University

As Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State has enriched minds and changed lives for over 135 years — always with a focus on the future. Today, we enhance opportunities for all, creating future leaders and diversifying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industries through innovative degree programs, bold research initiatives, and an extension program guided by our Land-Grant mission. Learn more

Mission Statement

Central State University a proud HBCU, fosters academic excellence within a nurturing living -learning environment and graduates a diverse population prepared for leadership, research and service in Ohio and beyond.

Vision Statement

Central State University is the premier Land-Grant institution of excellence in teaching, learning, and research that embraces diversity and innovation in a global society.

Core Values

Academic Excellence (Excellence)  
          -  Central State University pursues intellectual excellence in teaching, research, service, creative endeavors, and all aspects of operations.

Community Engagement and Outreach  (Engagement)
          - Central State University promotes processes of servant leadership, collaborative involvement, and participation to solve impactful issues of our local, regional, national, and global communities.

Cultural Responsiveness and Inclusion (Culture) - Inclusion
          - Central State University enhances the ability to learn and respectfully relate with people of their own culture and values as well as people from various other cultures and values.

Civility and Mutual Respect (Civility)
         - Central State University upholds respectful and thoughtful communication to gain a mutual understanding of concepts, philosophies, information, and ideas.

Innovation (Innovation)
          - Central State University champions creativity in all aspects of University operations.

Central State by the numbers

#1

Most affordable four-year degree in Ohio

636

Acres of campus

24:1

Student-faculty ratio

41

Academic degree programs

Liberator of minds

We are Marauders

Central State was founded over 135 years ago by free African Americans who sought to liberate others through knowledge. They named themselves after the 17th-century Marauders who freed slave ships. Today, we continue to liberate minds and inspire growth at Central State University.

Students on campus
Dr. Jack Thomas, President

 

 

Central State’s future is today, and our success is tied directly to our ability to assess the demands of tomorrow and put our best ideas into motion to meet them.

Jack Thomas, Ph.D.
President, Central State University

Our eyes are on the future

As an 1890 Land-Grant University, Central State has the resources and the commitment to drive innovation in STEM teaching and research. Our goal is to equip and uplift students, underrepresented farmers, and others to compete in a global, tech-driven market. 

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