Central State University Inaugurates 1890 Land-Grant Advisory Council to Strengthen Research and Extension Impact Across Ohio

Nine members of the 17-member council were present for the inauguration activities recently. They are (from left to right): Jamie Arthur, Jarel Bartig, Brad Ostrander, Morris Brown, M.D., Susan Colbert, Cheryl Wheeler, Tia Stuart, Tim Hicks, and Kenneth Tyree. 

Central State University officially inaugurated its 17-member 1890 Land-Grant Programs Advisory Council recently during a day-long orientation that immersed members in the University's Extension and Research enterprise and underscored their role in shaping the future of the institution's Land-Grant mission. The council will provide strategic guidance to help maximize the impact of Extension and Research programs serving communities across 42 Ohio counties.

Welcoming council members to campus, Central State University President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti reflected on the University's historic journey to becoming an 1890 Land-Grant institution and emphasized the importance of the council's work to the continued growth of Land-Grant Programs.

"You can help guide us," Kuti told members. "We are counting on you to hold us accountable on the things we are doing, to make sure we are doing it right." He described the council's engagement as critical to ensuring the University remains responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. 

"You can help guide us. We are counting on you to hold us accountable on the things we are doing, to make sure we are doing it right."  -- President Kuti

Throughout the day, council members gained firsthand exposure to the breadth of Central State University's outreach and research activities.

Extension sessions highlighted farmer education and mentorship programs, urban agriculture and food security initiatives, youth development and entrepreneurship efforts, and community and economic development strategies designed to strengthen Ohio communities. 

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Research presentations showcased innovation in specialty crop production, corn genetics, local food systems, soybean industry development, watershed stewardship, environmental sustainability, forestry, and natural resource management. Members also met research faculty and learned how students are being prepared as the next generation of scientists and scholars

"The full day spent on CSU's campus gave council members an opportunity to appreciate the scope of both Extension and Research work taking place not only on campus, but across more than 40 counties throughout Ohio," said Council member Dr. Morris Brown. "We came away impressed by the dedication, expertise, and impact of the people carrying out this important work every day."