Central State University Launches the Center for Career Exploration and Development

Central State University has introduced a new resource designed to prepare students for success beyond graduation: The Center for Career Exploration and Development. Officially launched this fall, the Center merges Career Services and the Graduate School Preparation Program into one unified hub dedicated to student growth. 

The Center provides a holistic approach to the academic journey—guiding students from the most basic professional development skills to work-study and internships, and ultimately into graduate school or careers. By combining resources and expertise into one location, Central State is investing in its students’ future success. 

“This Center ensures that every student at Central State can see the direct connection between their time on campus and their next steps in life,” said Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, President of Central State University. “It is designed to prepare them not only for graduation, but for leadership and excellence in the world beyond.” 

A Unified Vision for Student Success 

The vision for the merger came from Dr. Amy Hobbs, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Kuti, who both recognized the importance of creating a comprehensive, student-centered resource. 

Lisa Dunn, Executive Director of the Center, said the goal is to streamline professional development so that students have one clear place to turn for guidance. 

“This center brings together everything a student needs to prepare for life after graduation—career readiness, graduate school preparation, and professional development,” Dunn said. “It’s not just about finding a job or getting into a program. It’s about helping students see themselves as professionals from day one and building the habits and skills that will carry them through their careers.” 

Dunn noted that the Center is strengthened by professionals such as Sydney Williams, Esq., and Tracy Watts Coleman, whose combined expertise expands opportunities for students in both graduate school and career pathways. 

Services and Resources 

Students visiting the Center will find a wide range of resources, including: 

• VMock: An AI-powered resume builder, funded a donation from Grange Insurance, to help students create professional resumes. 
• Graduate exam preparation: Free testing resources to support students pursuing advanced degrees. 

• Graduate School Visits 

• Individual Advising on Graduate School Selection and Personal Statement Development 

• Career platforms: Access to vetted opportunities through InternXL, Sochi, and HBCU 2020. 

• Work-study integration: A new model where juniors and seniors mentor work-study students, gaining leadership experience in areas such as office management, the Marauder Boutique, and data analytics. 
   
• Student Advisory Council: A student-led group ensuring accountability and shaping future services. 

Engagement and Accessibility 

The Center is located in the University Student Center, Suite 217, and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-in hours are being established, particularly midday when students are most active, and appointments can be scheduled through Handshake or 937.376.6685 for graduate school assistance. 

Dunn emphasized the importance of starting early: “Students are competing not only with each other, but with graduates from Ohio State, Cincinnati, Yale, and everywhere in between. Every interaction—from how you show up in class to how you connect with employers—shapes your future. The earlier you start, the stronger you’ll be.” 

Building Professional Excellence 

Beyond technical skills, the Center places a strong focus on professional excellence and soft skills. From resume reviews to workplace etiquette, Dunn and her team incorporate professionalism into daily student interactions. 

“Excellence cannot be turned on and off—it must be a 24/7 standard,” Dunn said. “As Marauders, our students must carry themselves with confidence, respect, and preparedness in every space they enter.” This is in alignment with the University’s commitment to a Marauder Ethos. 

Alumni, Faculty, and Corporate Engagement 

The Center’s success depends on partnerships across the CSU community. Alumni are already supporting students through mentorship, workshops, and professional attire donations, with plans to expand these efforts through new partnership initiatives. Faculty play a vital role by setting high expectations in the classroom, connecting students to professional organizations, and encouraging student participation in employer visits, the career expos, and graduate school fairs. 

Corporate partnerships are also being developed, with opportunities for students to showcase their skills at professional conferences, Chamber of Commerce meetings and engage with businesses that are committed to providing meaningful internships and career pathways. 

Building a Lasting Legacy 

Looking to the future, Dunn hopes to continue the legacy of Ms. Harper, Dr. DeVond and Ms. Sampson.  She believes the Center will leave an enduring mark on students’ lives, on campus and throughout the region and across the globe. 

“Our students’ potential is unlimited, and their Marauder foundation endures beyond graduation,” she said. “The systems we are building now—student leadership, advisory councils, and employer partnerships—will ensure this Center remains student-driven and future-focused” 

The Center for Career Exploration and Development represent a new chapter in Central State’s commitment to excellence, resilience, by preparing students for life after college.