Central State University steps into second decade as Land-Grant Institution

Above: Dorance Daniels, a Hamilton-based CSU Extension educator, introduces soil types to youngsters.

CSU vows continued commitment to mission of teaching, research, extension

Central State University marked an important milestone this spring, celebrating its 11th year as an 1890 Land-Grant Institution with two days of events, starting with the Land-Grant Open House and Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities Day that showcased agricultural innovation, cutting-edge student research, and the growing impact of youth in farming across Ohio. 

Designated as an 1890 Land-Grant University in 2014 — more than 150 years after the passage of the original Morrill Act of 1862 — Central State has since embraced its tripartite mission of teaching, research, and extension. This year’s open house held April 25–26 doubled as a celebration of that mission and as part of a national observance of the 135th anniversary of the second Morrill Act of 1890, which extended Land-Grant opportunities to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

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Youth at the forefront 

Day 1 featured the Land-Grant Open House and the Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities Day and a showcase of both extension and research innovations. The second day of the event focused entirely on youth, with the Urban Farmer Youth Symposium and 4-H Youth Day drawing attention to the growing interest among young Ohioans in agriculture and food systems. Thanks to CSU Extension’s footprint in 42 counties, youth engagement in farming and agricultural careers are on the rise in communities across Ohio. Read related story.

Commitment to underserved communities 

In a milestone year that saw 57 percent increase in outreach, CSU Extension educators and Family and Consumer Science staff reached more than 28,000 participant contacts around the state in 2024 — up from about 16,000 in 2023. Programming ranged from sustainable farming practices and community nutrition to natural resource management and economic development. 

“We provide outreach, education, and resources to underserved and underrepresented communities,” said Dr. Jose Toledo, Director of 1890 Land-Grant Programs at CSU. “Central State University Extension serves the needs of our communities and families, providing science-based programming in agriculture, natural resources, and food production.” 

Celebrating progress 

In remarks delivered on April 25, Central State President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Board of Trustees Chair Jacqueline Gamblin, and Dr. Toledo all reaffirmed the University’s commitment to its Land-Grant mission. 

Ohio State Rep. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, was also present and offered both congratulations and words of encouragement to Central State on the occasion of its 11th anniversary.

Dr. Kuti, who previously served in leadership roles within CSU’s research and Land-Grant initiatives before ascending to the presidency, highlighted several notable accomplishments during the past decade, including: 

• Accreditation of the Community Health Worker Program by the Ohio Board of Nursing;
• Launch of the HEMU (Health Education and Mobile Unit) for statewide wellness outreach; 
• Expansion of workforce training and business development programs; 
• Establishment of a women’s business incubator; 
• A beginning farmer class with 50 graduates to date; and 
• Eight active youth urban farmer programs across Ohio. 

“As a Land-Grant University, we are obligated to generate knowledge that addresses societal problems,” Dr. Kuti said. “And then we are obligated to use that knowledge to improve people’s lives. This is what we are here to do: teach, research, and extend that knowledge.” 

Spotlight on undergraduate research 

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Board Chair Gamblin recognized the University’s undergraduate research students for their vital role in advancing agriculture and technology and bolstering the University’s reputation as a research Institution. 

“I want to congratulate the undergraduate research students and their mentoring professors on the depth and quality of each research," she said. "These projects are creating avenues for new discoveries and solutions to global issues, benefiting not only Ohio farmers but agricultural systems nationwide and globally.” 

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'Be like me'

Nine-year-old Kendall Rae Johnson, a nationally recognized leader in urban farming, youth entrepreneurship, and food sustainability, also addressed the audience during the open house. Known as the “Youngest Certified Farmer in the U.S.,” Johnson has earned multiple titles for her groundbreaking work in agriculture. 

In a spirited and inspiring luncheon address, Johnson recounted how her journey began in Atlanta at just 3 years old, when her great-grandmother, Laura “Kate” Williams, encouraged her to “put collard greens back in the dirt.” That moment planted the seed for a growing passion that has since blossomed into a national movement. 

Urging both young and older members of the audience to follow her lead, Johnson challenged everyone to “be like me” and embrace sustainable agriculture as a powerful solution to food insecurity. 

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Day 1 ended with the planting of a tree in CSU's Seed-to-Bloom Botanical and Community Garden in commemoration of Arbor Day, led by Dr. Toledo, who called it a "testament to our commitment to agriculture, to research, to extension, and to teaching."

From its modest beginnings in the Land-Grant community just 11 years ago, Central State University is looking forward to its second decade with renewed purpose.