‘Heavy is the head that wears the crown’: 18th Mister CSU answers the call to lead at Central State University

Nathan P. Hart isn’t just wearing a crown — he’s making a comeback and embracing a calling. 

Crowned Mister Central State University for the 2025–2026 academic year, Hart is a music education major with a minor in psychology, a proud Bahamian, and a relentless advocate for youth empowerment. But more than that, he’s a student who has faced personal loss, economic hardship, and self-doubt to rise as a symbol of Black excellence and Marauder pride. 

“Being Mister Central State is the comeback,” Hart said. 

“It’s proof that no matter what you go through in life, once you have God at the forefront, anything is possible.” 

From ‘The Dirty South’ of the Bahamas to Wilberforce, Ohio 

Hart’s story begins on the island of Nassau, Bahamas, in a neighborhood he calls “The Dirty South,” a small but vibrant community steeped in rhythm and resilience.  

“Music is everything we do,” Hart said. “We make songs out of our prayers. It’s who we are as Bahamians.” 

While his mother hoped he would pursue medicine, Hart’s heart was drawn to the beat of a different drum. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself spending more time in his high school’s band room than the chemistry lab. There, he played a flute for the first time. 

“I picked up the flute in 11th grade in September and had to make something happen by January for auditions,” he recalled. “I took it to the island where my dad is from. There was nothing there but a straight road — so I practiced.” 

The music took hold of him. 

“That’s just who we are as Bahamians and why it makes me so prideful of where I come from.” 

Through a collaboration between Central State and the Bahamas Public School Scholars Programme, Hart earned a scholarship to attend Central State University. The opportunity — and persistent outreach from CSU — felt like destiny. 

“They wouldn’t give up on me,” he said. “Central State billboards were all over the Bahamas. I took that as a sign.” 

More than music: A mission to inspire 

While music opened the door, Hart’s purpose extends far beyond performance. He dreams of returning to the Bahamas to establish a university band program and a national school of performing arts. 

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His minor in psychology helps him explore a deeper connection between music and the mind. “Why does music make us move? Why do we feel the way we feel when we hear certain sounds?” he asked.  

Hart aspires to become a professor of music, saying, “Education is my calling. Youth development and music — that’s my life.” 

In addition to the flute, he’s also learned piano and saxophone. “I’m trying to get proficient on every single brass instrument known to man,” he said with a grin. 

A crown carried with purpose 

Despite serving as Mister Junior last year, Hart nearly stepped away from the race for Mister CSU following the sudden loss of his grandmother — his “first queen.” 

“I dropped out of the race. I didn’t think I was strong enough to continue,” he said. “It was a mental battle.” 

But the encouragement of his fraternity brothers in Kappa Alpha Psi, the support of the CSU community, and the memory of his grandmother’s dreams pulled him back in. 

“When I came to college, my mother gave me the last $250 in her bank account, and my grandmother gave me the last $50 in her wallet,” Hart said. “I told my grandmother I wanted her to see me crowned Mister CSU. She didn’t get the chance, but I’m doing this in her honor.” 

Hart still remembers the first person he met at CSU — Keith Harris Jr., the 15th Mister CSU — who told him, “Whatever you want to do, you can do it at this school. At Central, the possibilities are endless.” 

“This is where vision has turned into victory,” Hart said. “That’s what it means to be Mister Central State.” 

His platform, The Essence of Black Excellence: How We Look, How We Feel, How We Move, How We Lead, reflects that vision. 

“Excellence has a look, a feel, and a sound,” he said — a mantra passed down from his high school principal and reinforced throughout his journey. “My band director always said, ‘Luck is when opportunity meets preparation.’ So if you’re prepared, you’re always going to shine in everything you do.” 

Creating the HBCU experience — one student at a time 

Since his freshman year, Hart has interned with CSU Extension’s youth camps, mentoring middle and high school students from across Ohio who are interested in Ag-STEM and curious about college life. 

“The first impression is the lasting impression,” he said. “From the moment they arrive, we’re in Central State gear, doing chants, line dances, playing games — it’s not just learning, it’s culture.” 

Working closely with program leader Janet Corne'y, Hart ensures every student feels seen, supported, and inspired. 

“Some of these kids have never been on a college campus before,” he said. “To see their eyes light up — it’s everything.” 

Despite the demands of his course load, band rehearsals, campus leadership, and work, Hart still finds ways to support his family back home. 

“My sister is 8 years old now. I want her to live differently than I did,” he said. “If I have to go without to make sure she’s comfortable, that’s OK. I know my blessings will come in the future.” 

'Support must be felt’ 

Hart is passionate about uplifting CSU’s male students, particularly around issues of respect, emotional strength, confidence, and accountability. 

“My grandmother always said, ‘A woman is your queen — you treat her like your queen,’” he shared. “We need to teach that. Male retention starts with support.” 

For Hart, leadership is about impact, not just influence. 

“I want to be remembered as the person who did it because he cared,” Hart said. “Not for the title, but for the work.” 

‘Faith is the substance…’ 

When asked what advice he’d give other students striving to change their circumstances, Hart didn’t hesitate: 

“Start now. Fear is the fuel for success."

"Stress is part of life — sign the package. The blessing is in it," Hart concluded. 

As he begins his reign, Hart remains grounded in faith, driven by service, and powered by resilience. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. If you believe it, you can achieve it.”