Same mind to reach, same goal to grow: Behind the scenes with Central State University Admissions 

The Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Central State University serves as a gateway to campus and a beacon of hope, driven by a passionate team dedicated to creating pathways to opportunity, particularly for students who have been historically underserved in higher education.  

While much of their work can be measured by application numbers and enrollment goals, Director of Admissions and Recruitment Dr. Tammi Love and her team emphasize that the people are at the heart of the process. Every application, every enrollment, is not just a number, but a life they are shaping. 

“We are people helping people,” said Morgan McClure, Executive Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management. 

“Yes, we’re data-driven, but ultimately our work is about identifying and supporting students, empowering them, and making sure both students and families feel welcomed and supported.”  

That holistic approach reflects Central State’s identity as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution where family, legacy, and belonging are integral to the student experience. From the first interaction to a student’s move-in day, the Admissions office acts as stewards of opportunity.  

Vision and purpose 

Image

Dr. Love shared the unofficial motto that guides her department: “Same mind to reach, same goal to grow.” It’s more than a slogan — it’s a reminder that every call returned, every college fair attended, and every Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) session supported is part of a collective mission.   

“We know that we cannot survive with mediocre,” she said. “We have to always be pushing ourselves to greater.”  

Their work is not merely a job; it is a calling. It is year-round and hands-on. Whether meeting students where they are in their decision-making process or lifting one another during busy seasons, the Admissions team stays rooted in CSU’s broader mission, inspiring hope and shaping futures.  

More than just recruiters  

So, what does a recruiter do? Beyond traveling to college fairs and visiting high schools, recruiters often serve as mentors, counselors, and problem-solvers, guiding prospective students through financial aid forms, application steps, and life decisions. They are the first line of support and often the first representatives of the University that families interact with.  

As Dr. Love noted, many of the families they work with are first-generation college households.   

“They may not know what Admissions does, or what college even looks like,” she explained. “Part of our work is educating families and serving as a bridge to higher education.”  

For students still considering their next steps, Central State’s Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management is here, ready to uplift, support, and open doors.  

“Same mind to reach, same goal to grow,” indeed. 

For more information about the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Central State University, follow it on Facebook or Instagram.