Traci E. Bell-Thomas elected President of the Central State University National Alumni Association

Central State University proudly congratulates Traci E. Bell-Thomas on her election as the new President of the Central State University National Alumni Association (NAA). Bell-Thomas was elected during the 2025 NAA Annual Meeting held June 26–28 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She will serve as the 24th President of the association, continuing a legacy of leadership and service. 

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A proud 1992 graduate of Central State, Bell-Thomas has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to her alma mater. As a student, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, served as Miss Central State University (1991–1992), and represented the Invincible Marching Marauders as a member of the Auxiliary Corps (Central Belle). 

Her passion for Central State has only grown since graduation. Bell-Thomas was the keynote speaker for the University’s 129th Charter Day Convocation in 2016 and joined the NAA Board of Directors in 2018. She has served as First and Second Vice President of the association, chaired and co-chaired NAA Homecoming activities, participated on the Hall of Fame selection committee, and is an active life member of the Columbus Alumni Chapter, where she led the scholarship committee. 

“Traci is a dedicated alumna whose leadership, vision, and enduring love for Central State are evident in all she does,” said Keith Aaron Perkins, Director of the Office of Alumni Relations. “Her election as President is a celebration of her service and an exciting new chapter for the National Alumni Association. We look forward to working together to deepen alumni engagement, expand opportunities for our students, and strengthen the Marauder legacy.” 

Professionally, Bell-Thomas brings nearly three decades of experience in public health and community leadership. She currently serves with the Ohio Department of Medicaid, overseeing outreach initiatives aimed at reducing the disparity in African American infant mortality. She manages key statewide projects with a biennial budget of $26.8 million and represents the department on the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, where she also chairs the grants and fiscal committees. 

Her community involvement reflects her lifelong dedication to service. Bell-Thomas is a past president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter and the immediate past financial secretary for the Twin Rivers (Ohio) Chapter of The Links. 

As she assumes her new role, Bell-Thomas follows a distinguished line of alumni leaders who have helped guide the association since its inception. From its founding on June 19, 1951, to today, the NAA has served as a vital bridge between the University and its alumni community. 

Central State University salutes President-elect Bell-Thomas and expresses gratitude to outgoing NAA President Anthony E. Gardner for his dedicated service from 2021–2025. 

Together, we continue to advance the Central State mission — to empower students, engage alumni, and uplift communities. 

For more information about Alumni Relations at Central State University, visit centralstate.edu/alumni. For more information about the NAA, visit centralstateuniversityalumni.org.  

Central State University National Alumni Association Presidents 

1. Kenneth P. Tate (1952-1956) 

2. James Cobb (1956-1958) 

3. Bennard Gregory (1958-1960) 

4. Edna Battee (1960-1962) 

5. Myrtle Rush (1962-1964) 

6. Kenneth Blackburn (1964-1966) 

7. Jean L. Parker (1968-1970)  

8. Nancy T. Bolden (1970-1972) 

9. William Hardy (1972-1974) 

10. Dennis Dowdell (1975-1979) 

11. James E. Farmer (1979-1982) 

12. Gloria Towers (1983-1987) 

13. Dr. Enrique Riggs (1987-1991) 

14. Bettye T. Oldham (1991-1992) 

15. Luther Towers (1992-1996) 

16. Michael L. Nelson Sr. (1996-1999) 

17. Tracey Knight (1999-2002) 

18. James H. Bailey (2002-2004) 

19. Vernon N. Ford (2004-2009) 

20. Fred J. Grigsby (2009-2013) 

21. Felton Page (2013-2016) 

22. Edwin H. Lloyd (2016-2021) 

23. Anthony E. Gardner (2021-2025) 

24. Traci Bell-Thomas (2025-present) 

Central State University General Alumni Association founders included Thomas Craft Sr., Hazel Dabney, Waverly Glover, Raymond Haysbert, Dorsey T. Murray, and Walter G. Sellers.