The Ambassador

From the Division of Institutional Advancement

Greetings, Central State University Alumni and Friends,

We warmly welcome you to the start of the new academic year and the August edition of The Ambassador, featuring faculty news, student achievements, and partnerships at Central State University. Together, we are cultivating a living and learning environment where students thrive. This month, we are showcasing vital news from around campus and upcoming events that you'll want to be sure to add to your calendar!

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Atlanta street named for Central State alum

Late Centralian Leonard E. Tate, class of ’70, was recently honored by the city of Atlanta, Georgia, after city council members overwhelmingly passed legislation to rebrand a prominent street in his name.

The newly changed street sign appropriately stands posted in the city’s historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood just outside of Trinity House, a transitional home for un-housed Atlantans.

Tate was one of the impassioned mentors and community organizers volunteering at Trinity House who, supported in part by his education and values gained at Central State, helped marginalized Atlantans find a better way toward prosperity.

Online poll leads to Central State University receiving $30,000 endowment, $15,000 scholarship from The Shade Room

The social media power of Central State University’s robust community has culminated in the Institution’s winning of an online poll, earning both a $30,000 endowment and a $15,000 scholarship fund for the school’s 2023-24 academic year.

Provided by massively popular digital outlet The Shade Room (TSR), the combined financial gift was a prize offered to a nationwide list of Historically Black Colleges and Universities that could drive students, faculty, and supporters to vote for their school as the recipient. After the 24-hour-long virtual contest went live on May 29, Central State earned a substantial enough percentage of the more than 63,000 votes cast to be declared the victor.

Founded by Angie Nwandu in 2014, TSR boasts millions of followers (aka “Roommates”) and billions of impressions across its gargantuan web presence. In 2019, TSR received the second most likes and comments of any Instagram publisher.

Central State University student aims to revolutionize agriculture in the Bahamas

The American Heart Association (AHA) has accepted Chantinae Gray, a Central State University junior, into the 2023-24 HBCU Scholars Program.

An Honors College student majoring in sustainable agriculture and agroecology with a minor in biology, Gray continues the Central State legacy in the AHA HBCU Scholars Program. Three CSU students participated in the 2022-23 program.

According to its website, the program aims “to increase the number of Black students who apply and are accepted into graduate science, research and public health programs.”

Spotlight: Fantastic faculty

Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Ph.D.

Role: Vice President for Research and Economic Development (VPRED) and Director of Land-Grant Programs

Achievement: Recently being chosen to lead the implementation of Central State’s strategic plan and statements of purpose, goals, mission, and vision as it relates to research, the Title III program, other sponsored activities, and Land-Grant programs

Fun fact: Received his Bachelor of Science in finance from Central State

“During his tenure at Central State, Kuti has significantly increased our science, technology, engineering, and mathematics profile, while securing millions of dollars to support University research and education." — Central State President Alex Johnson

Read what else makes President Johnson excited to see what Kuti will accomplish in his newly created position

Erin Smith Glenn

Role: Associate Professor of Studio Art

Achievement: Establishing Global Perspectives study-abroad program

Fun fact: Smith Glenn was a member of the Dancing Belles while earning her Bachelor of Arts at Central State

“It means so much to me that I can take what I learned from my own professors in the past and my own study abroad experiences and can now model my work around that, bringing it back to the students here at Central State,” she said.

Learn more about how Smith Glenn's globetrotting inspires her instructing Central State students

Vincent Haddad, Ph.D.

Role: Associate Professor of English

Achievement: Spearheading textbook-free initiative for interdisciplinary studies

Fun Fact: Winner of the 2022 Comics Studies Society Prize for Best Published Article

“In addition to his work for the program, he is one of our strongest scholars.” — CSU Dean of College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Amy Hobbs, Ph.D.

Read on about how text-book free schooling will positively impact Central State students

News from across campus and beyond

Central State University receives over $1.6 million in research and education funding

Central State University has received over $1.6 million in research and education funding from the United State Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA).

The three innovative projects that have received funding will focus on unmanned aerial systems (UAS), nutrition education, and weight management and the use of a species of perennial flower to improve honey production.

Science faculty member launches new live musical showcase at Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center

An associate professor in the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture (CESTA) has invited an esteemed and diverse slate of musicians and dancers to perform on campus for a ticketed event at Paul Robeson Culture and Performing Arts Center at Central State University, 1400 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce, on Aug. 27.

Research Associate Professor of Food Nutrition and Health Pratibha Gupta, Ph.D., said a “truly exceptional musical extravaganza” will spotlight the talents of an ever-growing roster of intercultural singers, instrumentalists, and dancers. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. and will conclude at 6:30 p.m.

Gupta, who is personally producing all facets of the afternoon’s proceedings, has brought together the Cincinnati-based NrityArpana School of Performing Arts (NSPA) and her own Dayton-based management/entertainment company, A3P Connections (A3P), for what she hopes will allow patrons to be “transported to the mesmerizing music world.”

Central State University at the 23rd African American Wellness Walk

A large contingent of Central State University Marauders, alumni, faculty, and staff represented the University with purpose and pride at the 23rd annual African American Wellness Walk on Aug. 12 in Dayton.

Sponsored by Premier Health, the event raises funds for Ohio's two Historically Black Universities — Central State, the state's only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU), and neighboring Wilberforce University, a private institution. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about racial heart health disparities and highlight alarming underlying health conditions in minority communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Central State University linebacker Jalil Lenore returning to Chicago for Chicago Football Classic

Central State University's Jalil Lenore will make a repeat appearance at the Chicago Football Classic on Sept. 2. He was recently featured in an article from the Chicago Crusader about his return to his hometown, community service, and what it means to play for an HBCU in the Midwest.

Read the full Chicago Recorder article here

Buy tickets to the Chicago Football Classic here

Two Central State University athletes intern with Student-Athletes Abroad

NyAshia Williams Matthews, a rising junior in the Honors College and women's track team member, and Alain Tamo-Noche, a member of the Central State men's volleyball team, have spent the summer in Cape Town, South Africa, interning with Student-Athletes Abroad (SAA).

Intel partnership leads to continued collaboration

On July 17, Central State University met with representatives from Intel, Wright State University, The Ohio State University, and Cedarville University to discuss how they will collaborate to increase the number of students choosing to major in a tech-related field, helping to ensure a viable future tech workforce.

Central State University empowers students through a global education

In the fall of 2022, the University had 131 international students from seven countries and four continents. Some of these students attend online through Central State Global, and many attend in person, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to campus.

Local public transit agency updates Wilberforce route connecting Central State University to Xenia

Greene CATS Public Transit has announced a change in its Red Line Flex Route Wilberforce Loop that services Central State University and neighboring Wilberforce University on weekdays.

Stops are scheduled at the Norman E. Ward Senior Center on the Central State campus at 7:46 and 9:56 a.m. Monday-Friday on the way to Wilberforce University and Xenia. The bus is scheduled to return to the CSU Ward Center from Xenia at 3:27 and 5:37 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Past chairperson featured in Mahogany Columbus Magazine

Mark Hatcher, the immediate past chairperson and a current member of the Central State University Board of Trustees, was recently featured on the cover of Mahogany Columbus's August edition.

Reserve your limited-edition commemorative box today

Take a journey back in time and relive the exhilarating moments you experienced at Central State University. If you are a Centralian, you cherish the memories you made and the relationships you formed. If you are a donor, you have helped create incredible experiences for students.

Now, you have the chance to showcase your pride with a special commemorative box available for a limited time. With a gift of $300 or more, your box will include a stainless steel travel coffee mug, a fireside ceramic mug, a T-shirt, a scarf, a lanyard, a keychain, a wristband, a pennant, and a display box to sport your items proudly.

You already exhibit your Central State pride every day, and this box and its contents will serve as a constant reminder to you and others just how much this University means to you. Thank you for being a loyal member of the Central State community and showing your love for today’s Marauders.

Learn more and RESERVE YOUR BOX here

Central State University addresses disparities and promotes inclusive mental healthcare

As first-year students make the exciting transition to Central State University, they may feel overwhelmed by the transition to college — living in a new community, meeting new people, learning about clubs and organizations, and more.

Central State University understands the challenges of navigating new experiences. It aims to provide a supportive environment that encourages students to pursue their passions and interests while also achieving their academic goals. With a wide range of extracurricular activities available, students can discover a fulfilling balance between their studies and personal growth.

To achieve their objectives, students need more than good advisors, high-quality courses, and knowledgeable professors. They also need comprehensive support to maintain their physical and mental health, including strategies for coping with the pressures of college life, knowing when to seek mental health services, and recognizing signs of depression and other conditions in their peers.

When a student is struggling, they can overcome challenges easier with the support of the entire campus community rallying around and uplifting them.

Central State is committed to overcoming the longstanding obstacles that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities face when seeking adequate mental health services. The University’s goal is to cultivate an inclusive environment where Marauders can thrive.

Click here to learn more

Introducing the Return to Tiffany® x Beyoncé Collection. 100% of the profits from the sales of the limited-edition collection will be donated to the About Love Scholarship. An ongoing partnership between Tiffany & Co. and the BeyGOOD and Shawn Carter Foundation, the ABOUT LOVE Scholarship Program awards funding to students in the arts and creative fields at Central State University and HBCUs.

Now available exclusively through Tiffany.com

Listen, learn, and be inspired by the full chronicle of Central State University through a series of 16 historical podcasts available FREE online now

A series of 16 podcasts documents the history of Central State University and its roots in the community of Wilberforce, Ohio.

Take a walk through history and learn about the many ways the University has overcome adversity and advanced academic excellence to become a leading Historical Black University in the Midwest.

The series was part of Central State's 2009 Research Challenge Grant.

Click here to explore the audio journey of Central State University

News in photos

Central State University friends and supporters, join us on Saturday, September 2, 2023, for the Chicago Football Classic as the Central State Marauders take on the Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils.

Don't miss this opportunity to cheer on the Marauder football team and the Invincible Marching Marauders on game day. Gates open at 1:30 p.m. and the game begins at 3:30 p.m. General seating tickets are available for purchase through Marauder Athletics. Exclusive CSU Skybox seating reserved for August 2023 “MVP” donors with gift of $1,000 or more.

TICKETS & SEATING

General seating tickets are available for purchase through Marauder Athletics.

Exclusive CSU Skybox seating reserved for August 2023 “MVP” donors with gift of $1,000 or more.

For general seating tickets, there will be two opportunities for Will Call pickup:

4:30 - 7:30pm on Friday, September 1 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (Wacker Drive)
1:00 - 4:00pm on Saturday, September 2 at Soldier Field

For CSU Skybox seating for August MVP donors, tickets will be sent via email.

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The Ambassador is a University Communications publication designed to keep students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends, and others informed about news and developments at Central State University.