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  The Ambassador | Volume 3, Issue 4 | Spring is a season of growth, and at Central State University, our students, alumni, and campus community are blooming with achievement. In this edition of The Ambassador, we celebrate academic excellence, leadership, and legacy, from the trivia team heading to the national spotlight at the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge to students receiving top honors and national awards for research. As always, thank you for being part of the Central State story. |  
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  Central State trivia team heads back to Honda Campus All-Star Challenge | The Central State University trivia team traveled to Los Angeles this week to compete in the 36th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament, a premier academic competition for HBCU students. After a strong performance at the National Qualifying Tournament in Alabama, Central State secured a spot among the "Thrilling 32" teams competing for the championship title and a share of more than $500,000 in institutional grants from Honda. Read More | |
Academic stars shine at annual convocation
Central State University honored its brightest scholars at the 2025 Academic Recognition Convocation on April 1 at the Paul Robeson Cultural & Performing Arts Center. The annual ceremony celebrated the outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and perseverance of students across all colleges. Read More
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Kayvon Adderley, a junior at Central State University majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics, received the prestigious HBCU CHIPS Network Student Achievement in Microelectronics Award during the 2025 HBCU CHIPS Network Conference at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Adderley was the only undergraduate recipient this year. His selection was based on a rigorous evaluation of his research work and academic performance.
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The Say Yes Scholars Program is transforming the college experience for Cleveland students, including those at Central State University.
Partnering with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and community organizations, the program makes college more accessible for CMSD graduates. By offering gap scholarships, mentorship, and success coaching, Say Yes helps students like Central State’s Rekale Fomby thrive.
| | | Alum returns to lead Department of Public Safety at CSU | | |
Central State University has appointed Phill Black, a CSU alum, as the new interim Director of Public Safety in an effort to enhance campus safety. Black brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, having held leadership positions with the Cincinnati Police Department. His roles included detective, recruiter and executive assistant to the police chief.
A strong advocate for community engagement, Black has consistently prioritized building trust and fostering respectful interactions throughout his career. At Central State, he aims to strengthen connections between public safety and the campus community through collaboration and student-centered service.
| | CSU names new head football coach | | |
Central State University officially turned the page to a new era in its football program with the introduction of Tony Carter as the Marauders’ new head coach. The announcement was made during a press conference at Madison W. Beacom/Gaston F. Lewis Gymnasium, marking a pivotal step in the University’s mission to revitalize its athletic legacy with fresh leadership and renewed ambition.
The event drew a spirited crowd of media representatives, University administrators, faculty and staff, and proud football alumni, all eager to welcome Coach TC. The Marauders cheer team set the tone with an energetic display of school pride before Assistant Athletic Director Brad Kocher kicked off the event as he reflected on the rich history of Marauder football and the goal of restoring past success.
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Alum spotlight: Harry McLoud
From CSU to funk music icon
Harry H. McLoud, a proud Central State University alum and Dayton, Ohio, native, has made his mark in the music industry through an impressive career spanning over five decades. Since earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Administration in 1972, McLoud has combined his business acumen with his passion for music, creating a legacy that blends artistry, entrepreneurship, and cultural influence. Read More
| | 2025 Land-Grant Open House and Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activities Day and Urban Farmer Youth Symposium and 4-H Youth Day | |
⏳ Final Call to Register!

Join us April 25-26 for the Central State University 1890 Land-Grant Open House, featuring a dynamic student research showcase and the inspiring Urban Farmer Youth Symposium.
âś… Register now to reserve your complimentary lunch and get the most out of this enriching experience! While walk-ins are welcome, lunch is only guaranteed for those who register in advance.
📲 Click here to secure your spot today!
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The 2025 Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies are on the horizon!
Baccalaureate Ceremony
Friday, May 9 | 5 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Auditorium
Speaker: Mr. Justyn Fry
Director of Residence Life
Central State University
Baccalaureate Reception
Friday, May 9 | 6:30 p.m.
University Student Center, Ballroom
Commencement Rehearsal
Friday, May 9 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center, Auditorium
Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m.
William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium
Tickets not required.
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Lawmakers welcome 4-H
Central State University Extension’s 4-H Urban Farmer Youth Initiative participants received a warm welcome at the statehouse.
Read More
| | | More Central State University news | | |
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| | FOR GOD, FOR CENTRAL, FOR STATE! | | 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. To share your story ideas, questions, and comments, contact Communications Manager Alissa Paolella, editor, at apaolella@centralstate.edu or the Office of Public Relations at publicrelations@centralstate.edu. | | | | |
