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The Ambassador
MARCH 2025 | Volume 3, Issue 3
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The March 2025 edition of The Ambassador celebrates excellence with impact across Central State University. From the historic inauguration of Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti and the honoring of distinguished alumni on Charter Day to the remarkable achievements of our students and faculty, Central State continues to inspire and empower.
Whether it’s Nya Brunson’s acceptance into Princeton’s REACH program, Dr. Colin Lasu’s Fulbright-Hays selection for an immersive Ghana experience, or Stanley Jefferson’s recognition as a 2025 Community News Champion, our Marauders are making their mark.
As we share these stories, The Ambassador reflects the enduring spirit of Central State — a place where knowledge meets purpose, and excellence shapes the future.
| | Central State University celebrates inauguration of 10th President | | On March 6, Central State University stepped boldly into a new chapter with the inauguration of its 10th President, Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti. The ceremony was a vibrant celebration filled with enthusiasm, highlighting the rich history of Central State, its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, and the bright future that awaits under Dr. Kuti’s visionary leadership. Excitement filled the air as the University community came together to embrace this momentous occasion and the possibilities that lie ahead. Read more | | CSU celebrates 2025 NAA Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame inductees | | On March 4, Central State University marked its 138th Charter Day Convocation by celebrating 10 distinguished alums, known as Centralians, inducted into the National Alumni Association Alumni Achievement Hall of Fame. Held at the Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center Auditorium, the event drew a large audience of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters, all celebrating over a century of academic excellence. Read more. | | Miss CSU named 2nd runner-up in Miss HBCU Pageant | | |
Breanne “Bree” Lovelace, the 77th Miss Central State University and a graduating senior majoring in Educational Studies, has made history by securing the position of 2nd runner-up at the prestigious Mister & Miss HBCU Pageant in North Carolina. Competing against representatives from top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation, Lovelace’s achievement stands as a testament to her dedication, passion, and commitment to impact.
Lovelace’s reign as Miss CSU has been defined by her platform: “Reform — Focus on the Journey, Not the Destination: Culture, class, and commitment will define your reformation.”
Learn more about Bree's rise.
| | | Senior Nya Brunson accepted into Princeton program | |
Nya Brunson, a graduating senior majoring in Journalism and Digital Media, has been selected for the highly competitive Princeton University Research, Equity, Archives, Curation, and History (REACH) Program.
The program, held on Princeton’s historic campus, provides an immersive experience in archival studies, featuring lectures, discussions, hands-on workshops, and field trips led by Princeton faculty, special collections staff, and experts from participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Participants engage in interactive learning, visit cultural institutions, and network with fellow HBCU students and mentors. Brunson discovered her passion for archiving during an internship at the National Afro American Museum & Cultural Center. Read more
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Recognizing excellence
CSU faculty and staff
| | Dr. Colin Lasu, Assistant Professor of Communications at Central State University, has been selected as one of two faculty members for the prestigious Ohio University (OHIO) Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad. This federally funded initiative provides faculty, students, and educators with a four-week immersive experience in Ghana, West Africa, from June to July 2025. | | Stanley Jefferson, TV Production Studio Manager, has been honored as a 2025 Center for Community News (CCN) Champion by the University of Vermont. This prestigious national recognition acknowledges Jefferson’s leadership in fostering a partnership between news and academia and his commitment to preparing students for careers in broadcast journalism. | | 2025 Academic Recognition Convocation | Central State University will honor its high-achieving students during the 2025 Academic Recognition Convocation on April 1 at 10 a.m. in the Paul Robeson Cultural & Performing Arts Center and streamed live on the Central State Facebook and YouTube pages. The annual event celebrates the outstanding academic accomplishments, leadership, and dedication of students across all colleges. Learn more and meet the outstanding senior scholars. | | Catch up on the latest news | | 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. | | | | |