The Ambassador

From the Division of Institutional Advancement

Greetings, Central State University Alumni and Friends,

The days are getting cooler, the leaves are beginning to change their radiant colors, and autumn is most certainly upon us. Let us celebrate this magnificent transition of the seasons — and our triumphant win at the Chicago Football Classic! — with your September 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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Central State University Senegalese student contributes to the betterment of fellow student-athletes

Originally from Senegal, West Africa, Center State Honors College student Ibrahima Jarjou is now in his junior year at the college that he sees as a safe, welcoming home away from home.

Jarjou has impressively excelled in all manner of campus life, be it athletics, academics, school spirit, community activism, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

After spending the early, formative years of his life in Senegal, the teenage Jarjou became something of a globetrotting citizen of the world, spending time with his grandparents in Paris and traveling to various other locales around Europe and the African continent to play basketball and to expand his ambitious academic pursuits.

25th Annual Chicago Football Classic presented exciting finish

Thanks to a clutch field goal in the fourth quarter by the special team’s unit, Central State defeated Mississippi Valley State University 24-21, at the 25th Annual Chicago Football Classic, Saturday, September 2, at Soldier Field.

“Basically when you look at an HBCU football/Classic game, you are bringing together two universities that have distinguished knowledge and history over the years as institutions, “said Curtis Symonds, president and co-founder of HBCU GO, in a past interview with the Crusader.

“And to bring your athletic programs into Chicago, which is basically the Midwest and definitely a historical moment. I think if I was a viewer or a listener today, I would pay attention to everything going on around the Classic, [especially the young people].”

Spotlight: Cheering on CHAS

Jim Champion

Role: Associate Professor of Art

Achievement: After becoming the first person in his extended family to receive a college degree, Champion works to help Central State students better understand both the creative process in sculpture/metalwork and how to overcome personal obstacles to accomplish their own goals

Fun fact: Worked as a helicopter mechanic for the Army before changing his life path to a career in academia and the arts

“I’ve really enjoyed using my unconventional background and experiences in education to assist in working with my students. It all relates to how I teach at Central State.” — Champion

Ronald Claxton, Ph.D.

Role: Associate Professor of Art Education and Art History

Achievement: With an extensive background of having received multiple higher education degrees, Claxton brings not only artistic inspiration to the students in his classes but fundamental historical education, as well

Fun fact: As a young boy growing up, Claxton would informally put together and run his own art classes for his siblings during their summer vacations

“A lot of it, too, comes back to what I was saying about how progressive, liberal, and diverse I’ve found Ohio to be. It’s so enlightening to be around so many kinds of people." — Claxton

Discover more about how Claxton's lifelong love of arts education has made him an ideal faculty member in Central State's CHAS

Dwayne Daniel

Role: Professor of Studio Art

Achievement: Becoming the first full professor in Central State's visual arts program

Fun Fact: Graduated with honors from Central State in 1986 after becoming one of the first students in the modern-day iteration of said visual arts program rebuilt and revitalized by beloved faculty member Willis "Bing" Davis

“Public service is second nature for me. I strongly believe that most of the good in the world is the result of people providing services simply because the services are needed." — Daniel

Learn more about how Daniel continues to keep Davis' scholastic legacy alive in Central State's CHAS

News from across campus and beyond

Police chief spearheads food and hygiene pantry

Throughout the entirety of the seven years that Chief Stephanie Hill has been heading up the Central State University Police Department (CSUPD), she has done all she can to execute an intimate, hands-on approach to connecting with Marauders on campus.

According to Hill, being a police chief and running her department is a far greater task than merely maintaining the peace and safety of campus life. It’s also a matter of ensuring students feel secure in their day-to-day living.

This includes helping wherever Hill can to support and assist Marauders who may need extra assistance when it comes to acquiring basic supplies, such as food and hygiene products.

Central State recognized as 2023 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader

Central State University, Ohio’s only public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, has been designated a 2023 Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader. Central State is one of only 19 HBCUs honored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

It is for its notable connections to the Fulbright Program that the University has received this noteworthy recognition. The school has additionally been honored for its dedication to engaging with diverse communities around the world since 2019.

The Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader designation was established in 2019 to acknowledge strong partnerships between selected HBCUs and the Fulbright Program. The goal of the Fulbright Program with this designation is to encourage and promote further engagement between HBCUs and the program.

Central State theatre arts program offers slate of upcoming shows and workshops

Although Central State University’s theatre and drama program may be comprised solely of a faculty of one, adjunct professor John Fleming has plenty forthcoming events to keep Marauders and area community members excited and engaged in the realm of performance arts.

Under Fleming’s production and guidance, Central State’s Title III Theatre Arts Program has recently announced its fall and spring (2023-24) lineup, all taking place on campus at the illustrious Paul Robeson Cultural & Performing Arts Center.

Interview with Dr. Alex Johnson, Interim President of Central State

WCSU-FM's, Central State's campus radio station, presents a fascinating and insightful 30 minute one-on-one with Dr. Alex Johnson, the Institution's new Interim President, as conducted and produced by the station's own Wade T. Oberlin.

Listen to the full interview via WCSU here

Office of Residence Life and Housing offers students range of opportunities

“One thing about Residence Life: there’s never two days that are alike,” said Justyn Fry, a Detroit-born Centralian with degrees in English and business who serves as Central State’s director of Residence Life and Housing. “You never know what to expect; but we’re always able to stay on our toes and respond to whatever the situation calls. It’s about figuring out what ways we can be proactive, so we’re not always just responding.”

FAFSA open date postponed till December

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, has announced unprecedented changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for the 2024-25 academic year, including an anticipated open date in December rather than the open date of Oct. 1 used in past years.

Ohio HBCUs ramping up security after deadly hate crime

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Ohio are ramping up security after a racist attack left three people dead in Florida.

Central State students listed among SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) Women's Volleyball Players of the Week

The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) announced Volleyball Players of the Week for Week 2 on Thursday, Sept. 14. Spring Hill's Airyonna Weaver was named Offensive Player of the Week, and Mikayla Boyer returned to take home the title of Defensive Player of the Week. Also recognized were Central State's Brooke Morris, named Setter of the Week, and Spring Hill's Mia Saavedra, named Newcomer of the Week.

Central State professor teaches 'business side of art'

Central State Professor of Graphic Design and Art Coordinator Mitchell Eismont opens his public biography page on his website with the declaration that “Graphic design is my passion; it’s a sickness.”

Granted, Eismont does punctuate his rather provocative disclosure with the added notions: “It’s what I do in my free time and at work. It’s my calling.”

Central State unveils new safety-enhanced pedestrian walkway at main campus entrance

Central State held a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating a new pedestrian walkway on Wednesday, August 16.

The walkway is at the main entrance of campus on U.S. Route 42.

"Our community uses this bike path, our students use this bike path, our athletics use it for running and walking and riding their bikes, and also our community members. So we want to make sure that it is safe for all of our community members, even people in Wilberforce and people that visit on the bike path, that it is safe to cross 42 and that they can come and go without any worries and fears of having to check for traffic themselves," said Stephanie Hill, Central State's Chef of Police.

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 by Oct. 11 here

Central State to support social work student scholarships through Great Minds Fellowship Program

“We’ve only just been made aware that we’ve been awarded the Great Minds Fellow Program grant,” Dean of the College of Humanitiies, Arts, and Social Sciences Amy Hobbs Harris, Ph.D., said.

“So, we’re still in the very early stages of planning and strategizing how best to release the funds to eligible students.”

“At least in these early stages, I can say that there will be an interview process in which we’ll be looking at students who might best qualify for the grant,” Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences Dr. Edison Perdomo said.

With assistance from Hobbs Harris, Perdomo will be spearheading the logistical practicalities of how best to disperse the grant’s funds.

Perdomo and Hobbs Harris disclosed that they will choose 30 Central State students who will receive $10,000 each from the grant coffer. The remaining money, Hobbs Harris disclosed, will go toward administration and support expenses that will be required for what could be an exhaustive search.

Click here to learn more

Central State is pleased to announce its enrollment in the Kroger Community Rewards Program. The program allocates funds to participating organizations based on the purchases that registered members, family, and friends of Central State make at Kroger using their Kroger Plus card.

Interested participants should enroll their Kroger Plus Cards online at the Kroger secure website, www.kroger.com, and choose Central State (PJ912) as the organization you wish to support. It’s that easy!

New users will need to create an account, which requires some basic information, a valid email address, and a rewards card.

Please remember that purchases will not count toward Central State until after you register your rewards card. Participants must swipe their registered Kroger rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Kroger rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE INAUGURAL MARAUDER OF THE WEEK

Raegin Crockett

Pictured here with orientation leader Davontay Lewis, Raegin Crockett (left) is a senior majoring in social work from the great state of Indiana.

Fun fact: She is shy but a people person.

Campus involvement: Crockett is a part of Family, Community, and Leadership in Action (FCLA), where she had the opportunity to write positive affirmation cards for K-12 grade students. She loves to help others find confidence within themselves through beauty. Crockett is a licensed cosmologist. She plans on using her degree in social work to start her own homeless shelter/salon one day where she can help style unhoused people's hair and give them proper housing.

(CREDIT: Nkem Onianwah, assistant director — orientation and campus experience)

News in photos

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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.