The Ambassador

From the Division of Institutional Advancement

Greetings, Central State University Alumni and Friends,

Welcome to the special June 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 highlighting important news from across campus and three of our students who have summer internships with Nationwide.

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Renewed Central State University corporate partnership leads to invaluable internships

For over two years, Central State University has been partnering with Nationwide to train students in data analytics and computer science. With Tiffiney Gray joining the project in January as the vice president for Institutional Advancement at Central State, the team has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the mutually beneficial partnership.

This summer, Nationwide is employing four Central State computer science students as interns. The Marauders expressed their excitement about the opportunity to grow their skills. Chi’Kae Hall, a junior from Columbus, Ohio, majoring in computer science with a minor in business administration, said, “I'm most looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience with coding and programming.”

Spotlight: Nationwide summer interns

Denzel McCoy

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Major: Computer science

“I am looking forward to gaining more experience in the technology field and picking up on some coding skills.”

Chi'Kae Hall

Year: Junior

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Major: Computer science with a minor in business administration

“I'm most looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience with coding and programming.”

Phi Nguyen

Year: Senior

Home country: Vietnam

Major: Computer science

“During the time being there, I would love to develop the skill and knowledge that I have gained during school time in a professional capacity.”

News from across campus

Central State University-led Intel summer internship for women and underrepresented minorities kicks off

The Central State University John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture welcomed 20 students to the Central State-led Intel summer internship for women and underrepresented minorities at Wright State University from June 5 to July 28.

This eight-week, intensive internship aims to prepare students with skills for and understanding of electronic hardware design, fabrication, and security.

The program, sponsored by Intel, is designed to train students for future jobs in Intel's upcoming Ohio chip factory, projected to be operational in 2025. The curriculum includes five courses that involve daily lectures and extensive hands-on lab practice.

After a rigorous application process from an extremely competitive pool of applicants, 20 promising students were selected from Central State University, Wright State University, Stark State College, Sinclair Community College, and local high schools.

Central State faculty serves on InStride Impact Summit panel

Dr. Arletha McSwain will serve as a panelist at the upcoming InStride Impact Summit on July 11. The panel is entitled "Creating Equitable Access to Education: Innovative Solutions for Your Employees."

This session will explore innovative solutions for creating equitable access to employment, education, and skills training within organizations. Attendees will learn about new programs and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace by removing barriers for employees.

Dr. Arletha McSwain, Professor of Education, Chief Online Learning Officer, and Chief Officer Enrollment Management

Building community: How corporate partners make their mark on students

Community collaborations have a profound effect on students and academic outcomes at an institute of higher learning like Central State University, Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution.

With a mission to open doors for younger adults and non-traditional students to pursue degrees and certifications, Central State has joined corporate partners and their foundations, emboldening Marauders to chase their dreams with tenacity and focus and obtain access to valuable career opportunities.

Nearly 30 partners are advancing equity by working with Central State to diversify and evolve their workforces through the Center of Excellence HBCU Corporate Engagement. Each partner brings unique perspectives and experiences to the campus in Wilberforce and branch locations in Dayton and Xenia.

Central State WCSU-FM- JAZZY 88.9 general manager wins award for advancing Black media in Ohio

The Ohio Collective recognized Charles Fox, general manager of Central State University’s WCSU-FM- JAZZY 88.9, with the Legacy Builder Pillar Award for co-founding the Ohio Black News Service (OBNS) on May 26 at the annual State of Black Ohio Summit.

Charles Fox, General Manager, Central State University's WCSU-FM- JAZZY 88.9

Central State University Board of Trustees begins search for next President

The Central State University Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on June 1-2, 2023, at which time it began forming a committee to oversee a nationwide search for a new University President. The board also chose an outside search firm to aid the committee during the process.

Trustee Mark Hatcher announced he would step down as Chair of the Board and begin serving as Chair of the presidential search committee. The Board elected Trustee Jacqueline Gamblin to succeed Hatcher as Board chair.

“The Board is excited for the future of Central State University,” said Gamblin. “In our search for a new president, we’ll be seeking an individual whose vision and values align with ours – innovation and advancement of STEM education that prepares our students and communities for a globalized future driven by technology.”

Calling all incoming first-year students

Welcome! We are excited about helping you make a successful transition to Central State University.

During the summer of 2023, the Office of Admissions will host in-person and virtual Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR) events to introduce you to our programs and support services. All new students are required to attend at least one SOAR event.

June 17 — Virtual (international students and athletes)
June 24 — Specialty populations (athletes, band, choir, etc.)
July 8 — College of Business and College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
July 15 — College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture and College of Education
July 22 — Undeclared students and anyone who missed the previous dates

What is the Finish Line Fund?

The Finish Line Fund is designed to address the outstanding balances of a number of 2023 graduating seniors, enabling those who have fulfilled all the academic requirements for graduation to receive their diplomas and transcripts. Without these resources, many of our graduating seniors cannot receive their diplomas or transcripts, making it extremely difficult to obtain jobs and apply to graduate school.

The outstanding balances cannot be addressed by the state of Ohio because they are owed by our students, so it is up to the Central State community to come through for our graduating seniors.

Central State is using $50,000 from the now-terminated Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HERF) authorized by the American Rescue Plan, signed into law on March 11, 2021, to address most of the outstanding balances. HERF was designed to alleviate financial burdens associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and provided $39.6 billion in support of students at higher education institutions. Because the HERF funding has stopped, Central State students as a whole are facing a remaining gap in outstanding balances of $10,000-$15,000. The Finish Line Fund will cover that gap and enable our 2023 graduating seniors who have done the work to obtain their degree to receive their diploma.

Together, we can raise the remaining $10,000-$15,000 by June 21 to support our 2023 graduating seniors.

Click here to help students reach the finish line

Centralians, we want to hear from you!

Central State University is proud to call you an alum of this exceptional Institution. Today’s Marauders follow in your footsteps like you walked the path of those who came before you. Your continued engagement with Central State helps us stride courageously into the future, heads high and hearts full.

We are inspired by your dedication to your alma mater and invite you to share your personal, professional, and career updates with the Office of Alumni Relations. We look forward to engaging with you and connecting you to key events, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and ways to elevate the student experience through your philanthropic endeavors.

As a bonus, your responses help us provide crucial data to the Higher Learning Commission for reaffirmation of our accreditation. Together, we can keep Central State strong for today’s Marauders and future generations.

For questions, contact Keith Perkins, director of Alumni Relations and executive director of the Central State University National Alumni Association, at kperkins@centralstate.edu.

Meet your 76th Miss Central State University and 16th Mister Central State University!

Stephon Thomas

Raven Golliday

Central State is a proud sponsor of the Cincinnati Music Festival

Join Central State University at the Cincinnati Music Festival on July 20-22!

Visit cincymusicfestival.com to see this year's star-studded line-up, including Al Green and Snoop Dogg.

Get your tickets today!

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.