The Ambassador

From the Division of Institutional Advancement

Greetings, Central State University Alumni and Friends,

Homecoming! Halloween! HBCU pride! Hurrah for the many things we have to celebrate in the weeks to come and the many memories we have of the weeks that have gone by this month. Welcome once again to The Ambassador — October 2023 edition — 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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Alumnus works closely with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Chicago activism community

Upon earning his Bachelor of Science (Marketing) in 2020, Centralian and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity member Cameron Barnes launched himself into the sociopolitical and humanitarian stratosphere, with guidance from prominent community activist and former U.S. presidential hopeful Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Barnes has taken the values he’s learned from attending Central State to flourish as a rising leader in his native south side Chicago, Illinois, enclave. Working alongside his mentor, Barnes currently serves as national youth director of Rainbow/PUSH Coalition (RPC), a nonprofit established by Jackson, which promotes social justice.

With the goal of protecting, defending, and gaining civil rights, Barnes travels across the nation connecting with youthful aspirants to the cause of equality, inclusivity, accessibility, and respectability.

College Preview Day set for students interested in attending Central State

Central State University, 1400 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce, will hold its annual College Preview Day on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Madison W. Beacom/Gaston F. Lewis Gymnasium. Check-in will start at 8 a.m. Registration for the free event, which is open to the public, closes at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20.

The event allows attendees to learn about the University, speak with current students and faculty, and experience a typical day of college life. Lunch and a Marauder football game (vs. Lane College) are included.

Spotlight: Marvelous Marauders

Phanuel Cofie

Major: Manufacturing Engineering with a minor in Nuclear Engineering (Honors College)

Achievement: An active member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Cofie took part in a 2023 summer internship at Idaho National Laboratory, one of only 17 national labs in the U.S. Department of Energy complex

Fun fact: As part of his INL summer internship, Cofie analyzed 3-D applications for computer-aided design to transition contracted work in-house

"I can go on and on about my experiences at Central State and how the school is helping to shape and mold me in becoming the man I am today.” — Cofie

Tyler Wooten

Major: Business

Achievement: After slipping into academic distress and academic suspension due to missing class and schoolwork, Wooten worked her way back to a successful academic career and mentored fellow students dealing with similar issues

Fun fact: Continuing on the path she's on now, Wooten will be the first person from her family to receive a college degree

“I like being at an HBCU. All through elementary and high school, I never had a Black teacher. I was always at a predominantly white school. I wanted to stay with people of my culture.." — Wooten

Discover more about why Wooten fell into academic distress and how she strove back from the brink

Keiana Briscoe

Major: General Biology

Achievement: Honored with the Entomological Society of American (ESA) Alate Award, which recognizes students currently enrolled at HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions (MSI)

Fun Fact: While exploring the fields of entomology and chemistry, Briscoe developed her research areas of interest, which include ecology and molecular biology; more specifically, she is interested in how human intervention affects species on the molecular level

“I am thankful for this opportunity and the many doors it will open for me." — Briscoe

Learn more about Briscoe's astonishing work in entomology research

News from across campus and beyond

Wealthy Wednesdays help students with their job search path

Central State students who want to gain insight into career opportunities involving representatives from high-profile and regional companies are invited to take part in Wealthy Wednesdays.

The small career fairs are held weekly on campus on the first floor of the University Student Success Center (USSC), nestled in the corridor across from the cafeteria, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wealthy Wednesdays are free for Marauders, who can step up to tables hosted by recruiters to learn about the companies they represent. Promotional merchandise — hats, sunglasses, shirts, buttons, etc. — are typically on display for those who want to take home remembrances.

In speaking with the representatives of partnership organizations, Central State students can learn not only about the companies present but also internship opportunities that exist at those companies.

Three Central State students selected as 2023 USDA/1890 National Scholars

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Partnerships and Engagement has chosen three Central State University students as part of its 2023 USDA/1890 National Scholars Program.

Freshmen Shemaiah Butler, Michael Frazier, and Nasaan Jackson are among the 97 high school seniors and college freshmen and sophomores chosen from the countrywide pool of applicants to be so honored.

This specialized initiative partners the USDA with 1890 Land-Grant universities such as Central State to provide scholarship recipients with full tuition, fees, books, and room and board for up to four years of college enrollment. The program also provides professional and extracurricular training opportunities, including work experience at the USDA through summer internships.

Honors College works with Harvard Division of Continuing Education on hosting leadership workshops for students

Above: Central State Honors College students and Strada Scholars display the certificates they earned for participation in the Harvard Division of Continuing Education leadership workshops. Pictured are (from left) Jonathan Foster, Isabella Wynter Mitchell, Stacy Powell Griffith, Dr. Paul A. Schlag, Camron Nesbitt, Keante Lewis, and Harvard instructor Laura Wilcox.

Central State’s Honors College held two on-site leadership development workshops produced by the Harvard Division of Continuing Education Professional Development Programs this past month.

The two-day workshops — two separate sessions of Becoming a Leader: Developing Your Style and Making Sound Decisions — offered students the opportunity to equip themselves with the knowledge and tools needed to lead effectively in today’s dynamic career landscape.

Selected Marauders who completed these seminars earned a Harvard Leadership Certificate that they may now highlight on their resumes and in their professional online profiles.

Criminal justice studies program enhancements planned with $400,00 grant from National Science Foundation

Central State University has received a grant of approximately $400,000 to enhance its criminal justice program over the next three years, the National Science Foundation announced. Most significantly, the funds will be used to create a Forensic Studies minor.

Construction under way on new research facility

Construction has begun on a new $40 million facility to serve as the home of Central State's Land-Grant research. The two-level, 40,000-square-foot building will be located on State Route 42 near the water tower and will include, among other features, a precision lab for sustainable agricultural and robotic research; a food safety lab; a molecular biology and tissue culture lab; and a soil and water testing research lab. Completion of the first phase of the construction project is expected by June 2024, with Phase 2 anticipated to be completed in early 2025.

Google gift promotes science and technology in the classroom

As part of Google's growing efforts to support excellence research in academia, the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture (JWGCESTA) has received a second gift of $10,000 from Google to promote science and technology in the classroom.

Wilberforce among most charming college towns in Ohio

Central State's home of Wilberforce and the surrounding communities are among the most charming college towns in Ohio, according to an article by ohio.org.

Black Farming Conference shines light on unique challenges for Black and brown farmers

Collaboration and accessibility were key topics at the Black Indigenous People of Color Farming Network's Black Farming Conference at Central State on Sept. 30. The conference celebrates the heritage of Black farmers in the United States and regenerative Afro-Indigenous farming practices developed by enslaved farmers, Patty Allen, chair of the 2023 Black Farming Conference planning committee, told WYSO. The event is an opportunity for advocates to request less red tape to apply for programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and more training and access to capital.

Associate Professor of Entomology Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay receives Associaton for Women in Science Zenith Award

Congratulations to CSU Research Associate Professor of Entomology Dr. Hongmei Li-Byarlay for receiving the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) Zenith award which recognizes AWIS members who demonstrate strong leadership skills, innovative thinking, and a commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

HBCU Coalition member spotlight: Karen Mathews

Get to know HBCU Coalition member Karen M. Mathews, M.D. who serves as the Executive Director of Health & Psychological Services in the University Health & Wellness Center at Central State.

In April, she led an incredibly informative session about HBCU student-centered mental health services and solutions that she and her team have implemented for students at Central State for an HBCU Coalition meeting.

Pre-Law Program celebrates 14th annual Constitution Day

The Pre-Law Program at Central State held a series of full-day activities for its 14th annual Constitution Day on Thursday, Sept. 14.

Hosted in the University Student Success Center's Grand Ballroom, offerings throughout the free event open to the public included the opportunity for Marauders to speak with representatives from a variety of law schools around the country. There was also an expert panel debating the recent Supreme Court ruling effectively ending affirmative action in college admissions, and ceremonies celebrating the lucrative partnerships between Central State and two of the law schools present.

Intel Education and Research program directors visit campus

Central State and Wright State University welcomed Melinda Murdock and Dr. Sowmya Venkataramani, Intel's top figures in education and research, for campus visits on Sept. 28 as part of a collaboration between the organizations.

The day commenced at Central State with a warm reception, leading to a comprehensive meeting with the CSU Intel team.

The day concluded with a collaborative group discussion, bringing together representatives from Intel, CSU, WSU, and others.

Central State named Top 15 HBCU Hidden Gem Colleges

Central State University has been named to a list of the Top 15 HBCU Hidden Gem Colleges by Online Schools Guide based on the cost of attendance and the number of online offerings. While most Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are in the South, Central State stands among the top in the Midwest as Ohio's only public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant University.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

MARAUDER OF THE WEEK

Mone't Miller

Pictured here with orientation leader Davontay Lewis, Mone't Miller (right) is a senior majoring in psychology from Columbus, Ohio.

Fun fact: Her favorite food is tacos, and she has had a pet turtle (Darwin) for 10+ years.

Campus involvement: Mone’t is a Cheer Captain and Campus Tour guide. She leads and dedicates her time to helping others.

(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.