central state university logo with school colors of maroon and gold and iconic tower on shield with the year of founding 1887

The Ambassador


FEBRUARY 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 2

Love My HBCU — Our History, Our Present, Our Future

A graphic showing a Central State University student in a gold shirt and maroon jacket with arms crossed

Black History Month is here, and we're ready to celebrate the legacy and love we have for our very own HBCU. At Central State University, we can't get enough of the family vibes, the celebrations, the performances, and the epic Homecoming that are only possible at HBCUs. Our students and alumni agree — there is no place quite like Central State University. We've been asking around to find out what everyone loves about CSU, and the responses have been meaningful and mind-blowing. So, let's settle in to this month's edition of the Ambassador as we celebrate, explore, and honor the legacy and love we all have for Central State.


Also, please continue to share your stories with us about what makes Central State so special using the hashtags #CentralState87 and #LoveMyHBCU on social media.

Central State University graduates Max and Tracy Singletary at their wedding

The Singletarys: A blessed life originating at Central State


In 37 years of marriage, the Singletarys —Max, '81, and Tracy, '82 — have faced immeasurable joy and dreadful tragedies. Their advice: Communicate. Trust. Love.


Discover how their love story flourished after meeting at CSU and reuniting at Homecoming — and why they encourage every alum to support their alma mater today.


Read their story

READ MORE LOVE STORIES
Morakinyo A O Kuti 10th President of Central State University

Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Ph.D., named 10th President of Central State University


Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, Ph.D., was named the 10th President of Central State University during a ceremony on Feb. 9, 2024, at the University Student Center. Kuti's appointment as the 10th President of Central State University marks a new era of research and innovation for the institution. With his extensive experience and track record of success, Kuti is well-equipped to lead the University in fulfilling its mission of providing quality education and opportunities to underrepresented students. Read more

a person looks over charts and graphs showing business analytics

Business Analytics: New JPMC-supported certificate


In collaboration with JPMorgan Chase Bank, Central State University is offering a new certificate program in Business Analytics to help more traditional and adult learners develop technical skills needed to better prepare them to compete for quality careers in high-demand industries. Read more

Up and Away a painting of children swinging by Erin M Smith of Central State University

Charter Day: Art and mental health with Erin M. Smith


Get ready to be inspired at Central State University's 137th Charter Day Convocation, where the keynote speaker will be Professor of Studio Art Erin M. Smith. She is a 2007 graduate and acclaimed artist. Smith will lead a conversation about the intersection of art and mental health. Read more

graphic for 137th Charter Day at Central State University

Student spotlight: Myles Lacking


Major: Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Love My HBCU: "It's a culture like no other. You don't see Royal Court and Fried Chicken Wednesdays anywhere else. You don't have a Homecoming like you have at an HBCU. Alumni are willing to help, and upperclassmen are guiding you. I have aspirations to do the same and pass it down."


Discover how Lacking's journey led him to become who he is today, with the support of Central State. Read more

James Myles Lacking

James "Myles" Lacking

SUPPORT STUDENTS LIKE MYLES
central state university greek life participants including students alumni faculty and staff

The love for Greek Life at Central State University is undeniable among the students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Black Greek-letter organizations, known as the Divine 9, have made a profound impact on Black American culture. The creation of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, consisting of nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations, was a response to the discrimination experienced by African Americans due to fraternities being initially open only to white male students. Their fight against racism on campuses has inspired generations of Black students obtaining their degrees.


Represented are members of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The other organizations in the Divine 9 not represented include Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Learn more on Facebook

Happy birthday, CSU!

Happy birthday Central State University graphic

Help us commemorate and celebrate our rich history and bright future together! As we mark our Charter Day of 1887, we invite you to be a part of our birthday celebration all month long by making a donation that goes toward scholarships for our students here at CSU.


Our campaign begins March 5 and runs through March 31.

LEARN MORE

Provost's Corner


As we celebrate Black History Month and prepare to vote in the 2024 presidential election, we should take time to celebrate Shirley Chisholm, a courageous Black political figure, writes Central State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs F. Erik Brooks, Ph.D.


Honor her legacy

the cover of a seat at the table the life and times of shirley chisholm by glenn l starks and f erik brooks

Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe


Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a beloved dish in soul food cuisine. Food historian Deah Berry Mitchell notes that their popularity in Black American kitchens is attributed to their abundance in the South. Enslaved women would use them to replicate the pumpkin pies made by their Northern neighbors. With a long growing season, sweet potatoes became a staple in many households.


Get the Recipe

heart-shaped sweet potatoes on a maroon background

Catch up on the latest news


Did you know? Season for Nonviolence, Jan. 30-April 4


The Season for Nonviolence marks the 64 days between the anniversaries of the deaths of Mahatma Gandhi on Jan. 30 and Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4. You can visit the Gandhi Institute today to take the nonviolence pledge and learn daily practices of nonviolence. With the International Peace Museum in Dayton just a short drive from Wilberforce, you have ample opportunities to learn about how to cultivate greater peace and compassion through education and collaboration. Be the change


There's never been a better time to be a Marauder. You can be part of advancing academic excellence for students from across the world.

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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. To share your story ideas, questions, and comments, contact Alissa Paolella, editor, at apaolella@centralstate.edu or the Office of Public Relations at publicrelations@centralstate.edu.