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The Ambassador | Volume 3, Issue 6

Elevating Excellence — Inspiration. Innovation. Impact.

Across campus and beyond, Central State University is shaping lives, advancing knowledge, and empowering communities. This edition of The Ambassador highlights the people, programs, and partnerships driving progress — from bold student leaders to groundbreaking research and career-shaping experiences.


Explore how we're making our mark — locally, nationally, and globally.

 
 
 
 
graphic with central state university logo and mister central state university nathan p hart
 

18th Mister CSU embraces leadership with purpose

Central State students are using tech to transform student engagement. Competing in the HBCU C2 “Ctrl+Alt+CREATE” App Design Challenge, a CSU team earned national recognition for developing a mobile app that makes connecting with campus events, organizations, and resources easier than ever. Their innovation highlights the power of student-led solutions to shape the future of campus life.


Meet Mister CSU »

 

Voices of Purpose

 
five people stand near a pride tent with two youth sitting on the ground in front

Above: Rising senior Azariah Crosby (left), a community engagement fellow with the Cuyahoga County Public Defender's Office in Cleveland, Ohio, distributed legal resources at Cleveland Pride as part of her summer fellowship.

Political science student finds her advocacy voice at CSU


Rising senior Azariah Crosby pursued her calling at Ohio’s only public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, where her passion for advocacy, justice, and policy is becoming a purposeful path to leadership. 


Discover her journey »

 
two people in graduation regalia

Alum Spotlight: From student to standout educator


Alethea Davis ’25 returned to the same classrooms that once inspired her — this time as a rising educator, uplifting young lives. 


“You're building a foundation for everything,” she said, “so that when they do move on, they're strong and can excel when they go to the next grade.” 


Read her story »

 
large group of students and a guest speaker

NAACP chapter reactivated

Backed by the NAACP National Board of Directors, Central State has reactivated its college chapter, continuing a proud tradition of student activism. 


Learn more »

graphic showing award recipients

CSU celebrates SOCHE Excellence Awards recipients


The Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) has named its 2024–2025 Excellence Award recipients, honoring individuals who go above and beyond to elevate higher education across the region. Among those honored are three exceptional members of the Central State community: Dr. Nanyi Qiang, Erika Sams, and Dr. Sandi Sumerfield. Each represents the very best of what it means to serve, lead, and inspire at a mission-driven institution like CSU. 


Meet the recipients »

 

Research and Programs Shaping the Future

 

Field trials advance citrus greening solution


Dr. Anthony Arment contributes to national efforts to combat citrus greening, a major threat to agriculture, offering hoping through collaborative field trials.


Explore the research »

Space-ready innovation through CSU collab


In partnership with Agile Ultrasonics, Central State researchers are helping pioneer ultrasonic welding for spacecraft materials, advancing aerospace tech. 


Read about the innovation »

 
screen capture from drone footage

Drone workshop equips students for high-tech careers 

Students participated in Central State’s drone technology workshop — gaining industry-relevant skills in flight operations, mapping, and data analysis. 


Read how the students took flight »

 
beekeeping workshop participants

6th annual queen rearing workshop supports sustainability


Central State University hosted a hands-on beekeeping workshop focused on queen rearing and grafting, supporting agricultural sustainability and pollinator health.


Read the recap »

intel summer internship participants walking past a building at wright state university

CSU-led semiconductor internship expands nationally


With support from Intel and the National Science Foundation, CSU's semiconductor internship program is scaling up and opening doors in high-tech fields.


Discover the program »

 

Save the Date: Homecoming

Homecoming 

Get ready to come home! Central State University Homecoming 2025 will take place October 5–12, 2025, and this year we’re honoring Marauders from every decade — 1950s through the 2020s.


Our theme, “Through the Decades... A Legacy in Every Era,” is a tribute to the powerful legacy built by generations of CSU graduates and students. Whether you marched with the Invincible Marching Marauders in the ’60s or crossed the stage in the 2020s — we want to see YOU this year!


Mark your calendar and stay connected for more details.

Marauder Hall of Fame 

Now accepting nominations!

Do you know a Marauder athlete whose legacy deserves to be remembered?

Nominate them for the Central State University Athletics Hall of Fame!


Held during Homecoming Week, the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is a powerful celebration of athletic excellence — honoring those whose achievements have left a lasting mark on CSU history. 


Submit your nomination today and be part of preserving the legacy.


https://bit.ly/hofnominations25


Nominations close July 13, 2025.

More Central State University news


Know a potential student looking for a place to call home? Share this email with them and encourage them to apply today!

FOR GOD, FOR CENTRAL, FOR STATE!

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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 Communications Manager Alissa Paolella, Editor, at apaolella@centralstate.edu or the Office of Public Relations at publicrelations@centralstate.edu.