|
The Ambassador | Volume 3, Issue 7 | Marauders Lead the Way on Mental Health Advocacy | |
As July ends, this edition of The Ambassador honors Minority Mental Health Month, illuminating the resilience, brilliance, and healing power of our Central State University community. From the transformative work of our Counseling Services team and intergenerational conversations about suicide prevention in Black communities to the unique role HBCUs play in cultivating identity and self-worth, each piece contributes to a broader dialogue of hope and empowerment.
Together, these voices remind us: At Central State, mental health matters.
|
| | | | |
Building a community of care starts here: How CSU champions mental health | |
At Central State University — Ohio’s only public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution — mental wellness is key to student success. Each July, we join the nation in observing Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, reaffirming our commitment to creating a supportive space where Marauders feel safe, heard, and empowered to care for their whole selves.
Read the full story »
| |
Restoring community, one circle at a time
Central State University’s Restorative Justice Program is reshaping campus culture through powerful “circle” conversations that promote healing, accountability, and belonging. Since 2023, these circles have brought together students, faculty, and community members across campus and beyond — fostering stronger relationships and emotional wellness.
Recognized nationally, CSU will headline the 2025 International Institute for Restorative Practices World Conference in October. With plans to deepen its impact, the program is building a more resilient and connected community.
Read the full story »
| |
| |
Uniting generations for suicide prevention in Black communities
Central State fosters open dialogue about suicide prevention across generations, including at the 2025 Suicide Prevention in the Black Community Summit sponsored by the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation.
Through partnerships and culturally informed programs, we are breaking the stigma and building pathways to hope and healing.
Read the full story »
| | | | Flourishing: Reflections on mental health, belonging, and the power of HBCUs | | |
Central State University champions mental health, belonging, and empowerment at HBCUs. Our HBCU environment fosters student growth through culturally affirming support, shared experiences, and a strong sense of community and purpose — reinforcing that mental wellness and identity thrive together.
Read the full story »
| | |
Reflections by Miles Calhoun, junior communications major
As a legendary actress once said, “I’m an actor and I embody all of humanity.” Looking back on all my previous roles in the theatre, I portrayed some interesting characters. Some more strange than others, one that wasn’t human, most of all one that was comedic but laid back. I see myself getting inspiration and motivation from some of these lovable but looney and cool guys as they've helped me escape my dark but sometimes fortunate reality. Acting isn’t just playing pretend it’s a part of who some people are in life.
Read more »
| | |
Reflections by Alexis Luckie, sophomore psychology major
Mental health isn’t just something I study, it's personal. I didn’t always know I’d be an advocate for mental health, but when my dad passed away on Christmas Day in 2020, my entire world changed. I was just 14. That kind of pain doesn’t go away overnight; it follows you, and if you’re not careful, it can take over. For a while, I didn’t really know how to deal with it. I just pushed through, like I thought I was supposed to. But deep down, I was struggling in silence.
Read more »
| | |
We are one: Supporting mental health equity at Central State and beyond by Traci Bell-Thomas
Maintaining positive mental health in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities has become a prevalent subject over the past few years. And the importance of “preserving one’s peace” is a constant topic of humor, yet has a level of seriousness whether amongst friends, family, at work, and on social media. Mental health concerns are real and affect many, including myself.
Read more »
| | |
Battle of the Decades giving challenge is on!
Show your Marauder pride by representing your graduation decade in a friendly fundraising competition, now through Sept. 30! Every gift counts — big or small — as we compete for top honors in total dollars and number of donors. Winning decades and classes will earn exclusive Homecoming perks, bragging rights, and a trophy displayed in the University Student Center.
Make your gift today and lead your class to victory!
| | |
Homecoming 2025
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.
| | 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! | | 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. | | | | |
