The future of HBCUs is limitless. Looking at individuals who have graduated from an HBCU, you see nurtured high-performing individuals who may not have had all the resources needed to be successful but who understands how to navigate through challenges. Specifically, Central State University is one that is very resilient. When you think about the tornado of April 1974 that blew away 80% of the campus, and the other challenges faced from a financial and limited resources standpoint, CSU has stood strong for 135 years and produced citizens who have gone on to change the world.
CSU has also contributed via research compliments of major transformational initiatives like water resources management and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields. Central State University is the only HBCU that offers a Water Resources Management bachelor’s degree program, and one of four to offer the program in the country. CSU is also experiencing phenomenal growth in its online program - now having over 4,000 students on its virtual CSU Global Platform.
CSU anticipates continued growth. Upcoming plans include the addition of the College of Health Sciences and the recently launched inaugural Honors College. CSU is also taking advantage of diversity in recruiting by attracting high-achieving students while continuing to serve traditional students and taking full advantage of what a diverse student body brings to the institutions of Honors College, Liberal Arts, and STEM Research.
The university has experienced tremendous growth in research dollars. CSU broke records with $27 million dollars raised in the past year and anticipates bolstering the research and sponsored programs to be able to increase federal funding through grants and sponsored programs. We have seen a 250% increase in fundraising efforts from individual and corporate donations and are planning a $30 million capital campaign. These resources as well as continued funding from the state of Ohio will position Central State University to continue to thrive and transform lives and communities in Ohio and beyond.
Dr. Jack Thomas is the President of Central State University.