central state university the hbcu of the midwest wilberforce ohio

About Central State University

As Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State has enriched minds and changed lives for over 135 years — always with a focus on the future. Today, we enhance opportunities for all, creating future leaders in humanities, arts, social sciences, education, and business and diversifying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industries through innovative degree programs, bold research initiatives, and an extension program guided by our Land-Grant mission. Learn more

Mission

Central State University, a proud HBCU, fosters academic excellence within a nurturing living-learning environment and graduates a diverse population prepared for leadership, research, and service in Ohio and beyond.

Vision

Central State University is the premier Land-Grant Institution of excellence in teaching, learning, and research that embraces diversity and innovation in a global society.

Core values

Academic excellence (Excellence)  

  • Central State University pursues intellectual excellence in teaching, research, service, creative endeavors, and all aspects of operations.

Civility and mutual respect (Civility)

  • Central State University upholds respectful and thoughtful communication to gain a mutual understanding of concepts, philosophies, information, and ideas.

Community engagement and outreach  (Engagement)

  • Central State University promotes processes of servant leadership, collaborative involvement, and participation to solve impactful issues in our local, regional, national, and global communities.

Cultural responsiveness and inclusion (Culture)

  • Central State University enhances the ability to learn and respectfully relate with people of their own culture and values and people from various other cultures and values.

Innovation (Innovation)

  • Central State University champions creativity in all aspects of University operations.

Central State by the numbers

636

Acres of campus

24:1

Student-faculty ratio

36

Academic degree programs

Liberator of minds

We are Marauders

Central State University's school colors, maroon and gold, and mascot provide rich imagery. While slavery was an intricate system practiced throughout the Caribbean Islands and the U.S. mainland, Africans often fought and escaped from the brutal slave labor camps and formed independent settlements of free people. Unlike pirates or buccaneers, Marauders were considered to be freedom fighters.

Students on campus

Our Alma Mater

Relive your days at Central State University! Watch the Central State University Chorus perform the riveting CSU Alma Mater.

Central State University Alma Mater

  • Lyrics by Dr. Charles H. Wesley
    Music by Mrs. Annye R. Dawson, '47

    — I —

    O Central dear, we sing of thee

    Maker of Men who're free.

    We build in deeds thy greater name,

    We spread thy lasting fame.

    — Chorus —

    O Central mine, we'll sing of thee

    Truth and Right our song shall be.

    Our Alma Mater guides us and it's great,

    For God, For Central, For State!

    — II —

    O Alma Mater, Hail to thee,

    Builder of Women to be.

    We build for thee in heart and mind.

    We seek thy grace divine. 

    — Chorus —

    O Central mine, we'll sing of thee

    Truth and Right our song shall be.

    Our Alma Mater guides us and it's great,

    For God, For Central, For State!

    — III —

    O speak to us and we shall hear

    Thy voice so near, so clear.

    And as we sail the future's sea,

    Through the years we'll sing of thee.

    — Chorus —

    O Central mine, we'll sing of thee

    Truth and Right our song shall be.

    Our Alma Mater guides us and it's great,

    For God, For Central, For State!

Our eyes are on the future

As an 1890 Land-Grant University, Central State has the resources and the commitment to drive innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching and research. Our goal is to equip and uplift students, underrepresented farmers, and others so they can compete in a global, tech-driven market. 

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