Central State celebrates Women's History Month

Central State University’s history is brimming with female trailblazers and powerhouses. Serving in government or business diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and advancing joy and laughs in the world of entertainment, Marauders have taken their rightful place as leaders in the nation and the world to advance CSU’s vision.  

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

The University's location in Wilberforce, Ohio, is significant. Wilberforce was a prominent location on the Underground Railroad. As more people settled in the area, members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church purchased a small resort at Tawana Springs to establish a university for freed African Americans. Ohio African University, now Wilberforce University, was established in 1865 as the first institution of higher education for African Americans founded and led by African Americans. 

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The Combined Normal and Industrial Department was founded in 1887, which led to the establishment of Central State University. Central State is the only public 1890 Land-Grant Institution and Historically Black University in Ohio. The statute establishing the department declared that the institution was “open to all applicants of good and moral character,” thereby indicating no limitations as to race, color, sex, or creed. It was clear, however, that the department and its successors were designed to serve the educational needs of African American students. 

In 1941, the department expanded from a two- to a four-year program, and in 1947, it legally separated from Wilberforce, becoming the College of Education and Industrial Arts at Wilberforce. The name was changed in 1951 to Central State College, and in 1965, the institution achieved university status. 

Although women, especially Black women, have historically been excluded from mainstream narratives of the nation’s history, they have always been vital contributors to Central State, local communities, their states, and the nation.  

A new minor in gender and sexuality studies within the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences will build on strong existing coursework that focuses on women, gender, and sexuality in literature, history, and the arts, said J. Brendan Shaw, Ph.D., who was part of the group that developed the program.  

“The minor includes our existing popular classes in Literature by Gender, Literature by Women, and the History of the Black Woman, as well as newly created courses including Introduction to Gender and Sexuality Studies and Literature by Black Women,” Shaw said.

“The new minor reflects the department's commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry in our department and beyond; students take courses in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences as part of the minor as well. The GSS minor reflects the ongoing importance of intersectional conversations about the importance of women and other marginalized voices, not just during Women's History Month but year-round.”

This Women’s History Month, we are highlighting just a few of these inspiring alumni leaders as they open doors and create paths to success for future alums. 

Over the next several weeks, you will have opportunities to learn about the late Nancy Wilson honorary degree, ’76, an award-winning jazz musician and actor, and Phyllis Bolds ’54, a pioneering physicist; United States Congresswoman Joyce Beatty ’72 and former Atlanta City Council President Felicia A. Moore ’83, elected officials, and Dr. Melva “Cookie” Newsom ’71, advocate; business leaders Cheryl Lavender ’90 and Marya Rutherford Long ’78; and Kelly Davis ’08 and Ava Hall ’90, leaders in the arts and entertainment. 

You can help Central State tell our unique stories! Send your tips and ideas to publicrelations@centralstate.edu.