Central State University announces merger of two esteemed colleges

Central State University, Ohio's only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and a distinguished 1890 Land-Grant Institution, proudly announces the merger of its esteemed College of Education (COE) and College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHAS).  

Effective July 1, 2024, these two integral academic entities have consolidated to form the new College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASE), marking a pivotal moment in the University's rich 137-year history. 

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Dr. Lillian Drakeford, former interim dean of the College of Education, assumes the mantle of interim dean for CHASE. Dr. Amy Hobbs-Harris, previously the dean of CHAS, now serves as the University’s interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, overseeing the integration of CHASE into the broader academic framework of Central State University. Additionally, Dr. Anne-Marie Walkowicz has been named associate dean for the new college.  

In an interview, Drakeford highlighted the merger's primary motivations: enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing resources, and fostering a more enriched educational experience for students and faculty alike. The merger will support increased enrollment and, ultimately, aims to produce more graduates in the fields of education, the social sciences, humanities, and the arts through streamlined academic pathways.

"We aim to create a more cohesive academic environment that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and expands opportunities for both learning and research," Drakeford explained. 

A move to recognize shared goals and vision 

Both COE and CHAS have historically shared objectives centered on increasing enrollment, improving retention rates, and ensuring student success through innovative educational initiatives. The merger aligns these goals under the unified banner of CHASE, promising a synergistic approach to education that integrates diverse disciplines. 

Drakeford emphasized the benefits for students, including increased co-curricular options, streamlined pathways to graduation, and broader exposure to interdisciplinary coursework.  

“The merger will provide students with a more seamless educational journey, enabling them to explore diverse academic interests and develop a deeper understanding of their chosen fields." — Dr. Lillian Drakeford 

Through a myriad of campus engagement opportunities, students are learning invaluable leadership skills that will propel them to excel in their future endeavors. For example, a student-led dean’s roundtable seeks input from peers, which is then shared with the University’s deans. 

“It lifted their spirits and increased their sense of community,” Drakeford said. 

Hobbs-Harris added, “The most important thing is for students to create a sense of belonging.” 

Enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and research 

The consolidation of COE and CHAS into CHASE is expected to foster enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, thereby catalyzing impactful research initiatives that address societal challenges and advance educational practices.  

"We envision CHASE as a hub of intellectual exploration and practical application," Hobbs-Harris said. "Our commitment to student success remains unwavering, and this merger underscores our dedication to providing a supportive and transformative educational environment."   

"By bringing together expertise from various disciplines," Dr. Drakeford added, "we aim to create a fertile ground for innovative research and community engagement." 

Hobbs-Harris said she expects to see enhancements to interdisciplinary conversations quickly. “Just getting people in the same spaces, whether physically or mentally, can often increase those serendipitous moments. You can see places to work collaboratively across disciplines. We have a great model in the Bachelor of Arts in Humanities — Interdisciplinary Studies, which grew out of a multidisciplinary department. I’m hopeful as we’re merging more things, more opportunities for students will arise.” 

Looking ahead, Drakeford expressed aspirations for CHASE to expand its footprint within the community, leveraging its diverse programming to foster deeper connections with stakeholders and alumni.  

"We want to showcase the unique offerings of CHASE and demonstrate how Central State University prepares students to become informed global citizens and leaders in their respective fields,” she affirmed. 

“Humanities, education, the arts, and social sciences are the qualitative lifelines of human beings. The study of these disciplines influences the culture of the University, our citizenry, and the course of the nation.”  — Dr. Lillian Drakeford 

The new interim dean underscored the importance of measuring success through key metrics, such as enrollment data, retention rates, academic performance indicators, and student feedback.  

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Hobbs-Harris said she is confident in the college’s new leadership team, adding Walkowicz’s strengths include curriculum development and assessment.  

“I’m excited Dr. Drakeford agreed to take on this role for CHASE,” she said. “I can already see she’s going to be making a real impact and leading faculty to ensure academic excellence for all our students. 

“Dr. Drakeford and Dr. Walkowicz are bringing such fantastic talents and strengths to the college. CHASE will always have a warm place in my heart as my home college, and I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do.” 

Walkowicz said she is excited about the opportunity to serve as the first interim associate dean at Central State University.

"As Central State is in a period of revision and growth, this position will help to lead collaborative efforts both within and without CHASE to enhance our academic programs and coordinate support services," she said. "As an associate dean, I will work directly with the academic programs to lead assessment and accreditation efforts and envision ways to grow our programs to meet the needs of the 21st century student.

"Disciplines in the humanities, fine arts, and social sciences focus on social and civic responsibility, human creation and achievement, and intellectual curiosity," Walkowicz added. "In today's world, an understanding of the human condition is essential. Previously, the College of Education was insular; now, as part of CHASE, our future teachers are part of a college that values humanistic inquiry in ways that can enhance how they consider themselves as teachers and mentors. In turn, our academic programs will work more closely with our future teachers to help us consider how we serve both today's University students and those of tomorrow."

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Walkowicz said one of her goals is to cultivate a culture of assessment. "A systematic assessment plan supports the University by providing a consistent pattern of examining student learning and considering changes for improvement. Through a sustained effort to assist programs to formulate practical assessment plans, we can continually assess the effectiveness of our academic programs and student co-curricular activities in ways that measure our Institutional effectiveness."

As Central State University embarks on this transformative journey with the establishment of CHASE, the Institution reaffirms its commitment to educational innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community impact. The merger of COE and CHAS symbolizes a strategic step forward in advancing the University's mission to empower future generations of scholars and leaders. 

For more information about Central State University, visit www.centralstate.edu.