Central State University students embark on in-depth tour of Ohio Statehouse, engage with lawmakers on policy and careers

Above: On a trip to the Ohio Statehouse, Marauders learned about George Washington Williams in a special room dedicated to the first Black Ohio lawmaker and first Black author to write a history of Black Americans.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Central State University political science students ventured to the Ohio Statehouse this semester for an eye-opening experience into the heart of state government.   

Central State alumni Lauren Morgan, ’22, a legislative aide to Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells, and Daquan Neal, ’24, a legislative aide to Rep. Veronica R. Sims, initiated the trip. Students had a unique opportunity to tour the historic building, learn about Ohio’s legislative processes, and engage with lawmakers and aides on topics ranging from immigration to political career pathways.  

In organizing the visit, Neal emphasized the importance of representation and access in shaping future leaders. “Being a part of this means everything,” Neal said. “I was once a student who had no idea I could step foot in the Ohio Statehouse or make any impact on the political landscape. I had a passion and a dream but felt far removed from any real opportunities."

"Now, I’m in a position where I can be part of these students’ journeys. This is why I am here.”  

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Collaborative politics and mentorship in the Ohio Legislature  

Among the highlights of the day were panel discussions with members of the Ohio General Assembly. Ohio State Sen. Michele Reynolds, who mentored Neal, recalled her experiences working with him as an intern and contrasted the cooperative spirit within the Ohio Senate with the perceived divisions in the U.S. Congress.   

“We are a lot more functional,” she told the students. “We do work together. Often, it’s the ‘what’ we agree on, even if the ‘how’ differs. We’re working hard for you.”  

Reynolds explained that during her campus visit to Central State University a year ago, she had challenged students to gain hands-on political experience. Neal took her up on the offer, serving as a legislative page in her office — a move that became a springboard for his current role as a legislative aide.   

“I’m proud that Daquan has opened the door for you all to be here today,” she added.  

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Power of page programs  

Students heard from legislative aides who had advanced through Ohio’s page programs, including Yondris Ferguson, now a senior legislative aide to Sen. Vernon Sykes. Ferguson shared how the page program had been transformative in his own career, offering a foundation in policy work that quickly led to promotions within the Senate.   

“It propelled me to new heights,” Ferguson said. “If this is the type of environment you want to work in, this program can be a gateway.”  

The insights resonated deeply with students, several of whom expressed interest in applying for similar programs in the Ohio House and Senate. The experience underscored the value of internships and page positions as a means of professional development in state politics.  

Navigating partisanship and building community relationships  

Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, a Democrat representing House District 7, shared her journey through state politics, encouraging students to think beyond federal government roles. She urged them to recognize the various impactful careers in state government, noting, “This is one of many options.”   

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As a leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Russo highlighted the importance of constituent relationships, emphasizing that elected officials must earn trust by demonstrating commitment to community values.  

“Running for office or serving your constituents isn’t just about getting elected; it’s about relationship-building,” she said. “People need to trust that you’re fighting for them and not just your own self-interest.”   

She underscored the necessity of treating constituent issues with urgency, especially since those who contact their elected officials often do so as a last resort after exhausting all other avenues to find solutions to their problems.  

Sen. Craig on public service, justice, and critical issues facing Ohio  

Sen. Hearcel F. Craig of Senate District 15 welcomed the students with a message about the privilege and responsibility of public service. In a heartfelt address, he described the state legislature as a place to serve the public and address pressing issues facing Ohioans.  

“This is not a 9-to-5 job,” he said, recounting his work with Columbus City Council and recent efforts to tackle homelessness and improve education and health care access.  

Craig urged students to consider how the state’s housing crisis impacts families and discussed the importance of accessible education. “Making sure our children pass the third-grade reading test is essential, but it’s about more than just passing tests,” he said. “It’s about helping young people realize their dreams.”   

He also expressed pride in Ohio’s efforts to expand access to affordable health care and quality housing, topics he described as vital to a thriving state.   

“There are real opportunities to serve,” Craig affirmed, encouraging students to consider roles in both elected and supportive capacities within government.  

Immigration and economic development in Ohio’s future  

Students raised questions about the role of immigrants in Ohio, and Craig and Russo addressed the topic from economic and social perspectives. Craig, who discussed Ohio’s heritage of immigrant contributions, urged students to advocate for fair treatment of immigrant communities, particularly in areas like Springfield, where such populations are integral to the local economy.  

“Dr. (Martin Luther) King (Jr.) said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’ and ‘(We shall overcome because) the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’ It does not bend by itself,” Craig said. “Where these issues exist is fundamentally unjust and cannot stand. There are complicated issues regarding immigration, but to the extent that they are harmful to folks who want to come to this nation and contribute — and they are contributing to this nation in Springfield.”  

Russo echoed Craig’s sentiments, adding that Ohio’s economy relies on a robust workforce that must include newcomers. “For the past two decades, Ohio’s population has been declining, which has created a significant workforce challenge,” Russo said.   

She stressed that while job growth has been strong, filling those jobs will require attracting new residents.   

“If we want a vibrant economic future, we must make Ohio welcoming to those who seek a new start here,” she said, noting that Columbus’s Somali American community now has critical representation within the state. Ohio’s first Somali American representatives are Ismail Mohamed of Ohio House District 3, and Munira Yasin Abdullahi of Ohio House District 9, and in 2023, the youngest serving member of the Ohio House of Representatives. 

Q&A: Pathways and practical advice from state legislators  

The students also engaged in a Q&A session with lawmakers, where questions touched on transitioning from local government roles to state legislature and the realities of campaigning. Craig spoke openly about the challenges of campaigning and balancing constituent service with legislative duties. He emphasized the importance of treating all constituents with equal respect regardless of political affiliation.  

Craig and Russo both stressed that building trust and maintaining relationships are central to effective leadership. “It’s about putting aside ego and self-interest to truly serve those who elected you,” Russo said, underscoring the power of sincere community engagement.   

The experience gave students a rare glimpse into state-level politics and the dedication required for public service. Students left with a deeper understanding of potential career paths and resources to apply for future page and internship programs, which Russo and other lawmakers encouraged as gateways into state government.  

For more information and to apply for Ohio’s page programs, visit https://ohiohouse.gov/resources/page-program and https://ohiosenate.gov/about/employment/page-program.   

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