Central State University students reach high and thrive

March 15, 2023 — Central State University’s Career Expo was designed to inform and educate students about what to expect after graduating and how to effectively begin a career. Scores of Central State University students perused the information tables in the University Center Ballroom on March 14, 15, and 16 at the Career Expo organized by the University’s Center of Excellence for HBCU Corporate Engagement and Office of Career Services.

Business professionals from industries such as banking, insurance, law enforcement, transportation, government, education, and others were available for impromptu face-to-face meetings with students.

"It’s a great way for students to not only learn about the value of their major but also find out about the transferrable skills employers look for in students," Central State University President Dr. Jack Thomas said.

Many Central State University alumni were in the professional ranks at the expo. Fifth Third Bank was represented by Central State University alum Taylor Elliot (class of 2022) and Kenneth Hughes (class of 2020). According to Elliott and Hughes, the bank values personal beliefs and needs and seeks to hire people who want to make sure their customers have the very best experiences.  

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Devin Watkins, Associate National Bank Examiner for the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of the Comptroller of Currency, who graduated from Central State in 2018, was looking for students interested in internships or full-time jobs. "The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) ensures that national banks and federal savings associations operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, treat customers fairly, and comply with applicable laws and regulations," according to www.occ.gov.

"We serve many economic sectors and value diversity in our workforce," Watkins said.  

Cardinal Health’s Andre’ Love graduated from Central State University in 2019 with a degree in Computer Science. He works in cyber security at Cardinal Health where they say, "just the way you are is just right for us."  According to Love, he was on campus representing Cardinal Health looking for the best new talent to join their team. 

Kentucky’s Jefferson County Public Schools Human Resources Specialist K. Nicole Marshall and Diversity Hiring Specialist Dr. Stephanie White were on hand to talk with students of any background and major. According to White, the JCPS not only hires teachers, but people in all areas, including business, finance, and engineering. Marshall said that she was impressed with the students that she met.

"They came with resumes and were well prepared to discuss their options," she said.

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About Central State University: Central State University is a public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution with a 135-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research, and service. Central State ranks among U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges in five categories, including Best Undergraduate Engineering Program and Top Public Schools. The University fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a solid liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally. 

EEO Statement: Central State University, an 1890 Land Grant Institution, is committed to the full inclusion of all people and does not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV / AIDS status, marital or family status, military status, national origin political beliefs, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (937) 376-6540. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution.