The People of CSU: Recruiter inspires future Marauders

Above: Central State University recruiter Ashley Clarke pumps up a crowd of high school juniors and seniors during a visit to St. George's High School in Freeport, Grand Bahama, the Bahamas.

The Office of Admissions at Central State University is a place where dreams are turned into reality. Each day, admissions specialists and recruiters strive to inspire and guide prospective students toward achieving their academic goals. The atmosphere is one of anticipatory excitement, as students learn about the transformative power of a Central State University education.

Admissions team members take great pride in showcasing the extensive support services available to students throughout their academic journey, whether attending on the campus in Wilberforce, Ohio, or as an online student through Central State Global. From academic advising to career counseling, students can expect to receive the guidance and assistance they need to succeed.  

Recruiter Ashley Clarke is on a mission to ensure the students she meets at college fairs nationwide feel seen, heard, and welcomed. With a social work background, Clarke inspires students by relating to them directly. 

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Clarke and the team of recruiters at CSU play a vital role in shaping the future of aspiring Marauders. They are often the first point of contact for new students, helping them navigate the complex world of higher education. Through their guidance and support, recruiters inspire and motivate these students to dream big and envision a future full of limitless possibilities.

Their dedicated efforts ensure that every student feels valued and supported throughout their academic journey at CSU. 

Moreover, the Admissions office highlights the diverse range of activities and extracurricular opportunities available to students. Students can participate in clubs, organizations, sports teams, and community service projects. These activities help to create a vibrant college experience that is both fulfilling and enjoyable. 

Through their interactions with the admissions team, students are transformed into future Marauders. The recruiters work tirelessly to ensure that each student finds a program that aligns with their interests and career aspirations. They are dedicated to making the admissions process as smooth and stress-free as possible, so that students can focus on achieving their academic goals. 

First-generation college students lift their families and communities

Clarke, an African American woman and first-generation college student, said she understands some of the challenges faced by Black and brown high school graduates.  

“I know the struggle and hardships, and I can share how I’ve moved past it and how I’m going to try to help (the student),” she said. “I’m also open and honest. I don’t know and am not going to have all the answers. Just because I’m Black does not mean I’m going to understand every struggle that every Black person goes through. If that were the case, no one would have stories to tell.”

Clarke believes everyone has a story worth hearing. “I go and speak with the students, and even if they’re not coming to Central, I am going to be the light that they need and that maybe they have not seen. It's one thing about social work that I love, and I’ve found it here with recruiting. Being that person is probably the most exciting part of the job and one I look forward to whenever I recruit.” 

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Coming to Central State is an experience like no other, Clarke elaborated.    

“What’s unique about Central is the heart of the staff, honestly,” she said. “The heart of the staff is really what makes that difference. We are family, and that reaches the students. That is a testament to how students feel welcome and comfortable going to (faculty and staff) offices. Students feel safe, loved, heard, and seen. And they know that their staff and faculty have their backs."

"If there’s anything they need, we have their back." — Ashley Clarke 

Clarke extends Central State’s familial affection to all the students she meets at college fairs and on campus. She asks them to call her Auntie Ash, Auntie Titi, or Tía, and she affectionately refers to them as niecey and nephew.  

She recalled one particular moment when a young woman received on-the-spot acceptance to Central State. “(She) was in tears because she was like, ‘I can go? And I’m getting (a merit-based scholarship)?!’ I asked her, 'Who told you (that you could not achieve success)?' It was something I learned that, for whatever reason, students are being told that if you have a 2.5 GPA or lower, you’re not going anywhere, especially coming out of COVID-19 — what? 

"If a student excels, that is a celebration. Excelling can mean they meet college requirements or got out of COVID alive, and they’re still standing and pushing," Clarke added. "They have excelled. These are the moments that need to be celebrated.”   

There are many new members of the Admissions staff at the University, all of whom bring a great deal of knowledge and experience to their roles.  

“Recruiters need to know how to create and maintain those relationships with future students,” said Dr. Tammi Love, director of Admissions and Recruitment said. “After they receive acceptance letters, their specific recruiter follows up with them, confirming that they received the letter and asking how they feel about their transition from high school to college.”    

The office aims to surpass its enrollment figures annually to enable more young adults to experience the transformative power of a Central State University education. Additionally, students can get involved early in the CSU community, where they can find their place and be welcomed, affirmed, and celebrated, regardless of their background or chosen path.  

"Our recruiters are the face of CSU, the boots on the ground," Love said. "They're present at schools and fairs, hearing firsthand what students want and need. They witness the reactions of students, parents, and counselors when we offer on-the-spot acceptances. It's a fantastic experience to become part of the CSU family."