SBA, Central State collaborate on 'brighter economic horizon'

Posted Oct 30 2023
Central State University Interim President Alex Johnson signs a memoradum of understanding while SBA Central and Southern Ohio District Office Director Everett M. Woodel Jr. looks on

Above: Everett M. Woodel Jr., Small Business Association (SBA) Central and Southern Ohio District Office director, and Central State University Interim President Alex Johnson, Ph.D., served as chief signatories during an SBA memorandum of understanding signing ceremony Friday, Oct. 13.

For Central State University's 1890 Land-Grant Programs, Homecoming weekend began Oct. 13 with a historic ceremonial signing to commemorate a strategic alliance memorandum (SAM) between Central State University and the Small Business Administration Central and Southern Ohio District Office.

The memorandum of understanding positions the two parties to collaborate on working for a "brighter economic horizon" for Ohio communities through the 1890 Land-Grant's Community and Economic Development Program.

Central State University and SBA representatives stand for a group photo at ceremonial MOU signing
Representatives from Central State University and the Small Business Administration Central and Southern Ohio District Office at a ceremonial signing to commemorate a strategic alliance memorandum working for a "brighter economic horizon" for Ohio communities.

The day unfolded into a slew of activities organized by Central State University Extension and the Agricultural Research Development Program across campus, including research lab and farm tours for nearly 30 visiting middle and high school students from New Lexington.

The day ended with a live taping of two episodes of the Research Connection podcast with CSU research professors and Morakinyo Kuti, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development and director of 1890 Land-Grant Programs.

Use the arrows below to browse additional photos from Homecoming. 

Homecoming highlights

2023 Mister and Miss CESTA (College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture) at Central State University
a man wearing a Central State University polo holds up a paper airplane
a Central State University professor researching sweet potatoes with a group of young people
a group of young people listen while a Central State University professor discusses his research
people wave during a parade while riding in the back of a truck with the words we do ag!

Congratulations to Jairus Burrows (left) and Jade Simmons on being named 2023 Homecoming Agricultural Research Development Program (ARDP) King and Queen. Burrows, a junior Biology major, is a native of Nassau, Bahamas. Simmons, a senior Exercise Science major, comes from Muskegon, Michigan. 

Marcus Nagle, Ph.D., (left) shares research on naturally occurring genotypes of sweet potatoes as candidates better suited for northern climates during Agriculture and Research Day, part of Homecoming 2023 festivities.

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