U.S. Congressman Mike Turner leads press conference detailing over $11 million tax credit for Central State University

Above, from left: Curtis Pettis, vice president for Administration and Finance, Central State University; Tiffiney Gray, vice president of Institutional Advancement, Central State University; Ohio Rep. Mike Turner (R-10th District); Dr. Morakinyo Kuti, vice president of Research and Economic Development and incoming President, Central State University; and Dr. Alex Johnson, interim President, Central State University.

DAYTON — Central State University joined United States Congressman Mike Turner (R-10th District) at the CSU-Dayton location on Monday for a press conference announcing an over $11.2 million reimbursement from the IRS for Employee Retention Credit (ERC) funds. 

Central State worked with Turner’s office to secure the tax credits for which it was eligible, later receiving three installments of ERC refund checks from the IRS in the amount of $3,347,610.90 for the first quarter of 2021, $3,954,128.73 for the second quarter of 2021, and $3,966,382.39 for the third quarter of 2021. 

According to Central State Interim President Dr. Alex Johnson, the funds will be used for the university to address five areas of strategic priority to promote the institution’s sustainability: 

• Operations and infrastructure, primarily around information technology; 

• Affordability by supporting student financial aid; 

• CSU’s marketing efforts to increase enrollment; 

• Vital programs and services; and 

• The student journey. 

"(Central State) had identified that they were eligible for Employee Retention tax credits that were available as a result of the COVID stimulus packages,” Turner said. “Central State had not received these funds, and they contacted our office so that we could work with them to see if these funds could be secured to assist Central State in offsetting some of the costs and expenses that they had incurred as a result of the transition during COVID.”  

Central State Interim President Dr. Alex Johnson shared that the IRS sent the checks by postal mail, landing on campus over three business days.  

“This is a significant allocation to Central State University for a number of reasons, the principal among them is the fact that it allows us to implement our strategic priorities related to student success,” Johnson said. “It allows us to ensure that they have an environment in which they can gain instruction, engage and develop their leadership skills. It also ensures that they will be graduating in a timely manner and in high numbers so that they can take on jobs that really promote their well-being. It allows them to not only advance economically, but it also allows them to change communities and the world.  

“The funds will be in our reserves. They will not be used for recurring expenses; they will be used for strategic priorities ... that promote the well-being of the institution overall.” 

Johnson recognized Turner’s office and Central State staff in the Department of Administration and Finance for their hard work in securing the tax credits.  

Dr. Morakinyo Kuti, vice president of Research and Economic Development and CSU’s incoming president, thanked Turner’s office for advocating for Central State, Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University.  

“This is why public policy works,” Kuti said. “Congressman Turner is a good friend of the university.”  

At the press conference's conclusion, Turner congratulated Central State for advancing to the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, a national quiz bowl champion. The contest is the nation’s premier academic competition for students at HBCUs.