Central State University

This university began with its parent institution -- Wilberforce University -- which is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. In 1887 the Ohio General Assembly enacted legislation that created a combined Normal and Industrial Department at Wilberforce, whose objectives were to provide teacher training for Blacks, inaugurate technical training programs, and stabilize these programs for minority students by assuring a financial base similar to that of other state-supported institutions.

In 1941, this department's name was changed to the College of Education and Industrial Arts, and in 1951 it split from its parent and became Central State College. Almost 15 years later it became Central State University.

CAMPUS LIFE

Today, Central State is Ohio's only predominately African American public institution of higher education. The campus consists of verdant green lawns with beautiful flowering shrubs, trees, and flowerbeds, centered by attractive sunken gardens. Across the road you'll find the University's outdoor education area, a natural reserve, and the Robeson Center -- a National Afro–American Museum and Cultural Center -- that chronicles Black history and sponsors a variety of programs.

Campus facilities are now valued at more than $95 million, and encompass the Cosby Mass Communications Center, Hallie Q. Brown Memorial Library, Clara A. Henderson College of Education, Newsom Administration Building, McLin International Center, Galloway Tower and Walter G. Sellers Alumni Center, among other buildings.

ADDRESS: 1400 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce, OH
PHONE: 800-388-2781 or 937-376-6011
WEBSITE: http://www.centralstate.edu

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY

BLACK CULTURAL TRAVEL MADE EASY