About Us | Central State University | Wilberforce, Ohio Skip to Content About Central State University The Premier Destination for Academic Excellence and Innovation Empowering Bold Thinkers, Producing Proven Leaders. As Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State has enriched minds and changed lives for over 135 years — always with a focus on the future. Today, we enhance opportunities for all, creating future leaders in humanities, arts, social sciences, education, and business and diversifying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) industries through innovative degree programs, bold research initiatives, and an extension program guided by our Land-Grant mission. Mission Central State University, a distinguished HBCU and Land-Grant institution, provides personalized learning pathways, advances research, and shares knowledge to meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities in Ohio and around the world. Vision Central State University is the Midwest’s leading destination for discovering and maximizing human potential. Core values Academic excellence (Excellence Central State University pursues intellectual excellence in teaching, research, service, creative endeavors, and all aspects of operations. Civility and mutual respect (Civility) Central State University upholds respectful and thoughtful communication to gain a mutual understanding of concepts, philosophies, information, and ideas. Community engagement and outreach  (Engagement) Central State University promotes processes of servant leadership, collaborative involvement, and participation to solve impactful issues in our local, regional, national, and global communities. Cultural responsiveness and inclusion (Culture) Central State University enhances the ability to learn and respectfully relate with people of their own culture and values and people from various other cultures and values. Innovation (Innovation) Central State University champions creativity in all aspects of University operations. Statement of Commitment As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216 , Central State University expressly commits to educate students by means of free, open, and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth. It is our duty to equip students with the opportunity to develop the intellectual skills they need to reach their own, informed conclusions. The University declares its commitment to not requiring, favoring, disfavoring, or prohibiting speech or lawful assembly. We are committed to create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth, and tolerates the differences in opinion that naturally occur in a public higher education community. Central State University declares that its duty is to treat all faculty, staff, and students as individuals, to hold them to equal standards, and to provide them equality of opportunity, with regard to those individuals' race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Central State by the numbers 636 Acres of campus 16:1 Student-faculty ratio 43 Academic degree offerings Liberator of minds We are Marauders Central State University's school colors, maroon and gold, and mascot provide rich imagery. While slavery was an intricate system practiced throughout the Caribbean Islands and the U.S. mainland, Africans often fought and escaped from the brutal slave labor camps and formed independent settlements of free people. Unlike pirates or buccaneers, Marauders were considered to be freedom fighters. Our History Rooted in tradition Maroon and Gold From Pirate to Marauder Becoming a Centralian The Royal Court Maroon and Gold Our colors honor the Maroons — Africans who escaped slavery and set up free colonies — and gold — the wealth of knowledge. From Pirate to Marauder You enter Central as a Pirate. After orientation, we embrace you as a Marauder during a solemn candlelight ceremony. Becoming a Centralian Central State's Office of Alumni Affairs works hand-in-hand with the National Alumni Association to serve Centralians with integrity and transparency. Graduates are an integral part of the Central State experience, giving back with their time, talents, and financial contributions. Alumni Relations The Royal Court Crowned at Homecoming, the Royal Court reigns all year and embodies the best of our HBCU — excellence, integrity, and pride. Our Alma Mater Relive your days at Central State University! Watch the Central State University Chorus perform the riveting CSU Alma Mater. Watch Now Lyrics by Dr. Charles H. Wesley Music by Mrs. Annye R. Dawson, '47 — I — O Central dear, we sing of thee Maker of Men who're free. We build in deeds thy greater name, We spread thy lasting fame. — Chorus — O Central mine, we'll sing of thee Truth and Right our song shall be. Our Alma Mater guides us and it's great, For God, For Central, For State! — II — O Alma Mater, Hail to thee, Builder of Women to be. We build for thee in heart and mind. We seek thy grace divine. — Chorus — O Central mine, we'll sing of thee Truth and Right our song shall be. Our Alma Mater guides us and it's great, For God, For Central, For State! — III — O speak to us and we shall hear Thy voice so near, so clear. And as we sail the future's sea, Through the years we'll sing of thee. — Chorus — O Central mine, we'll sing of thee Truth and Right our song shall be. Our Alma Mater guides us and it's great, For God, For Central, For State! Our eyes are on the future As an 1890 Land-Grant University, Central State has the resources and the commitment to drive innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching and research. Our goal is to equip and uplift students, underrepresented farmers, and others so they can compete in a global, tech-driven market. Make your move Request Info Visit Campus Connect with us