Central State University has largest Class Yet!

For Immediate Release                        Media Contact: Edwina Blackwell Clark   

Central State University Welcomes Its Largest New Student Class in Recent Years WILBERFORCE, OH.   Central State University will welcome nearly 840 new students this Fall Semester, the largest since 2011.

New first-time freshmen, transfer students and readmits are expected to help the University surpass last year s total enrollment. In addition, new student enrollment has exceeded the University s original new student target of 800. Total enrollment numbers will be confirmed at the end of the month.

Part of the growth can be attributed to an intentional focus on increasing cultural diversity through international recruitment. This semester, students from The Bahamas will dominate the international community on campus. Two years ago, Central State entered into an agreement with The Bahamas Ministry of Education to provide scholarships for Bahamian students. Because of the academic success of those students and CSU s affordability, the Bahamian government tripled the number of sponsored students. These students will be among the students from more than eight other international countries who have attended Central State.

Over the past two years we have made a concerted effort to ensure that our partnership with The Bahamas Ministry of Education is one that yields successful outcomes,   said Dr. Stephanie Krah, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. CSU is an institution that lives its mission of fostering academic excellence within a nurturing environment. Student success is the outcome. The campus is busy this week as new students engage in activities designed to introduce them to a collegiate environment. New student orientation or Pirate Week, concludes on Sunday, Aug. 13, with the culminating Candlelight Ceremony, an event that symbolizes the transformative journey of incoming freshmen or Pirates to CSU Marauders. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 14.

Central State University, the 2017 HBCU of the Year (HBCU Digest), is the fifth most affordable four-year institution in the nation for out-of-state students. Last Fall, 45 percent of the total enrollment was from out-of-state. This speaks to the brand and the image of the University outside of Ohio. said Dr. Krah. These students and their families understand CSU s value proposition. Our goal, is to connect these students with internships and career opportunities in Ohio, which will lead to residency and the promotion of Ohio s workforce. About Central State University:

Central State University, located in Wilberforce, Ohio, is a regionally accredited 1890 Land-Grant University with a 130-year tradition of preparing students from diverse backgrounds and experiences for leadership, research and service. The University, which has been named HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest, fosters academic excellence within a nurturing environment and provides a strong liberal arts foundation and STEM-Ag curriculum leading to professional careers and advanced studies globally