Governor Mike DeWine Visits Central State University

Seeks ideas to address workforce and economic development, and student success

Wilberforce, Ohio – Newly elected Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited the Central State University campus, meeting with university administration, students, and state lawmakers to learn more about the University, and discuss critical issues and opportunities in education. Central State is the first Ohio institution of higher learning that Gov. DeWine has visited since assuming office on January 14, 2019.

DeWine was welcomed by Central State University President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond and more than two-dozen student leaders. In an informal breakfast meeting, DeWine recognized Central State’s importance as Ohio’s 1890 land grant institution.

“This University has been a tremendous asset to the state, and we want to see it continue to grow,” he said. “We need more African-American teachers in Ohio’s schools and Central State has a vital role in meeting that goal.”

The governor pledged his support of the University’s long-range plans for growth and its new Agricultural Education Teaching program that was developed to address the tremendous need for agriculture teachers in Ohio. He praised the success of the university’s approach for wrap-around services for students with its Financial Literacy program, required for all students, and the Student Success Center, focuses on the overall student life experience including academics, social and mental health.

Also present and contributing their ideas during the meeting were Randy Gardner, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education; State Representative Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland), president of The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus; State Senator Bob Hackett (R-London); State Representative Juanita Brent (D- Cleveland); and State Representative Bill Dean (R-Xenia).