Central State reports big increase in first-year students

Central State University reports that it has enrolled 634 first-time students this fall, a 22-percent increase over last year.

That is CSU’s largest group in the past five years, according to a university news release.

“Our recruitment efforts increased the university’s visibility and once they heard about our academic programs, opportunities for growth and value, their interest increased,” said Stephanie Krah, CSU Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

The new students come from 21 states and countries, and Krah calls the group “the most diverse in recent years.”

“They are serious about their academic pursuits and we will provide all of the necessary support services to ensure their successful matriculation, graduation and job attainment, right here in Ohio,” she said.

In addition to its large group of first-time students, CSU has 16 high school students enrolled through the College Credit Plus program, which is in its second year in Ohio.

Total enrollment this fall at Central State is 1,741, according to the university. That is a slight decrease from last year’s total of 1,804.

CSU this spring decreased its surcharge for out-of-state students by 76 percent. That strategy helped it attract a large number of students from Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.

The university is projecting a record incoming class for fall 2017.

“Central State University’s quality academic programs are the best value for students seeking a rigorous, rewarding collegiate experience,” Krah said.

CSU also announced four additions to its board of trustees: Reginald Fields, Marlon Moore, Christopher Wyche and Sherri Richardson.

Fields is the director of communications and external affairs for the Ohio State Medical Association and a former journalist. The Columbus resident holds degrees from Ohio Wesleyan University and Ohio University.

Moore is senior vice president, chief diversity and inclusion officer for Huntington Bank. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Cleveland State. Moore lives in Galena.

Wyche lives in Columbus and Richardson lives in Cincinnati. Biographical information for the two newest board members was not available.

The appointments by Ohio Gov. John Kasich bring the current total number of trustees to nine voting members.

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