The following is a statement from the Central State University Board of Trustees Chairman
Central State University Community,
We have important information to communicate regarding the leadership at Central State University.
After eight years of inspired, intentional and transformational leadership focused on the tenants of Service, Protocol and Civility, Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond announced yesterday that the 2019-20 academic year will be her last year as president of Central State University. This transition was planned in connection with Dr. Jackson-Hammond’s contract extension that was entered into in 2018. Consequently, the Board of Trustees has launched the search for the next president of this fine institution.
President Jackson-Hammond’s tenure has undoubtedly marked a period of growth and prosperity for our University and we are all eternally grateful for the course on which we have been set because of her leadership and vision. Dr. Jackson-Hammond started her tenure as president with a goal of making Central State beacon of academic excellence and a citadel for growth opportunities for our students to thrive in a campus environment where they are immersed in scholarship, increased research opportunities and the arts in preparation for future success. To that end, the Central State University Board of Trustees declares to our beloved “Madam President,” mission accomplished! Over the remainder of this academic year we will have designated opportunities for the campus, greater community and the State of Ohio to celebrate the accomplishments of our 8th President of Central State University.
As we continue to evolve from a teaching institution to a teaching and research institution in connection with our status as an 1890 Land Grant Institution, the Board of Trustees embarks on this pivotal moment in the institution’s proud and distinguished history with the goal of hiring a president for Central State University who will move us forward on our mission to academically prepare students with diverse backgrounds and educational needs for leadership and service in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
The Board of Trustees is appointing a Presidential Search Advisory Committee to work with our search consultants, Academic Search, Inc. and the Board in conducting this national search. The 12-member Presidential Search Advisory Committee will be broadly representative and includes representation from the student body, faculty, administration, alumni, members of the community as well as members of the Board of Trustees. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee will be chaired by Trustee Vice Chair Rev. Larry Macon, Jr. Information on the membership of Presidential Advisory Committee will be finalized next week. The Board anticipates the selection of the final candidate in the first quarter of 2020 so as to allow transitional planning prior to the next academic year at Central State.
We specifically want to make all the campus community, alumni, and external constituencies aware that on September 16 and 17, 2019 the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, in conjunction with Academic Search, Inc., will conduct a number of “Listening Sessions” on campus. Faculty, staff, students, community representatives and alumni will be invited to participate in scheduled conversation. This will be an opportunity to express your views as to the skills, experience, character and focus that our new leader should possess. This is not your only opportunity to provide input into the process as a dedicated email address, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. has been established for your use. For more information regarding this process, please visit the “Presidential Search” page on our website www.centralstate.edu/presidentialsearch.
As we embark on this very important journey, we look forward to engaging you in a meaningful way to ensure Central State continues to prosper as we select a new leader for our institution.
