Central State University, a historically Black university in Wilberforce, Ohio, has announced the merger of its College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and College of Education. The consolidated College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASE) was officially launched on July 1.
The primary goal of the merger is to improve operational efficiency, support increased enrollment, and optimize resources. There will also be an emphasis on establishing new interdisciplinary academic programming and co-curricular options for both students and faculty. Notably, the focus on operational streamlining does not include any plans for staff or faculty layoffs.
“We aim to create a more cohesive academic environment that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and expands opportunities for both learning and research,” said Dr. Lillian Drakeford, interim dean for CHASE.
Since 2017, Dr. Drakeford has served as director of field and clinical experiences for the College of Education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education for the hearing impaired from Northwestern University in Illinois, a master of education degree in curriculum and supervision from Wright State University in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in leadership and change from Antioch University.
