Central State University News January 2014 Central State University Achieves Land Grant Status The journey to receive land grant status began in Columbus with the Ohio General Assembly's overwhelming support of Central State receiving this historic designation. Senator Widener played an important role in shepherding legislation through the Ohio General Assembly that was ultimately adopted on June 13, 2012. This work was an important precondition to the federal legislation that passed on January 29, 2014. From that beginning, the charge was taken on by the Ohio Congressional delegation and through their bi-partisan support, this effort was championed. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment that, once signed into law by President Obama, will add Central State University to a list of other distinguished Land Grant Institutions focused on expanding opportunities for STEM, agricultural research and education. Land Grant designation allows Central State University to increase educational programming and partnership opportunities within Ohio's agricultural industry. This status allows Central State University to increase educational programming and partnership opportunities within Ohio's agriculture industry. "There are a few dates in history that define Central State University; this will now be one of them," Central State University President Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond said. "On behalf of our students, faculty, staff and alumni, I cannot overstate our gratitude to the Ohio delegation for the mountains they moved to help Central State, our community and the state of Ohio." A date for the Presidential signing of the legislation, which will make the amendment official, will be announced in the near future. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.