Central State University (Wilberforce, Ohio)

In 1887 Ohio General Assembly enacted legislation that created a Combined Normal and Industrial Department at Wilberforce University to provide teacher training for blacks, to inaugurate technical training programs, and to stabilize these programs for minority students by assuring a financial base similar to that of other state-supported institution; although "open to all applicants of good and moral character" it was clear that the department and its successors were designed to serve the educational needs of black students; although operated as part of Wilberforce in most respects, a separate board of trustees was appointed to govern the state-financed operations; in 1941 the Ohio General Assembly changed the department's name to the College of Education and Industrial Arts and became a four-year college program in education and industrial arts; often known as Wilberforce State University; in May 1951 the Ohio General Assembly approved an act that the institution should be known as Central State College; in November 1965 Central State was granted university status by the Ohio General Assembly.

From the description of General historical records, 1872-1976. (Central State University). WorldCat record id: 70970099