
Precious Denham, Central State University- c/o 2014, Middle Childhood Education Language Arts and Social Studies

Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am originally from East Chicago, Indiana but I was raised in Suffolk, Virginia.
Nobody in my family went to college before me, so I didn’t know what an HBCU was until one year prior to me attending Central State University.

Mayor of East Chicago, Indiana, Anthony Copeland | Image Credit: eastchicago.com
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
When I finally understood the rich history HBCU’s carried, I wanted to be a part of that.
I believed that if I was a part of the legacy, I would gain the proper knowledge to create my own working legacy.
When I went on a tour to Central State University, I could tell how family oriented everyone was. What really sold me was the dedication from the professors. Watching them teach and give individual help to the students led me to believe they cared about the student succeeding.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
The story of my experience at my HBCU is Leadership transformation and Revolutionary Enthusiasm. So many times we forget the essence of who we are as students. Central State constantly reminds me that the leader I am being transformed into is preparing me for my future as an educator.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I actually have a lot of first experiences. My favorite is when I got to travel to Alabama for a game. Although we lost, our school had so much spirit. It was freshmen year and I enjoyed watching it.

Dr. Hazel Latson, Department Chair of the College of Professional Education | Image Credit: centralstate.edu
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Latson.
She goes beyond what she really has to just to ensure that we are secure in the knowledge we gain. She is always making herself available to the students. As a future educator, this simple thing spoke volumes for me.
It raised the standard for me to always question myself to say “Did I do enough for my student? Was this something that they could carry on in life? Was I enough?”
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
The best restaurant on campus is the grill. They have amazing chicken and turkey wraps.
College crush?
My College crush was a football player from my freshmen year. I never knew his name, I just knew that he looked good and he had a nice smile.
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
I don’t know of any really.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
My major is Middle Childhood Education Language Arts and Social Studies. I choose this major because I understand the importance of a good educator in inner cities. We are an essential for the next generation.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
My proudest moment at my HBCU was when I was selected as Ms. College of Education for the 2013-2014 Academic School year.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
The spots to go to cuddle with your boyfriend or girlfriend is at the movie nights or maybe your room after all your work is completed of course. (smiles.)
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
OHHHHHHHHHH OOOOOHHHHHH OOOOHHHHH OOOOOOOHHHHHH ….IT’S MARAUDER LAND (IT’S MARAUDER LAND) IT’S MARAUDER LAAAAAND…..
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I am positively active on campus as I am a proud member of Destined for Greatness and active secretary, I am a member of the NAACP,and I serve as Ms.College of Education for the 2013-2014 academic school year
Where is the “yard” located?
Our yard is located in Wilberforce, Ohio.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
The clock tower is my favorite historical place on campus. It’s proper name is Galloway Hall but students will refer to as the clock tower. In April of 1974 we had a massive tornado that destroyed over 70 percent of our campus and the tower was left standing.
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
My saddest moment at my HBCU was knowing that one of my peers had lost her life.
What is your process when you are going through a hardship that you have never faced before?
When I am going through a process that I have never faced before, I pray about it, I try to remain calm but depending on what it is I may get frustrated. I try and see what I can do to make the situation better before I completely give up.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I was never really nervous about coming to school. I was always excited more than anything.
Are you a member of a sorority?
I wouldn’t dare say! (smiles)
Category : Alumni
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Central State University

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Students: 2,116
- Athletics: The university competes as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level. The university fields teams in twelve sports: men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's college tennis, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, and women's volleyball. Central State is a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) in most sports,[10] while the football team competes in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). CSU's main athletic rival is Kentucky State University.
- Notable Alumni: Elizabeth Eckford - One of Little Rock Nine** MacArthur DeShazer, Sr. - 1971 - Former White House Fellow (1984-85); Former Director, African Affairs, White House National Security Council (1993-96); Former Associate Deputy Secretary for International Labor Affairs - Department of Labor(1998 - 2001)** Hastings Kamuzu Banda - Former President of Malawi** Wayne A. Cauthen - First African American appointed as City Manager of Kansas City, MO** Clay Dixon - Former City Commissioner and Mayor of Dayton, Ohio** Arsenio Hall - 1992 - Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree** James T. Henry, Sr. - First Black mayor and City Commissioner of Xenia, Ohio** Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth - 1996 - Actress** Kedar Massenberg - Record label executive and producer** Leontyne Price - Opera singer** Teddy Seymour - First African American to sail around the world solo** Dayvon Ross - NFL Player** Jason Thomas - 9/11 Hero** Abram Wilson - California politician, former mayor of San Ramon, California** Nancy Wilson - Jazz Singer** Roland Winburn - Member of Ohio House of Representatives**
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Website: http://www.centralstate.edu/
- Click here to view on Wikipedia