Dr. Charles H. Wesley

The Honorable Dr. Charles Harris Wesley was the president of Wilberforce University from 1942 to 1947 and the first president of Central State College from 1947 to 1965. Dr. Wesley was a noted African American historian, educator, and minister. More importantly, he was an Alpha Man. Dr. Wesley was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha on March 29, 1913 through Zeta Chapter at Yale University. The Fraternity's history from its origins through the next seven decades was written by Wesley. He penned the first edition of The History of Alpha Phi Alpha: A Development in Negro College Life in 1929. He is recognized as the “Historian for the Fraternity”. Brother Wesley was elected General President of the Fraternity in 1931 and served for five-consecutive terms, spanning from 1932 to 1940.

According to “Old Head” brothers from the 1950’s, Brother Dr. Wesley was extremely active with the Delta Xi Chapter. It was stated that he was always present for participation in the initiation processes for new members.

In the honor of his contributions to the existence and success of CSU, the board of trustees and the State of Ohio named the Charles H. Wesley Hall building, which houses the College English and Social Sciences, in his honor.

Lionel H. Newsome

Another great Alpha Man that left his mark at CSU was the Honorable Dr. Lionel “Hodge” Newsome. Dr. Newsom, better known as “Hodge” among the brotherhood, was born in Wichita Falls, Texas in 1917 and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He received a B.A. degree from Lincoln University, a M.A. in Sociology from the University of Michigan, and a Ph. D. in Social Pathology from Washington University.

After serving in the military during World War II, Dr. Newsom worked in several academic capacities. One of his most prominent experiences was serving as the 22nd General President for Alpha Phi Alpha. During his time as National President, Dr. Newsome sustained a reputation as an enforcer, requiring strict adherence to fraternal bylaws and objectives.

In 1972 Dr. Newsome commenced tenure as President of CSU that would extend through 1985. During this time the University suffered a serious setback (April 1974), when a tornado demolished almost 70 percent of Central State's facilities. However, under his leadership, the University's will to survive, was not destroyed. Instead, he had students back on campus less than two weeks later, studying in makeshift classrooms, and a massive rebuilding effort began.

Paul Robeson

As a part of the rebuilding strategy, CSU paid tribute to Paul Robeson by constructing the “Paul Robeson Cultural and Performing Arts Center”. The center contains two concert halls, four art studios, a computer graphics lab, and a recording studio. The Robeson Center serves as a center of cultural life for the University and the community. Convocations, lectures, recitals, workshops, and art exhibits are presented in the Robeson Center throughout the school year.

Robeson was a scholar and a gifted athlete. He was an attorney, an acclaimed actor, and one of the finest bass-baritone singers the nation has known. He could speak and write and sing in 20 different languages, and he used his talents to speak out against racism and economic injustice. Most importantly, Paul Robeson was an Alpha Man.