In a ceremony marked by reflection and celebration of a resilient trailblazer, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 253 on Monday, July 22, 2024, establishing the Brigadier General Charles Young Memorial Historical Corridor. The 85-mile stretch of roadway pays homage to a man whose extraordinary life and military career left an indelible mark on […] The post Ohio governor signs bill to create Brigadier General Charles Young Memorial Historical Corridor appeared first on Alissa Paolella Portfolio ..read more

Welcome to an exploration of Central State University’s dedication to cultivating an inclusive environment for its diverse student body. In this piece, Alissa Paolella sheds light on the university’s efforts to foster a strong sense of belonging with students. Through conversations with prominent figures like Dr. Ryan Griffin, Vice President of the Office of Engagement and Persistence and Dean of Student Development, and Jessica Ngoie-Thomas, Director of the Office of Marauder Leadership and Engagement, readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and programs that contribute ..read more

Central State University celebrated a significant milestone with the merger of two of its esteemed colleges, the College of Education and the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. On July 1, these academic pillars merged to create the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASE). This merger honors the university’s 137-year legacy and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter of innovation and collaboration. New leadership Dr. Lillian Drakeford, formerly interim dean of the College of Education, has assumed the role of interim dean for CHASE. Dr. Amy Hobbs ..read more

Meet Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, the dynamic new President charting a transformative course for Central State University. From his early days in Nigeria to becoming an esteemed alum and now leader, Dr. Kuti, ’85, brings a deep commitment to education and community impact. “Leaving home started my educational journey as a student and let me understand the power of education,” Kuti said.  “From that day forward, I’ve always realized the importance of the physical, emotional, and educational environment necessary for students to succeed.”  Under his visionary leadership, Central State i ..read more

Arline Taylor Flournoy, an 82-year-old college graduate, proudly stood among her Central State University peers at William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium on May 11, 2024. Emotions overwhelmed her as she realized that this graduation day had been over six decades in the making. Before she celebrated her 83rd birthday, Arline had a goal — earning her college degree. After a prolific career in Washington, D.C., she returned to Central State to finish what she had started. Transitioning from a Marauder to a Centralian, she followed in the footsteps of her husband, who graduated from the same ..read more

Experience the spirit of inclusivity and celebration! Explore Alissa Paolella’s vibrant presentation deck for the 2024 Yellow Springs Pride Festival. As the dedicated volunteer coordinator, Alissa invites you to join our community in the heart of Yellow Springs for an unforgettable event. This year’s festival promises to be an extravaganza like no other, uniting thousands of souls in a joyous celebration. From the colorful parade and lively vendor fair to electrifying performances, we infuse every moment with joy and solidarity. Alissa’s presentation deck is an essential guide to ensuring vol ..read more

Alissa Paolella has been a professional writer for over two decades, beginning in community reporting and advancing to organizational communications in 2017. Below is a selection of recently published work. A long time coming: Student returns to Central State University to earn her degree at age 82 The Purple March: Navigating the overlapping identities of LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and people of color Professor receives Fulbright award to study Indigenous medicinal uses of mangrove palm fruit in Guyana Central State University’s Intel-sponsored summer internship program doubles intern partic ..read more

Concept, copywriting, and design Alissa Paolella created the concept, wrote copy and designed a university counseling services landing page and brochure. Collaborating with program leaders, this project combined Alissa’s love of writing and mental health advocacy. The team carefully crafted the brochure to represent the institution’s commitment to supporting students on their emotional wellness and personal growth journey. Every element provides a glimpse into what the organization stands for and how it can help. The concept The brochure reflects the organization’s values, mission and essence ..read more

Content marketing to engage and empower customers You know your business better than anyone. Small business digital marketing, however, may not be your forte. This blog will review 5 tips for small business marketing and offer actionable insights on marketing a small business. Building an online community is vital in today’s business world. Using an omnichannel approach, you can increase brand awareness, elevating your brand to build trust and empower your customers with information and resources to find solutions to their challenges. At the same time, you demonstrate your commitment to a posi ..read more

For Healing Homes & Hearts, LLC Are you highly attuned to the emotions of those around you? Have you noticed that you sometimes sacrifice your own needs to help someone else, even those with whom you don’t have close personal relationships? Do you often put yourself in another’s shoes and intuitively understand their feelings? What is an empath? If you have a profound ability to sense the feelings of others, you may be an empath. Merriam-Webster defines an empath as “one who experiences the emotions of others” and “a person who has empathy.” In an article for Woman’s Day, Karen McLaren, M ..read more