Business Connections with Xenia for Wilberforce Students
The nation’s first, private, historically Black college/university (HBCU) has begun “Town and Gown,” an official partnership with the city of Xenia, Ohio. Wilberforce University’s geography is Xenia Township in the suburb of Wilberforce, but much of its business connections are within Xenia. With that in mind, a recent VIP mayor’s reception highlighted proposals between the university and its neighboring municipality. This initiative is not just going to just build jobs, but it will also bring ideas to the table,” said Xenia’s Mayor Sarah Mays. “This will also bring new, innovative ways to move forward.”
Along with Mayor Mays, event attendees included members and officers of the Wilberforce University Student Government Association, President Elfred Anthony Pinkard, Vice President Natalie Coles, Provost Johnny D. Jones, and Chief Operating Officer William Woodson, among others. “We are so thrilled to be working closely with Mayor Mays and her team at the City of Xenia, said Wilberforce University VP of Advancement, Natalie Coles. “The Town and Gown initiative will take advantage of areas where collaboration offers a greater impact to our students and the citizens of Xenia. Being good partners and neighbors makes good sense.”
The reception cemented the Town and Gown initiative, designed to promote internships and employment with Xenia for Wilberforce students and strengthen the relationship between the city and the university. Additionally, Wilberforce participated as a sponsor of the Xenia Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held October 22, 2021, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, and the two groups are working to identify partnership opportunities that will enhance broadband infrastructure on the campus in the city. The university’s executive team is also looking forward to a mid-November meeting with the Xenia Chamber of Commerce that will be held on the Wilberforce campus.
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Wilberforce University, founded in 1856, is the nation’s first private, historically Black college/university founded by people of African descent. Located in southwest Ohio near Dayton, the university is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Ohio Link Library Consortium, and the NAIA Conference. According to HBCU.com, Wilberforce University is among the top five HBCUs in the midwest.
