The once beleaguered Central State University now presents an encouraging story of financial and academic success.

A decade ago, the historically black state university in Wilberforce suffered from financial mismanagement, deteriorating facilities and declining enrollment.

But CSU President John Garland presented a vision of hope during a meeting with the Enquirer editorial board this week. Garland, who was hired in 1997 from the University of Virginia, set forth an ambitious future for the 1,600-student school. Three key achievements occurred in the past few months:

• In November, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools restored the school's 10-year academic accreditation.

• The school has also raised more than $800,000 as part of a challenge by entertainer Bill Cosby. Cosby met with campus officials in September 2003 and said if CSU raised $750,000 for a need-based scholarship fund, he would return for a fundraiser. Cosby is set to perform in Dayton on April 25, and the school expects to net more than $1.2 million in all.

• Central State is in the process of raising $1.5 million to restore its football program, which was discontinued in 1997. It has hired a head coach and enlisted former players, including former Dallas Cowboys star Erik Williams, to help.

Garland has plans to grow the student population to 3,000 by 2010, including recruiting more Latino students. And he wants the school to educate scores of teachers who will work in many of Ohio's struggling elementary and secondary schools with predominantly black enrollments. This is especially important in light of a Harvard University study out this week based on 2000-2001 data that shows Ohio has the second-worst record in the nation for educating black students. Only 40 percent of black students who enter ninth grade in Ohio earn diplomas, compared with 76 percent of white students, the study said.

Garland's optimism and a sound plan are what CSU needs to continue the momentum gained since he took over.

Garland said enrollment for the fall quarter of 2003 rose 12.5 percent over the previous year to 1,621 students. And the enrollment for freshmen rose 44 percent, from 381 in 2002, to 550 this fall.

Founded in 1887, Central State is an important part of the state's university system. Having it flourish is in the best interest of higher education in the state.