Category: Alumni

QUINTON MORGAN

LANGSTON ALUMNUS, QUINTON MORGAN, NAMED NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR THE LANGSTON LIONS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Former Langston University (LU) football player and alumnus, Quinton Morgan, was recently named the permanent head football coach for the Langston Lions football team effective immediately.

In October, he took on the role of interim head coach for the remaining five games of the season and his leadership strongly impacted on the team’s performance. Under his leadership, the team experienced success with no losses (5-0), averaging 43.6 points per game, and outscored their opponents 218 to 65. Although Langston finished No. 2 in conference, they completed the season with a better overall record of 7-3. “Hard work is the company of success,” coach Morgan said.

He is a proven leader in athletics and has served on the LU coaching staff for more than 10 years. In 2011, he assumed the role as interim head coach for the LU softball team. It was under his direction, the team secured a record of 31 wins and advanced to the Red River Athletic Conference postseason tournament for the first time. His leadership steered the women to one of the best seasons in LU softball history.

Upon his appointment as head football coach, he outlined his goals and a strategic plan for recruitment and player management initiatives for the football program.

“He is committed to improving the academic and athletic performance of his players, increasing the athletic program’s graduation rates, and plans to increase visibility in high schools to help boost recruitment and retention numbers,” said Donnita Drain Rogers, LU Athletic Director.

“The Langston Lions plan to come back strong next season, and after watching coach Morgan perform from the sideline, this is truly possible,” said Rogers.

Prior to coaching, he earned a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and recreation in 2005 and a master’s degree in urban education in 2010 from Langston University.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more about Langston University, go to http://www.langston.edu or visit the newly updated http://www.langstonsports.com.

APLU NAMES INAUGURAL RECIPIENTS OF THE 1890 UNIVERSITIES CAREER EXEMPLAR AWARDS, CELEBRATES THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SECOND MORRILL ACT

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PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC AND LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES

By Jeff Lieberson, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities

Indianapolis, IN – The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) today named 19 recipients of its inaugural 1890 Universities Career Exemplar Awards. The recipients, distinguished alumni representing each of the 19 historically black land-grant universities, have achieved excellence in navigating their career pathway and providing mentorship to other traditionally underrepresented students pursuing similar career pathways. The awardees were nominated by their alma maters and evaluated on their commitment to institution, individual achievement, civic engagement and impact in providing access, opportunities and mentorship to current students and new alumni. The recipients were honored at APLU’s Annual Meeting now underway in Indianapolis, IN.

“The first class of 1890 Career Exemplar Awards recipients are a testament to the tremendous contributions 1890 institutions make to our society through their instruction, research and community engagement,” said APLU President Peter McPherson. “These alumni have not only achieved success in their own careers, but worked with their alma maters and current students to serve the institutions that had such a formative influence on them.”

“The 1890 Career Exemplar Awards recipients reflect the broad diversity and great achievement of 1890 Universities and their alumni,” said Dr. RoSusan D. Bartee, Interim Vice President of Access and Success. “As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act, their stories remind us of the power of the 1890 land-grant community and the progress we can continue to drive through these institutions and their students.”

The names, alma maters and achievements of the recipients of the inaugural 1890 Career Exemplar Awards are listed below:

  • Billy Bridgeforth of Alabama A&M University is Chairman of the National Black Growers Council and he has been featured in several trade publications. In 2013, the White House named him a “Champion of Change for Agriculture.”
  • Dr. Jesse Harnessof Alcorn State University has served as a member and chairman of the USDA Secretary of Agriculture’s National Commission on Small Farms and Advisory Committee on Small Farms. In 2005, he was inducted into the George Washington Carver Hall of Fame.
  • Morakinyo A. O. Kuti of Central State University is the Director of Sponsored Programs and Research at Central State University and an alumnus of the university. Hewas instrumental in the development of the $4.7 million Center of Excellence in STEM and STEM Education proposal funded by Department of Defense in 2010.
  • David Turner of Delaware State University is Global Analytics leader for Banking and Financial Markets for IBM and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Delaware State University. In 2002, Fortune magazine named him “50 Most Powerful Black Executives in America.”
  • Doris Hicks of Florida A&M University taught for 36 years in the public school system as an elementary teacher and is a lifelong volunteer for the local guardian ad litem program in Polk County, Florida. As President of the Polk County Alumni Chapter of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association, she established an endowment to ensure students from Polk County receive yearly funding until graduation.
  • The Honorable Calvin Smyre of Fort Valley State University is a business executive, state legislator, and community and national leader. He is President Emeritus of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
  • Donald C. Hylton, Sr. of Kentucky State University is a veteran of over 40 years of the plastic industry. While at ExxonMobil, he was active in their diversity efforts that led to the hiring and promotions of minorities and women within the organization.
  • Sherman L. Lewis of Langston University retired in 1997 as Deputy Administrator for Management and Strategic Planning at the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Upon retirement, Mr. Lewis dedicated eight years of service to Langston University as the Center of Outreach Programs Director.
  • Charles E. Seeney of Lincoln University is founder and former Managing Director of NewTech @ The NanoPoint. He is a scientist and entrepreneur with a central focus on the management of Intellectual Property.
  • Willie A. Deese of North Carolina A&T State University is Executive Vice President and President of the Merck Manufacturing Division, with responsibility for Merck’s worldwide manufacturing operations. He has also served on the North Carolina A&T Board of Trustees.
  • Ernie Collins of Prairie View A&M University joined Humble Oil and Refinery Company, now ExxonMobil, in 1969 and worked in various marketing staff and management positions until his retirement in 2003. Mr. Collins and his wife are strong supporters of youth and education and have established scholarship funds at Prairie View A&M University and Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • The Honorable James Clyburn of South Carolina State University is the U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s 6th congressional district, serving since 1993, and the Assistant Democratic Leader since 2011. President Barack Obama has said Representative Clyburn is, “One of a handful of people who, when they speak, the entire Congress listens.” He has supported higher education by leading the charge for increased Pell grants, investing millions in science and math programs and historic preservation at HBCUs.
  • Dr. Leodrey Williams of Southern University and A & M College built a career in Extension education. He was appointed Special Assistant to the United States Department of Agriculture Extension Administrator and five months later, the Secretary of Agriculture appointed him the National Director of Extension.
  • Ola G. Hudson of Tennessee State University was inducted into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame in May 1997 and served for 40 years as a teacher at the Metropolitan Nashville Public School System.
  • Dr. Mortimer H. Neufville of Tuskegee University served a distinguished career at the National Association of State Universities and Land-grant Colleges (NASULGC), now APLU. In 2006, he assumed the role of Executive Vice President at NASULGC and retired in 2008. He later served Interim President at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
  • Pearlie S. Reed of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff served as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for the United States Department of Agriculture from 2009 and 2012. He was nominated for this position by President Barack Obama and was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate.
  • Dr. Emmanuel T. Acquah of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore serves as Director of International Programs, and Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He has received a number of international honors including being appointed to the Advisory Committee of U.S. Response to Cutting Hunger in Half in Africa and to the United States Agency for International Development’s Strategic Partnership for Agricultural Research and Education Committee.
  • Walter F. Johnson III of West Virginia State University attained the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, the highest grade that could be achieved in the Medical Service Corps at that time. Upon retirement, Mr. Johnson received the Army’s highest award for achievement, the Distinguished Service Medal.
  • Dr. Antonio A. McLaren of Virginia State University joined the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture as a National Program Leader. In this role, he is responsible for managing and providing leadership for the 1890 Capacity Building Grants Program and the Higher Education Challenge Grants Program.
Mrs. Alice Strong Simmons, Dr. Ricco Wright, and Mr. Desmond Harvey

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ARE COMING HOME

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University announced that three alumni were chosen for new administrative and faculty appointments for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Ricco Wright, Ed. D., was named assistant professor of Mathematics in the School of Arts & Sciences at the Langston campus. Wright started teaching at the university this past August. His efforts in his first semester have already had a positive impact on the campus community.

“On a personal level, I plan to keep my students engaged all semester, make a difference in their lives, and enjoy my first year as an assistant professor of mathematics at my alma mater,” Wright said.

“On a professional level, I plan to increase the number of mathematics majors at Langston by recruiting at least three freshmen to join the Mathematics Club and by serving as their advisor this academic year,” Wright said.

It is also his goal to increase the intellectual campus climate by starting a book club on campus called Bibliophilism, by participating in monthly dialogues in the Harrison Library, and by giving talks on campus about different topics ranging from philosophy to literature to politics to music.

He is dedicated to making things better than when he came to the university and makes it his goal to continuously become more active in the fields of mathematics and mathematics education. Prior to LU, Wright taught mathematics at two universities in New York City. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Langston University in 2004 and a Doctorate in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2014.

Desmond Harvey was appointed as the new director of Student Life at the Langston campus.

“I am looking forward to returning to my alma mater,” Harvey said.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and graduated with honors from Langston University in 2006.

“During my first year as Director of Student Life, I plan to learn more about the student organizations, programs, and events that are hosted through the Office of Student Life, while establishing a relationship with the student leaders on campus,” he said.

Prior to Langston, he was the coordinator of prospective student services in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology for one year at Oklahoma State University. Before that, he served as an academic advisor, Coordinator of the Multicultural Engineering Program, Coordinator of African American Affairs, and Coordinator of Prospective Student Services for two years at Oklahoma State University.

Alice Strong-Simmons was appointed as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Oklahoma City campus. Coming from a long line of teaching professionals, Strong-Simmons describes herself as an “educator at heart.” As a trained educator, she was Director of Child Development and Adjunct Professor at Langston University.
She currently serves as Central Area Director of The Links, Incorporated and holds life memberships in the Langston University National Alumni Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Strong-Simmons prides herself on being a “Country Girl” whom God has endowed with an extraordinary passion for Langston University and its students, and working to assure the best education possible for the youth and children of the Great State of Oklahoma. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Langston University and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

Langston University President, Kent J. Smith, Jr., is confident that the experience and expertise these new appointments will bring to the roles will serve our students in and out of the classroom.

“As Langston University continues to blossom, it is vital we have the right leadership in place,” Dr. Smith said.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters’ degrees and one doctoral program. For more information about Langston University giving please contact the LU Foundation Office at (405) 466-3482.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY PLAYERS INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME

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By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla.—Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson and Mike Garrett, athletic director at Langston University, will induct 10 football players into the Langston University Hall of Fame as a part of the halftime festivities at Homecoming on Oct. 18, 2014.

“These are deserving men,” said Henderson, a retired NFL linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys and a Langston University alumnus. “They are great football players and each has provided valuable contributions to Langston Athletics.

“I am pleased to be part of this activity, and I hope it begins a tradition to acknowledge student-athletes who have made contributions at Langston University.”

Inductees were chosen by a selection committee for their performance as a student-athlete. The men will be presented with a medal and recognized for their contributions to the university.

Men being honored will include the coach and several players of the 1973 team that won the title of Oklahoma Collegiate Conference Champions.

Thomas Henderson, Mike Garrett and Langston University alumnus Clarence James will present the medals.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five master’s degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University Athletics, please visit www.langstonsports.com.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY PREPARES FOR HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

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By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla.—Langston University homecoming, Forever A Memorable Experience, will kick off with Rep. Mike Shelton as the grand marshal. Homecoming is Oct. 13-18, 2014, with Shelton leading the annual parade and kicking off festivities on Saturday.

“We are pleased to have representative Shelton as our homecoming grand marshal,” said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University. “He embodies the quality of leadership that we strive to teach at Langston. Shelton has dedicated his life to serving others and has always been a great supporter of Langston University.”

Shelton is a native of Oklahoma City and a Langston University alumnus. It was by studying under a former state representative that Shelton became interested in politics. Shelton mentored and worked with several organizations, including Langston University’s Oklahoma City campus. As the Community Outreach Coordinator for Langston University – Oklahoma City, he launched the first adult scholarship program for the campus.

In 2004, Shelton was elected to Oklahoma District 97 and currently serves as the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader.

Homecoming is an anticipated tradition at Langston University. Events are scheduled every day during the week of homecoming, such as the annual Gospel Fest, President’s Scholarship Gala, Greek Step Party and coronation of Mr. and Miss. Langston University. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on October 18, while the football game begins at 2 p.m. against Wayland Baptist University.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University homecoming and to purchase tickets, visit www.langston.edu/homecoming.

LANGSTON GRADUATE HEADS BACK TO ROOTS AS THE NEW DIRECTOR OF BANDS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

Langston University recently named in-demand performer and alumni Lonnie Easter as the new Director of Bands. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the field of music and stays ahead of the curve by choosing songs from the Billboard Top 25 list.

Easter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Langston University, where he graduated magna cum laude from the Edwin P. McCabe Honors Program. He also earned a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Easter recently served as the Director of Bands for Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, restoring a once proud program. The Douglass High School marching band is now known for its outstanding performances at halftime events and performances at the OKC Arts Festival. He served as the Director of Bands for nine years at Millwood Public Schools in Oklahoma City. The most memorable performance was for the Battle of the Bands in 2006. It was Easter’s creative approach that caused News 9 to feature Millwood as its ‘band of the week’ for their winning performance that had the crowd dancing in the stands.

Easter is best known for crafting contemporary and upbeat performances and is now continuing that tradition as he prepares the Langston band for its upcoming performances this fall.

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