Category: Faculty & Staff

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.

Stan Holt

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW HEAD COACH FOR MEN’S BASKETBALL

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By Koshia Silver, Director of Public Relations

Langston University has named Stan Holt as head coach for the men’s basketball team.

“We are excited and pleased to welcome Stan Holt, he is young and eager“, said Mike Garrett, LU Athletic Director. “I look forward to a successful season and to one day look back on our future success and be able to say, we got him first.”

Holt brings with him over seven years of progressive experience as well as a Master of Education in post-Secondary Administration and Student Affairs. Holt has developed and impacted such names as Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls and Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic.

“The athletic administration at Langston University has brought tremendous passion and energy to the department”, Holt said. “I sincerely welcome the support and involvement of the community, Langston alumni, administration, faculty and staff as we bring unparalleled effort and enthusiasm to the court.”

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program.

Cheryl Miller

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY NAMES HALL OF FAMER CHERYL MILLER HEAD WOMEN’S COACH

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By Koshia Silver, Director of Public Relations

Cheryl Miller has officially been named head coach of women’s basketball at Langston University and was formally introduced to the team and the student body during center court ceremonies today in Langston.

Miller was a three-time national player of the year at the University of Southern California, leading the Women of Troy to national championships in both 1983 and ’84 and playing on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. She went on to coach in the WNBA for four seasons before beginning a career as a national sports broadcaster.

“This is a historic moment for Langston University athletics as we welcome legendary player and coach Cheryl Miller as women’s basketball head coach,” said Langston President Dr. Kent Smith. “Securing a coach of the caliber and character of Coach Miller is a tribute to Athletic Director Mike Garrett’s stature in the sports world.”

“Coach Miller’s credentials as a player and coach are unsurpassed in women’s basketball. We are thrilled and honored to have her here wearing Lion blue on our courts,” said Mike Garrett, athletic director at Langston University. “Coach Miller has the skills and tools to lead our women’s basketball team to domination in the NAIA.”

The NCAA named Miller one of the top five collegiate basketball players in NCAA history. Miller was USC’s head women’s coach for two years in the mid ’90s, and then coached the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA from 1997 to 2000.

“I am excited to be a part of a university with such a rich heritage”, said Cheryl Miller, women’s coach at Langston University. “We are talking championships. The bar has been set high, but I look forward to raising the bar even higher. I also hope to develop the player’s potential both on and off of the court. “

Langston’s women’s team ended the season with a 20-13 record. Leading scorer, Lynette Holmes (28 ppg) was named player of the week for two consecutive weeks.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program.