Category: Langston University

LANGSTON RECEIVES FUNDING TO PRESERVE THE HISTORIC COTTAGE ROW DISTRICT

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Written by Christina Gray

Langston University has received a grant of $473,820 to preserve the historic cottage row district on the Langston campus. Dr. Nancy Alexander led the grant team that wrote in their proposal that the “preservation of this precious landmark not only results in the recognition, understanding, and preservation of the HBCU story but it keeps a flame burning that we should not ever let become extinguished.” Click here to learn more about its history and to read the full excerpt of the proposal.

The projected start date for the design and planning phase of this project is on July 1, 2020. “We wisely requested some time to design, develop and plan to be completed within the first 6 months,” said Dr. Nancy Alexander, Chair of the LU Business Administration Department.

“All of the renovation and restoration of the cottages will take place in year one which includes replacing doors, insulating the attics, and replacing the wiring. In year two, we are undertaking the campus beautification projects, which includes the installation of benches, new signage, and the installation of a storm shelter.”

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to preserve our historic cottage row district,” said Mautra Jones, LU Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs.

“The grant will provide support to maintain the integrity of the original structures and make necessary upgrades to the cottages. One of the crown jewels of the Langston campus, we take great pride in our cottages as our very own students helped build them in the 1930s. The grant team led by Dr. Nancy Alexander is elated to embark upon this special journey and looks forward to continuing showcasing Historic Cottage Row District to the entire state and nation. Additionally, we appreciate the Oklahoma Historic Preservation Society for its assistance in providing valuable guidance through the years regarding this Oklahoma treasure.”

The Historic Cottage Row District project is supported by the Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant program. It is funded by the Historic Preservation Fund and administered by the National Park Service Department of Interior. For more details, please refer to the National Park Service press release.

LU RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP GRANT FROM THE USDA’S NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

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Written by Christina Gray

The Langston University School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (SAAS) recently received federal funding to offer additional scholarship opportunities to students through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in partnership with 1890 Land Grant Universities. Langston University was awarded $752,632 in funding.

The scholarships created by this funding will support students pursuing degrees in food and agriculture sciences and other closely related areas as defined by the USDA. This program offers mentorship and opportunities to the Langston University undergraduate students within the SAAS. The scholarship program will begin in Fall 2020. Students can apply for this scholarship here.

“Langston University produces highly trained agricultural graduates in Oklahoma,” said Dr. Wesley Whittaker, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. “Through this program, we are able to better develop students through mentorship and training opportunities. Furthermore, this opportunity will increase the number of qualified graduates that are placed in our state’s industries and graduate schools.”

About the 1890 Scholarship Program

The 1890 Scholarship Program provides scholarships to support recruiting, engaging, retaining, mentoring, and training undergraduate students. The scholarships are intended to encourage outstanding students at 1890 institutions to pursue and complete baccalaureate degrees in the food and agricultural sciences and related fields. By developing a highly-skilled workforce, the 1890 Scholarship Program helps facilitate rural prosperity and economic development aligning with USDA’s strategic goals. For full details, please refer to the official National Institute of Food and Agriculture press release.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY’S OUTSTANDING PROACTIVE RESPONSE TO COVID-19

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By Christina Gray

Just a few short months ago, no one could have predicted how COVID-19 would impact our institutions. A special team at Langston University started bracing for that impact early on, and the effect has been significant. The Langston University (LU) Emergency Leadership Team (ELT) has met daily to work on operational contingency plans for COVID-19 since the first confirmed case within the US was reported on January 21, 2020. The initial campus-wide advisory notification immediately followed and advanced screening protocols at the LU Health Clinic quickly followed. The campus community has consistently received updates via e-mail, on the COVID-19 landing page, and community telecommunication briefings from the Office of the President.

The University has been diligent in its proactive response to the crisis with the health and safety of its community members at the forefront of their efforts. “Our entire community has shown tremendous courage and creativity throughout a time of uncertainty and transition,” said President Smith.

“LU is profoundly grateful for the resilient spirit demonstrated by Lions everywhere. Together, we will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger and more innovative than ever before.” The team worked with campus facilities to implement deep cleaning practices across campus and modified operations to the LU dining service as part of their initial efforts. During the extended spring break, the community spaces on campus were deep cleaned, new protocols for campus safety were enacted, and additional hand sanitizing stations were deployed across campus. On March 27, 2020, the following enhanced measurements were implemented: limited access to campus, mandatory teleworking, and consolidated campus housing.

After spring break, a total of 1108 students returned to campus, but trends surrounding the virus and community transmission made it clear that changes to campus housing needed to be enacted quickly. The University worked to assist students in returning safely home. To date, only 80 students remain on-campus. At this time, only approved community members who have written approval from the Executive Policy Group of the ELT may remain in housing. Several student resources were made available to help them transition during this time, including travel funding, credit adjustments to accounts, and aided in student employment assistance. The Langston University Foundation also established an emergency fund to award mini-grants to students in need of funding.

Virtual Resources to Ensure Student Success

On March 30, 2020, all campuses were closed to the public and all coursework transitioned to fully online delivery through the end of the spring semester. The faculty worked to make academic accommodations for a hybrid delivery of coursework and leadership implemented expanded adjustments to campus operations. LU has enhanced its virtual resources to ensure student success throughout this time of distance learning. To help our students thrive, the University enhanced its library and technology resources and is providing virtual tutoring and virtual office hours. “Our dedicated faculty, staff, and students have embraced the challenge with grace, flexibility, and innovation as we all adapt to a new way of operating,” said President Smith.

“Our collective response affirms the values at the core of our University; that of unwavering loyalty and a mission to serve.”

Advanced Health Screening Protocols for Remaining Residents

As part of the COVID-19 efforts, the University hired an additional nurse practitioner dedicated to COVID-19 monitoring and new protocols. The University implemented advanced health screening protocols for approved residents. Any resident that experiences symptoms similar to or consistent with COVID-19 will be required to self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. Any confirmed cases will be placed in the designated quarantine spaces on campus.

The LU Police Department has implemented controlled access on all campuses. On the Langston campus, only one gate remains open. A checkpoint was established and is the single point of access for vehicles entering the campus. Additionally, no outside guests are authorized to visit any campus housing space while these mitigation protocols are in place. To date, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported at any campus or location associated with Langston University.

The University has initiated these strict protocols to ensure the continued health and safety of its community, including several precautionary measures to maximize the recommended social-distancing practices. “No one could have predicted the impact COVID-19 would have on our society, but one thing is certain and that is the resiliency of our community,” said President Smith.

“Taking care of one another is what Lions do best, and it’s how we intend to get through this challenging time.”

US CONGRESSWOMAN KENDRA HORN EMPOWERED STUDENT LEADERS

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Written By: Christina Gray

The United States Congresswoman Kendra Horn visited the Langston campus on November 7, 2019. During her visit, she delivered a powerful presentation to the community on effective ways to communicate with their elected officials.

She encouraged the students to look past initial perceptions and be willing to question their assumptions.

“The perception is that we only live in the extremes. We have to change that dialogue,” Horn said.

She explained that people often believe that she is extreme in her political beliefs. She challenged the students to inspire change by sharing their stories, know their resources, and find ways to get involved.

“Looking for opportunities to get engaged, that’s how you can start to move the needle,” she said. “And that is how you change the world.”

Senator James Lankford meets with Langston University students

US SENATOR JAMES LANKFORD MET WITH STUDENT LEADERS

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Written By Christina Gray

United States Senator James Lankford visited Langston University to meet with student leaders and administration on Friday, November 1, 2019.

He met with members of the Student Government Association and the Scholars Club in an open dialogue to discuss ways Congress can support the institution.

Senator Lankford shared information on the current political climate, Ukraine election and economic growth in Oklahoma. He also expressed the importance of communication and civil discourse.

Senator Lankford charged the students to lead by example. “It is up to you to set the example for the generation following you.”

During his visit, he also attended Dr. Meshack Sagini’s honors Government course to provide insight on the current issues with the University’s top scholars.

“We appreciate Senator Lankford returning to Langston University to visit with our students, and we appreciate his continued support,” said Langston University President, Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr.

Golden Felines

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES AN UNFORGETTABLE HOMECOMING

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Written By Christina Gray

There is nothing like an HBCU homecoming! LU alumni and fans traveled across the country to enjoy the week’s festivities.

The week kicked off with Gospel Fest featuring Dove Award-Winning Musical Artist, Travis Greene. The LU-OKC Campus hosted a family fun night complete with games, vendors and more! Several events highlighted the University’s milestones including the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the LU-Tulsa campus and the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the E.P. McCabe Honors Program.

The 14th annual President’s Scholarship Gala was marked with celebrity guests including the host, Emmy Award-winning comedian Sheryl Underwood and featured musical performances by local artist Club Nouveau and R&B funk headliner, Cameo. The evening was dedicated to those who have given in support of the University’s mission and all the proceeds went directly to student scholarships.

Gameday festivities included the annual parade, a tailgating competition, and the highly anticipated football game. Dance teams and marching bands came from all over the state to march in the parade that featured our beautiful historic campus. Lion fans of all ages came out to watch the Lions storm the stadium to defeat Texas Wesleyan in a 69-7 battle. Game Day was highlighted by the top-ranked Marching Pride Band during their incredible halftime performance.

If you’ve never experienced Langston University’s homecoming, you are missing out!

CLASSES AT THE LU EXTENSION AT UCSO START FOR THE INAUGURAL NURSING CLASS

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Written by Christina Gray

Langston University welcomes the inaugural nursing class at the Ardmore extension at the University Center of Southern Oklahoma. Classes began on January 22nd. The center hosted a student orientation for the 14 students in the four-year program last Tuesday.

This new initiative is geared to help meet the demand of the state’s nursing shortage. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offered in Ardmore is the same program as the one on the Langston campuses in Langston and Tulsa. The course offerings include an RN-BSN and an LPN-BSN track. Admission for the nursing program in Ardmore is now closed until January 2020.

Langston University is a public historically black college and university enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. This Spring, the inaugural nursing class has begun classes at the Langston University Ardmore extension at the University Center of Southern Oklahoma. LU has been recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability, ranking number three among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S., according to AffordableSchools.net. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu/.

LU-SL/SAAS STUDENT RECEIVES JUSTIN MORRILL SCHOLARSHIP

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Written by Kendra Oregon

Langston University’s recipient of the 2018 prestigious Justin Morrill Smith Scholarship is Monica Mascarenas, a senior animal science major. The Justin Morrill Smith Scholarship is awarded by the 1890 Land-Grant Universities Foundation to 19 graduating seniors; one at each of the 1890-member universities.

The $2,500 scholarship is a commemoration to Justin Smith Morrill who advocated dedicating public lands to create higher education institutions that taught agriculture and other subjects to all. In 1862, President Abe Lincoln signed the Morrill Land Grant Act, a law that ultimately funded 1862 Land-Grant institutions, and later established 1890 Land-Grant Universities dedicated to educating African Americans and other minority groups.

Mascarenas is an outstanding student as she carries a 4.0 GPA. Apart from excelling in the classroom, she has participated in research projects both at the small ruminant research campus as well as in research laboratories. Mascarenas is also active on campus. She serves as the president and co-founder of the Animal Science Club; she is a member of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), student representative on the LU-SAAS Publication Committee, and a faithful volunteer in many other groups. With regards to her research endeavors, Mascarenas has participated in a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funded research project, the USDA Food Safety Symposium, the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Research Symposium, and American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) annual conference.

Mascarenas is known around the School as someone who is reliable and enthusiastic to share her Langston experience. One of her most outstanding characteristics is her positive attitude toward work that has not gone unnoticed by her peers, professors, and the University administration. The scholarship is a blessing to Mascarenas as she says, “Receiving this scholarship means a great deal to me. I am the second oldest of six, and my parents are not able to pay for my college. This scholarship allows me to focus more on classes without having to worry about how I am going to pay for school. It is truly an honor to be selected for my hard work and achievements.”

Department Chair for Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as her mentor, Steve Zeng, Ph.D., expressed high praise saying, “Ms. Mascarenas has exceeded all expectations and has been one of the brightest students to have matriculated into our program.” In presenting the award, Wesley Whittaker, Dean of LU-SAAS, lauded Mascarenas for her outstanding academic performance as well as her dedication to community service and social issues.

LU PARTNERS WITH UCSO TO OFFER NURSING PROGRAM IN ARDMORE

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By Christina Gray

The University Center of Southern Oklahoma (UCSO) was recently approved to offer a bachelor’s program for nursing students from Langston University. Recruiting for its staff will begin in the fall, and classes will start in spring 2019.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offered in Ardmore will be the same program as the one on the Langston campuses in Langston and Tulsa. The course offerings will also include an RN-BSN and an LPN-BSN track. 

The new program offering provides the community an affordable and local option.  

“We plan to admit at least 24 qualified students spring 2019 with an increase in the number of admissions each spring,” said Dr. Teressa Hunter, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.  

“ The increase in the number of admissions will depend on the hiring of additional qualified faculty and clinical sites availability.”

Before the approval of the program, Langston University administrators met with the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce to discuss the community’s needs and requested a Community Needs Assessment for Ardmore, something the University Center hasn’t done since 2007. 

A recent news article in the Daily Ardmoreite quoted that ”Langston University has been wonderful to work with,” UCSO Interim CEO Peggy Maher said.  

“I especially like their commitment to working with the Ardmore community. They’ve met with the Chamber of Commerce, and they went to superintendents, they want to find out what Ardmore’s needs are.“  

“Our goal was to survey the local patrons to find out what the community wanted from the program,” said Mautra Jones, Langston University Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs.  

“We wanted to make sure that our program would ultimately to fit the needs of the surrounding community.” 

In addition to the nursing program, Langston University’s administrators submitted a list of other possible degree programs to bring to UCSO in the future. The list included agriculture programs, criminal justice, cybersecurity, natural resources, conservation, and animal science. 

LU – TULSA TO OPEN STUDENT GARDEN THROUGH STEM GRANT

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TULSA, Okla. – Langston University – Tulsa and Green Country Permaculture received a grant for a new summer gardening STEM program for Tulsa area students to get hands-on experience of growing their own vegetation.

The summer program allows students a better understanding of how to live off the land by working on a small-scale organic farm in Broken Arrow this summer.

The goal of this program is to increase interest in sustainable agriculture among younger generations. With National Geographic reporting that the nation’s farmers are 17 years older than the national average American working, Langston University and Green Country Permaculture want to address the lack of youth in agriculture.

The grant will also help Tulsa Public Schools expose students and teachers to agriculture once school starts on Aug. 20. Some classrooms will have hydroponic systems – a process where plant roots come in direct contact with a water-based, nutrient-rich solution, while also having access to oxygen, which is often a faster method than traditional methods and better suited for the school year.

Founded in 2012, Green Country Permaculture (GCP) is a consulting and ecological landscaping organization that provides alternatives to conventional landscape practices. CGP specializes in drainage issues, edible landscaping, native landscaping, school garden programs, and Permaculture design.

Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Langston University is recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability by afforableschools.net and bestvalueschools.com. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.