Category: Langston University

STUDENT INSPIRED BY INNOVATIVE METHODS AT PRESTIGIOUS SUMMER PROGRAM

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by Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – A senior English Education major at Langston University, Emmanuel Robinson, was one of 30 aspiring male teachers chosen from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the nation to attend the HBCU Male Summer Institute hosted by Winston-Salem State University. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Teacher Quality and Retention Program fund the Institute.

The Guthrie native aspires to become a high school English teacher.

“I really want to teach in an urban setting and give those students the ability to compete with anyone,” Robinson said. “This experience was certainly a guiding point in my teaching career.”

He highly encourages other education majors to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities and summer programs that are available.

The program is specifically geared toward aspiring male teachers from schools across the nation and focuses on teaching innovations and relevant subjects like professional development and school violence by providing support and the tools for the classroom through a series of workshops and lectures.

The men were taught through three different learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic.

“I was able to learn the different strategies but also able to practice those skills learned,” said Robinson. “I plan to make my classroom a mixture of all three something new or developing every day for my students to keep them engaged but also energized about learning. I want to make learning a priority again in students.”

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on the School of Education & Behavior Sciences at Langston University, visit https://langston.edu/academics/school/education-and-behavioral-sciences/.

KENYAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS LOOK TO LANGSTON’S GOAT EXPERTS TO HELP BOOST ECONOMY IN EAST AFRICA

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by Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Elected officials from East Kenya visited the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research at Langston University on Oct. 31, 2014.

The E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research plays an important role in improving the lives of people in developing countries. International institutions continue to benefit from the training and resources made available by the Institute for Research and Extension. The officials toured the research facilities and goat farm in hopes that the University will consider investing in various projects in East Kenya.

The Kenyan government officials sent members of Mombasa County’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries to the U.S. to cultivate relationships to further the mission to enhance food security, plant and animal health, and reduce poverty through the creation of agribusiness opportunities that result in improved livelihoods.

“Our governor sent us specifically to come back with something,” said Anthony Njaramba, the Mombasa County Minister of Agriculture.

The E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research has been involved in research, training, and development projects in West Africa for two years.

“We have not come to beg for help; we have come to request a partnership because we understand what Langston University can do for us,” Njaramba said. “These areas have been neglected because of the harsh climate. We believe that goat farming can turn our economy around, and Langston University can help us do that.”

Also proposed was the development of a student exchange program for students from the Agriculture Training College in Kenya to attend Langston University.

“We have never had an exchange student in East Africa, only in the West, ” said Marvin Burns, Ph. D., Dean of the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. “I am happy to know that you have interest and we certainly want to see Mombasa come to the forefront of Tanzania. We have people in place to help us get what we need.”

Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program. E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute provides cutting-edge research that focuses on providing new information relevant and usable by producers and researchers alike. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Click here to learn more about the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research.

Langston University (LU) was founded as a land grant college through the Morrill Act of 1890 and officially established when House Bill 151 passed on March 12, 1897, as the Colored Agricultural and Normal University. The bill mandated the University to receive federal funds matched by state funds for the support of agricultural research and cooperative extension and community engagement.

LU has both a rural and urban-mandated mission with campuses in Langston, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and one extension in Ardmore. Langston University produces top academic scholars within the six schools that house the degree programs. LU boasts a total of 30 undergraduate and 5 graduate degree programs are offered within Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Behavioral Science, Nursing and Health Professions, and Physical Therapy. Currently, the top majors are nursing, health physical education and recreation, liberal education, and psychology. Learn more by visiting us online.

A baby goat, otherwise known as a kid, is bottlefed by a Langston University student.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY RECEIVES $1.5 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR AGRICULTURE RESEARCH

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) partners with Langston University to monitor trends in agriculture education and the future of agriculture-related careers.

“We are ideally positioned to provide new insight into the rapidly developing field of agriculture,” said Marvin Burns, Ph. D., Dean of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Langston University. “We are grateful for the financial support of this important research and look forward to sharing the results next year.”

The research conducted by grantees will provide important data relating to the sustainable control of greenhouse gas emission by ruminant livestock; students with disabilities; food and agricultural science career pathway awareness and opportunities; the establishment of a state-of-the-art centralized laboratory to reinforce agriculture classes; enhancing health and productivity of dairy goats using smart technology, and the comparison of biological control of red cedar with goats to conventional methods of control.

Grants were awarded to the following individuals:

Project Director: Arthur Louis Goetsch, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture

Project Director: Steve Zeng, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture

Project Director: Terry Gipson, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture

Project Director: Steve Hart, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture

Project Director: Phillip D. Lewis, Ph. D.; The School of Education

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources aims to familiarize students with modern agriculture, encourage personal development and prepare them to successfully address environmental, rural, urban and general community needs. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. For more information on the School of Agriculture at Langston University, visit http://www.langston.edu/academics/school/agriculture-and-applied-sciences/.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY MAKES HISTORY WITH $1.45 MILLION GIFT

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – ONEOK recently pledged nearly $1.5 million to Langston University to fund projects campus-wide.

As the largest gift to date, ONEOK’s gift will fund scholarships in the Accounting Department that will be awarded to well-deserving students with financial needs. It will also fund a new professorship in the Accounting Department.

Over the past three years, ONEOK has developed a strong relationship with the Accounting Department. ONEOK routinely recruits LU Accounting students for their internship program. The internship program helps prepare students for post-college success through in-the-field training and additional learning experiences in the oil and natural gas industry. In most cases, these internships turn into full-time positions at ONEOK.

In addition to the large amount given to the Accounting Department, ONEOK’s support has reached across campus with a portion of the gift allocated to a marquee and video scoreboard, and a new entrance sign.

“We are incredibly thankful to ONEOK for the generous gift and the continuous support to our students,” said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University. “ONEOK is Langston University’s largest supporter, and its gift will make a huge impact on the lives of our students and will continue assisting Langston on our journey to becoming a competitor in our ever-growing economy.”

“Langston’s accounting program is top notch, and Langston’s proximity – right here in our own backyard – makes it a great resource for us to recruit quality local candidates,” said Terry K. Spencer, president and chief executive officer of ONEOK. “We have hired a number of Langston graduates for accounting roles at ONEOK. Making additional investments in the university to maintain that pipeline of quality candidates just makes sense.”

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.

OPENING CONVOCATION ENCOURAGES STUDENTS

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By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

“Nobody can control your life but you,” was the theme for Angela Monson’s speech at Langston University’s Formal Opening Convocation on Sept. 25, 2014.

Monson, Associate Provost University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, was the keynote speaker for the event, while Clyde Montgomery, Jr. presided.

Monson’s speech challenged students by urging them to make their own destinies. “Decide what you want out of life and pursue it” was her charge to the students. Monson was encouraging and hopeful for the future of Langston University students.

Following her speech, Monson was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by Kent J. Smith, Jr., Langston University president. The Outstanding Teacher of the Year award was also presented at the ceremony to Alonzo F. Peterson, a mathematics professor.

The ceremony also featured the introduction of the 2014 Student Government Association officers, music by the Langston University Concert Choir and Band and comments made by Mr. and Miss. Langston University.

To conclude the ceremony, Clifford Smith, Director of Choral Activities, led the auditorium in singing the Alma Mater. As another academic year has begun, so has another year of opportunity for Langston University students. As Monson pointed out, students are the future and they can change the world.

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.

NEWARK NATIVE APPOINTED AS LANGSTON UNIVERSITY’S NEW POINT GUARD

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University has named Karon Abraham of Newark, New Jersey, as point guard for the men’s basketball team.

Abraham averaged 13.7 points per game on 41.9 percent shooting with the NCAA Division 1 Robert Morris Colonials, a NCAA Division 1 program located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 2009-2012.

Langston University finished under .500 for the third straight year. Newly appointed Head Coach Stan Holt has been working to build a strong 2014 recruiting class and turn Langston’s men’s basketball team into a program that strives to win national championships. Holt is optimistic about the upcoming season.

“This is an exciting day for Langston Basketball,” Holt said. “Karon brings NCAA Division 1 experience. He has played at the highest level, and we expect him to use that experience to excel at Langston.”

During his two years at Robert Morris, Abraham was particularly dangerous from beyond the arc, making 43.4 percent of his three-point attempts.

“I feel excited and blessed to have this opportunity,” Abraham said. “I definitely see where Coach Holt and Mike Garrett (LU Athletic Director) are taking this program, and I know I will be able to help.”

Abraham will provide an immediate threat from the backcourt, along with returning sophomore Renard Green. Green led the Lions in scoring last year, averaging 12.3 points per game. Landon Gray also comes back to the team after shifting in and out of a starting role in 2013-2014.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES NEW YOUNG WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

The Young Women’s Empowerment Institute is a mentoring program for freshman female students attending Langston University. It is a one-year program that provides transformative opportunities to young women between 17-21 years of age who are first-time, full-time entering freshmen. The program helps improve their self-esteem and equip them with a life plan. The program is a series of seminars for the participants focused on professional development, social etiquette, health and wellness. Additionally, mentors are brought in to educate and guide these young women. The follow-up and monitoring of the progress of participants’ life plans continues through graduation and two years post-graduation.

The Young Women’s Empowerment Institute is a partnership between Langston University and the Central Area of The Links Incorporated. As the First Lady of Langston University, Tiffany Hill-Smith wanted to create a mentoring program that addressed the need to empower young college women to successfully manage the collegiate landscape and graduate ready to engage the global community. The program is a result of her efforts along with Alice Strong Simmons’, Central Area Director of the Links, Incorporated, vision partnering with Central Area Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) to work with young women attending these institutions, beginning with Langston University.

A Women in Leadership Luncheon was held earlier this month as a fundraising initiative to benefit the Young Women’s Empowerment Institute. Sophia A. Nelson, Esq., the keynote speaker at the luncheon, is an award-winning author and black women’s empowerment activist. She is the author of the award-winning 2011 non-fiction book “Black Women Redefined: Dispelling Myths and Discovering Fulfillment in the Age of Michelle Obama.”

“I am an award-winning author, but I still look for guidance in my two mentors at this stage in my life when I make a mistake,” Nelson said.

She explained a scenario where she was advised that she should think things through because so many young women look up to her. She explained that she realized the importance of admitting when she makes mistakes.

“That is why I feel it is vital that young women have a mentorship program to learn good citizenship practices”, she said.

Nelson believes that there is an order and a structure for success and that we are obligated to teach the younger generation how to live and succeed.

“I want to challenge you to do something different because this is a different generation and often we don’t communicate effectively,” Nelson said. “This generation is smart and savvy; build them up, counsel them and provide guidance. Don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk. This generation is looking for and wants something genuine.”

Nelson expressed that it doesn’t matter where one lives but how one is raised and the strong role models one has that shape a person. She applauded the participants of the mentoring program for wanting to develop their skills and referred to Titus 2 as a guide, “if you are wise, you accept counsel.” Nelson abruptly stopped and pointed directly to Beautiful- Joy Fields, a Mathematics major and academic scholar at Langston University, to say, “she is the exception, not the rule.”

“The Young Women’s Empowerment Institute has had a very personal and influential impact on my life,” Fields said. “It offers a life plan for young women that will aid us even after college. I am thrilled to be a part of a program that is helping make our dreams a reality. I am thankful for your commitment to me.”

Fields aspires to develop a chain of charter schools across the nation upon graduation and currently holds a 4.0 GPA.

Strong Simmons and Hill-Smith are dedicated to the growth and development of the mentoring program and will host this luncheon annually to create awareness and raise funds.

“It is imperative to invest in the young women on campus and ensure that the Young Women’s Empowerment Institute will continue to help future Langston students”, said Hill-Smith.

If you would like to make a donation or to learn more about how to become a mentor, please contact the Langston University Foundation for more information at (405) 466- 3482. Langston University is dedicated to the development of tomorrow’s leaders, are you?