By The Langston University Office of Public Relations
TULSA, Okla. – The Langston University – Tulsa Campus will begin offering Public Health and Healthcare Administration majors during the 2025-2026 academic year.
These additions to the LU – Tulsa campus support Langston University’s commitment to expanding the healthcare workforce not just in the Tulsa community, but also throughout the state of Oklahoma and beyond.
These additional programs added to LU – Tulsa expand learning opportunities for working adults, older learners and returning students to pursue a degree with the flexibility and support needed for their busy lives and career goals.
Assistant Professor Dr. Sandra Brown said the classes in the Langston University School of Nursing and Health Professions are designed to focus on the practical application of public health and healthcare management theories, offering real-world and dynamic teaching-learning experiences.
“We provide an interdisciplinary approach to learning,” Dr. Brown said. “Healthcare leaders can no longer afford to learn and work in silos. Interdisciplinary professional education is critical to understanding the multiple roles in healthcare, is essential in fostering mutual respect, and helps to enhance patient outcomes.”
Healthcare administrators are crucial for the efficient and effective operation of healthcare facilities, while public health professionals are critical for protecting and improving community health by focusing on disease prevention, health promotion and equitable access to healthcare.
Because of the importance of these programs, they will have a significant impact on the Tulsa area by producing a more skilled and better-prepared workforce to meet the growing demand in the healthcare industry. With a projected job growth rate of about 28% – one of the highest in the nation – there is no indication of a slowdown. By equipping professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills, the public health and healthcare administration programs will contribute to enhancing the overall quality of care in the communities of Tulsa and surrounding areas.
Dr. Teressa Hunter, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, expressed her enthusiasm for the expansion.
“We are proud to expand Langston University’s presence in Tulsa by offering degree programs in Public Health and Healthcare Administration,” Dr. Hunter said. “These new majors reflect our strategic focus on workforce development and health equity throughout Oklahoma.”
With a low faculty-to-student ratio, students enrolled in the Public Health and Healthcare Administration majors will have more one-on-one learning opportunities. This creates a highly engaged and supportive learning environment. Students interested in these programs can expect a dynamic and enriching education led by experienced, compassionate faculty who are committed to student success.
Enrollment is now open for Healthcare Administration and Public Health classes at LU-Tulsa:
Healthcare Administration Courses:
HA 3253 – Introduction to Healthcare Administration
HA 3063 – Introduction to Gerontology
Public Health Courses:
PUH 2333 – Introduction to Public Health
PUH 2313 – Global Health
If you are currently a student at Langston University, you may enroll in these classes by contacting LU-Tulsa Campus Advisor Ms. Deborah O’Guin at deborah.oguin@langston.edu and at (918) 887-8123. You may also reach out to Langston Campus Advisor Ms. Carolyn Johnson at carolyn.s.johnson@langston.edu.
If you are not currently a student at Langston University, you may apply at the Langston University website.
Langston University is excited to announce an allocation of $10,125,000 from the Oklahoma State Legislature to address deferred maintenance projects across the university in fiscal year 2026. This special allocation is a direct result of the recent Carnegie designation of Research or College University awarded to our institution. The funding will be used to address infrastructure needs at all three LU campuses with a particular focus on the needs of the university’s historic Langston campus.
The Legislature passed Senate Bill 1169, which increases the percentage of Oklahoma Capital Asset Management and Protection (OCAMP) deferred maintenance funding allocated to Langston University by the Oklahoma Legislature. With this funding, the university plans to pursue a number of high-impact projects which are aimed at enhancing the experience for students, faculty, and staff including select HVAC upgrades, plumbing modernizations, and addressing various infrastructure priorities that will improve campus safety, accessibility and operational efficiency.
“The funding will help us make prioritized improvements which are essential to providing our students, faculty and staff with the quality learning, working and living environments they deserve,” President Ruth Ray Jackson said.
Langston University has continually made strategic investments through federal grants and other funding sources to address critical infrastructure needs at the Langston, Tulsa and Oklahoma City campuses. However, many of these necessary improvements take months of planning, must be competitively bid, and the scope of required improvements has consistently exceeded available resources. This increased funding will greatly aid the university as it prepares to take on these high-priority projects.
Last year, the university received $3.5 million to address deferred maintenance projects, $2.5 million of which is earmarked to replace the roof at the LU-Oklahoma City campus.
Langston University appreciates the leadership of the Oklahoma Legislature, Gov. Kevin Stitt, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents for their continued support of higher education infrastructure.
The university is especially grateful to Sen. Chuck Hall, who represents the Langston campus, for his leadership in advancing this legislation. The university also recognizes the broad, bipartisan support from legislators across the state who understand the critical importance of this investment in Oklahoma’s public institutions.
“Langston University is committed to responsibly stewarding these resources to advance our mission and continue serving our students and communities with excellence,” Dr. Jackson said.
At 10 a.m. on a bright and sunny Monday morning less than two weeks into his summer vacation, Tomas was back in the classroom.
The rising junior from Southeastern High School in Oklahoma City listened excitedly as Dr. Lindsay Davis explained the Quiz Bowl rules to a lecture hall full of students from the 2025 Langston University Math and Science Academy. Like many of his fellow Academy students, Tomas was ready to compete for bragging rights in the fast-paced trivia game.
They were split into two teams that rotated in groups of four to compete head-to-head answering questions ranging from pop culture trivia to properly solving math equations. In no time at all, the room was filled with excited shouts and laughter as the students raced to their buzzers, trying to be the first to correctly answer a question and earn points for their team.
“Currently, since we’re learning about the Quiz Bowl, I’m going to try my best to excel in that,” Tomas said. “And just overall, I’m trying to improve my skills and learn new things with my teachers.”
Students play Quiz Bowl at the 2025 Langston University Math and Science Academy.
The Quiz Bowl was just one of many activities these high school students participated in during the Math and Science Academy. For two weeks, the 25 students who made up this year’s cohort lived on LU’s Langston campus and got a taste of what life is like in college. They spent their days learning about math, science and technology and their evenings relaxing and having fun.
The students took classes on public speaking, ACT preparation, math, biology, chemistry and technology. They also went on outings such as touring the E. Kika de la Garza Goat Research Center, a day trip to the Oklahoma Science Museum in Oklahoma City, and a field trip to a water park. In the evenings, there were movie nights and other recreational activities.
“What I especially like here is that while they are giving you work, they’re more into their lessons,” Tomas said. “They’re more into teaching. Like, I have this one teacher, Dr. Abraham, and while in the middle of lectures, if you have questions, he makes sure to answer all of them. That’s really cool because the teachers here invest so much of their time and knowledge into the students that even if you didn’t want to do the work, you’re still going to learn.”
For more than 30 years, Langston University has hosted the Math and Science Academy in the summers to inspire high schoolers to pursue careers in STEM. Dr. Lindsay Davis took over as Summer Camp Director for the Academy three years ago, but long before that, she was a student herself.
As a high schooler in Oklahoma City, Dr. Davis attended the Math and Science Academy every summer. That’s where she first met Dr. John Coleman and Dr. Alonzo Peterson, who were LU faculty members in chemistry and mathematics, respectively. It was the first time she had ever met a Black chemist or a Black mathematician, and it was also the first time she realized those were careers she could pursue if she wished.
Each summer, Dr. Davis was excited to return to the Academy and learn more about math and chemistry until she was finally able to enroll in the Chemistry program at Langston University. She went on to become the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2021 before returning to Langston University as a faculty member working under Dr. Coleman, Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Peterson, Vice President of Academic Affairs.
“Oftentimes, I tell people that Math and Science Academy is what inspired me to become a chemist,” Dr. Davis said. “Because I’ve been through the program, I understood the impact that it had. So, my goal (as director) was to be very intentional, to plant seeds in the students because it was once a seed planted in me.”
Chloe, a rising junior at Baton Rouge Magnet High School in Louisiana, has been inspired to explore new career paths thanks to her time at the Academy.
Before coming to the Academy, Chloe was thinking about becoming either an interior designer or a physical therapist, but she hadn’t made up her mind. The Academy gave her an opportunity to learn more about other fields she hadn’t considered.
In her technology class, she learned about different types of coding and had an opportunity to practice coding on a board while building a smart farm. As someone who loves lotion, one of her favorite activities was making lotion in her chemistry class.
“(The Math and Science Academy) is all about STEM, so it really gives me an inside look into what it’s like,” Chloe said. “The teachers talk about what they do, and the different fields and majors you can go into. You get to do a lot of different things.”
This year, in addition to the traditional academic and social elements of the Academy, Dr. Davis wanted to add professional development and community building elements. She added Intro to Public Speaking to their daily class schedules and brought in faculty and staff members to serve as guest speakers on topics like financial literacy and navigating financial aid in college.
In an effort to be more connected to the local community, this year’s cohort also attended a Memorial Day program at the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens in the Town of Langston. Later in the week, they completed a service-learning project to help beautify T.G. Green Park in the Town of Langston.
“I think that the Math and Science Academy can help in many ways,” Dr. Davis said. “Not only academically, socially and personally, but we had a chance to get the students into the community and to do some good work.”
Another important element of the camp was preparing students for the ACT.
On their first day, the students took a practice ACT to help give them a baseline from which to start. For some of the students, it was their first time taking an ACT or SAT test. Every day, they attended an ACT preparation class in the mornings, and on the last day of the Academy, they took the official ACT exam.
On average, each student improved by three points from their practice test score.
The opportunity to improve his ACT score was something Tomas was happy about because he’d only taken the test once before the Academy. Improving his score was important to him because he knew he wanted to pursue a career as a forensic chemist, and a good ACT score will help him get into a good program.
Throughout the Academy, though, he learned a lot more than just how to improve his ACT. He was particularly excited to discover a new interest in pathology thanks to his biology class with Dr. Abraham. He learned the difference between epidemiology and pathology, and it’s already changed his perspective on his potential future career.
Experiences like this are part of what allows the Math and Science Academy to have such a profound impact on students, and it’s why Tomas said he encourages other students to apply.
“It was a very good experience,” Tomas said. “This camp is amazing, and it can teach you so many new things. In one week, you learn stuff that it would take regular teachers weeks to teach. It’s just amazing.”
The Math and Science Academy is funded by the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The Langston University Marching Pride Band has once again earned its place on the national stage as it was invited to compete in three “Battle of the Bands” this fall, including the 2025 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands.
The Marching Pride is an elite and celebrated ensemble consistently ranked among the Top 10 HBCU Division II bands, and it will be one of eight Historically Black College or University (HBCU) bands competing in the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in Houston on Aug. 22-24. This will be their third time participating in the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands; they made their last appearance in 2023.
“The students put in a whole lot of hard work,” said LU’s Director of Bands Dr. Mark Gordon. “From dancing to playing to keeping time, we do stuff that a lot of people can’t do. Not everyone can play the horn and dance and mark time and stay in sync all at the same time.”
The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands was established in 2014 as a celebration of HBCU musical excellence, cultural pride and community engagement. Gordon plans to take between 260-300 students to Houston to compete alongside bands from Alabama A&M University, Albany State University, Florida A&M University, Jackson State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University.
The Marching Pride will compete against many of these bands again a week later in the HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands in Jackson, Mississippi.
Established in 2016, the HBCU Labor Day Classic will bring together the Top 10 HBCU Bands from across the country for an exciting competition that will exhibit the rich traditions of HBCU musical excellence. This year, that lineup will include Langston University, Jackson State University, Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Southern University, Alabama State University, Grambling State University, Talladega College and Mississippi Valley State University.
Following the Langston University football season opener against Grambling State University in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Aug. 30, the Marching Pride will load their buses and head to Mississippi to compete on Aug. 31. This will be their first time participating in the HBCU Labor Day Classic.
On Sept. 28, the Marching Pride will hit the road again for Wake Up Crank Up, a battle of the bands fundraiser in Dallas, where they will again face Grambling State University, Texas Southern University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and Alcorn State University. This fundraiser will feature both collegiate and high school bands.
“These are good experiences for the students,” Gordon said. “It gives them some publicity, and it also gives them a chance to travel and see the world.”
The Marching Pride Band has earned a reputation for excellence with performances on national stages such as the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands, the Honda Battle of the Bands, and multiple NBA halftime shows. The band has also shared the stage with popular performers like David Hollister and Lizzo, and it regularly participates in popular events like New Orleans Mardi Gras parades.
The Marching Pride has experienced exponential growth tied to its national success over the past few years. When Gordon took over as band director in 2019, the band only had 45 students. Now the band has over 300 students from a variety of backgrounds, including dozens of international students who come to Langston University just to participate in the band. The band members are dedicated to their studies, and many of them earn GPAs of 3.0 and above. The band also boasts the second highest retention rate for any student group at the university.
By Jet Turner, Assistant Director of Communications
Brianna Campbell had not felt well in weeks.
An apple here, a smoothie there; that was all she could muster to eat. Not feeling well has been common to Campbell since she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 13 years old, but something this time felt a little “off.”
Campbell, who was 19 years old at the time, was in the process of switching from her pediatric endocrinologist to an adult endocrinologist and was having difficulties getting the supplies she needed for her diabetes. Her blood sugar was high for several days and she had no idea.
With midterms coming up, she didn’t really have time to think about it.
Campbell had not attended class in-person for about two weeks, as professors were hosting remote classes due to the spread of COVID-19. Hardly leaving her dorm, how she felt wasn’t really a concern to her at the time.
She woke up on Sept. 20, 2023, less than ready to take her English midterm.
“I woke up not feeling good at all,” Campbell said. “I was out of breath, breathing very, very hard trying to get dressed and get down the stairs to get to my car.”
She parked in front of Jones Hall on Langston University’s campus. Just getting out of the vehicle and walking into the building was exhausting.
Campbell sat at a desk and, as soon as the professor passed the exams out, she hurried to the bathroom to throw up.
“That’s probably not a good sign, but I have to take this midterm,” Campbell said.
She found her way back to class, but not long after sweating over the exam she had to go back to the restroom. Stumbling down the hallway this time, she just made it to the bathroom door before passing out.
Not long afterward, a friend of Campbell’s found her. She was already waking up but didn’t have enough strength to stand. Campbell’s friend went to find her professor, and the professor called 911.
Paramedics arrived and took Campbell to the hospital. Her professor followed to ensure she was OK. They alerted her roommate, who called Campbell’s parents and let them know what was happening.
Campbell was admitted to the emergency room, and the tests began.
She was immediately tested for COVID-19, which came back positive. Her blood sugar level was also around 600 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), about six times higher than the norm. Most surprising, they found her hemoglobin levels to be at a 4, when the normal range is about 12-15 for adult women. A blood transfusion was needed.
“I signed my own consent form for a blood transfusion at 19 years old,” Campbell said. “I sign it, then turn to my professor and ask, ‘What is a blood transfusion?’”
About the same time as she was admitted into the hospital, Campbell’s parents arrived.
Brianna Campbell and her family.
The next several hours were a blur of CT scans and blood work as doctors worked to get to the root of what was making Campbell so sick. That night she stayed in the hospital for monitoring.
She awoke early the next morning, and soon a doctor was in to give the prognosis. Campbell called her parents on the phone so they could receive the news at the same time.
“They think it’s leukemia,” Campbell said.
She was transferred to Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City that morning. The next day, Campbell had a bone marrow biopsy to determine if she had leukemia. After the procedure, she slept the rest of the day.
The next day the doctors came back and said leukemia was off the table. They now thought it was myelodysplastic syndrome.
According to Mayo Clinic, ” Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders caused by blood cells that are poorly formed or don’t work properly. Myelodysplastic syndromes result from something amiss in the spongy material inside your bones where blood cells are made (bone marrow).”
A bone marrow transplant is the only potential cure for myelodysplastic syndrome. During the transplant, a high dose of chemotherapy drugs is used to clean out defective red blood cells from the bone marrow.
After the transplant you have a brand-new immune system, and your body needs time to not only adjust to it, but to isolate so you don’t get sick.
This was what potentially awaited Campbell as she left the hospital six days later to head back to Keller, Texas. Campbell, with the help of her parents, decided to withdraw from Langston University because there was no telling how long this process would take.
On Oct. 20, 2023, one month after she passed out during her midterm, she got the results.
It turned out Campbell didn’t have myelodysplastic syndrome, or anything nearly as serious. Campbell has pernicious anemia, a rare B12 vitamin deficiency where her body cannot absorb the vitamin through food, which can be easily treated with supplements, shots, a diet change and other simple measures depending on the severity.
Brianna Campbell received medical treatment.
Campbell and her parents were relieved.
“Looking back on it, I really don’t like that they told me all of these things I might have before the tests were official,” Campbell said.
Because of what she went through, Campbell decided to change her major and pursue a degree in nursing. Campbell began taking online classes at the University of Texas at Arlington to not fall behind, but she quickly became frustrated with the pace of her education. She was progressing slower than she wanted and missed the social aspect of college she had come to love at Langston University.
Campbell began considering her options. Should she go back to Langston University? Enroll in another college in-person? Or should she continue online? Her parents were hoping that, whatever decision she made, Campbell would remain close to home after all she went through.
Campbell was returning to Langston University often in the months following her pernicious anemia diagnosis to see her friends.
“I was just really missing Langston at this point,” Campbell said. “I would come (to Langston University) for days on end, and they would go to class, and I’d be like, ‘I wish I had classes to go to.’”
Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson had been in contact with Campbell and her family during this whole process, even visiting Campbell in the hospital. Dr. Jackson and Campbell’s mother had remained in contact, and Campbell began emailing and texting Dr. Jackson about possibly returning to Dear Langston.
Dr. Jackson helped Campbell find the proper offices and people to begin the re-enrollment process.
Brianna Campbell and her family enjoy homecoming with Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson.
Campbell eventually told her parents she wanted to go back to Langston University as a student.
“When they asked why, I told them that I never believed Langston University was a steppingstone,” Campbell said. “I don’t believe it was ever a wrong choice. I think that it is the first decision that I made as an adult to go to this university. I decided to move out of state, I decided to come to this university. I decided to go to an HBCU, and it’s a decision that never felt wrong to me. I want to honor that decision from my younger self, that first decision I made as an adult.”
Campbell returned to Langston University in the Fall of 2024. Now a sophomore, she’s made it a point to get the most out of her experience the second time around.
She is excelling in her nursing classes and hopes to be helping people just like her as soon as possible. Additionally, Campbell competed in the Alpha Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. 2024-2025 Miss Krimson and Kream pageant that returning semester, winning the title of Miss Alpha Pi.
“I think having to leave and come back, you are able to appreciate Langston more,” Campbell said. “I think I’ve done 10 times more things than I would have done if I had just gone through normally. When I came back, I wanted to get out there, meet people, join things.
“You don’t realize what you have until you lose it.”
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D120) and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus announce Chelle Luper Wilson as Executive Director.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chelle Luper Wilson to the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TLBC). As a leader focused on effective change, Ms. Wilson is dedicated to assisting the TLBC reach greater heights and fully supporting the TLBC’s top priorities moving forward,” said Texas Legislative Black Caucus Chairwoman Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D120).
Ms. Luper Wilson brings to the role a wealth of experience. In addition to her professional experience, she is an extraordinary communicator who brings great passion to this important work. Additionally, her professional background held in some of the nation’s largest advocacy organizations are a big asset to TLBC.
A third-generation HBCU graduate, Ms. Luper Wilson holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from HBCU Langston University, a M.A. in Multicultural Women’s and Gender Studies from Texas Woman’s University, where she is also a third-year doctoral student in the department of Language, Culture and Gender.
“I have been engaged in political advocacy my entire life and have seen up close and personal the tremendous leadership and impact TLBC has here at the state capitol and across the great state of Texas. As we write the next chapter of the TLBC story in this unique time in history, I am excited for the opportunity to lend my experience and passion for supporting the collective vision and important work of this storied Caucus.” – Chelle Luper Wilson
A dedicated community advocate and trailblazer, Chelle is a former member of the National Board of Directors of the NAACP, member of the National CROWN Act Collective Strategic Partnership Council, American Heart Association National Diversity Leadership Council, former South Central Regional Director and International Secretary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc®. She is also an active member of The Links, Inc., Jack & Jill of America, Inc., and the National Association of Black Journalists. Ms. Luper Wilson is the daughter of the late civil rights activist, Clara Luper.
“I have no doubt that the Texas Black Caucus Foundation will be in capable hands under her leadership,” said Senator Royce West (D23), Chairman of the Texas Black Caucus Foundation Board of Directors. “I warmly welcome Chelle Luper Wilson, and I look forward to working with her. She has the full support of the TBCF Board to carry out this critical leadership role.”
President Ruth Ray Jackson announced Wednesday that Ramunda Lark Young, an entrepreneur, community builder and owner of MahoganyBooks, will serve as the distinguished speaker for the 125th Commencement of Langston University on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in W.E. Anderson Stadium.
A graduate of Langston University and a Tulsa native, Young founded MahoganyBooks with her husband, Derrick. MahoganyBooks is a nationally recognized and award-winning independent bookstore. It’s the premier destination for books written for, by and about people of African descent with physical locations in the historic Anacostia community of Washington, D.C., the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and most recently, a footprint at National Airport.
At the helm of strategic partnerships, Young is instrumental in building the MahoganyBooks brand and deepening relationships with local and national authors, celebrity writers, corporations and community groups. She is passionate about amplifying Black voices and fostering a love of reading and cultural awareness. As a business leader, Young has grown MahoganyBooks into an essential space for dialogue, education and activism while creating intentional spaces for authors and readers to connect deeply with Black literature.
In addition to her work at MahoganyBooks, Young is a sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership and community engagement. Her dedication to service extends to empowering women and entrepreneurs through mentoring and advocacy. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the DC Public Library Foundation, is an appointed commissioner for the Prince William County Human Rights Commission, and a 2024 Books Across Borders Fellow.
One of Young’s proudest moments was becoming a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She is also an active alumna of her beloved HBCU, Langston University. Known for her astute leadership and authenticity, Young has been featured in various national publications such as ESSENCE, Vanity Fair, Black Enterprise and others. Her honors include Forbes Next 1000 honoree and the Root 100 list of most influential African Americans in the nation. Young continues to inspire change through her commitment to literacy, community and Black culture.
LANGSTON, Okla.––The Langston University Rehabilitation Counseling Program has been named one of the top 20 graduate rehabilitation counseling programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.
“This national ranking speaks to the quality of our faculty members’ and RRTC staff’s teaching, research and service impacts,” said Dr. Corey Moore, Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies and Executive Director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC). “Our nationally recognized faculty are indeed enhancing the academic acumen and brand of our programs and department through their strong commitment to the mission. This is truly a team effort.”
Langston University’s Rehabilitation Counseling Program was ranked 18th in the nation, a tie with Kent State University, Northern Illinois University, the University of Alabama, the University of South Florida and Winston Salem State University.
The rehabilitation counseling program was ranked above programs from the University of Arkansas, Mississippi State University, Florida Atlantic University and others.
“I am incredibly proud that Langston University’s Rehabilitation Counseling Program continues to be recognized among the top 20 in the nation and leads as one of the highest-ranked programs among HBCUs,” said Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson. “This prestigious ranking is a testament to the unwavering dedication, expertise, and passion of Dr. Moore, our outstanding faculty, and the entire RRTC team.”
For more information about the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, please visit langston.edu/rehab.
Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson embodied her chosen inauguration week theme, “Rooted in Pride, Rising with Purpose,” as she reflected on the great legacy of Langston University and committed herself to leading the university forward during her Investiture Ceremony on Friday afternoon.
“This day is more than an investiture,” Dr. Jackson said. “It is a reflection of our collective journey and shared purpose.”
The ceremony symbolized the president’s acceptance of the responsibilities and authority of the office, and it marked the official installment of Dr. Jackson as the 17th President of Langston University. It featured a grand processional in academic regalia by LU faculty and guests from visiting institutions, performances from both the LU Concert Band and LU Concert Choir, and congratulatory remarks from community members, elected officials and members of the higher education community.
Dr. Dana Williams, dean of the Graduate School and a professor of African American literature at Howard University, gave the keynote address.
The focal point of the ceremony was when Dr. Jackson took the oath of office and formally assumed the mantle of President of Langston University.
“The symbols of office for the President of Langston University serve as tangible representations of the authority, responsibility and service entrusted to this distinguished role,” said Dr. Alonzo Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “These symbols connect the legacy of Langston University to its future and reaffirm the enduring principles of leadership and scholarship.”
Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson gives remarks after accepting the Chain of Office and Presidential Mace.
Dr. Jackson accepted the Presidential Chain of Office and Presidential Mace. In accepting these items and taking the oath of office, she promised to uphold and preserve the mission and values of Langston University, to serve with integrity, and to lead with a commitment to academic excellence, student success and innovative research.
She reflected on the legacy and accomplishments of those who came before her, from the townspeople of Langston who raised the money to buy the land and open Langston University to more recent figures like Ada Sipuel Fisher and Clara Luper. Dr. Jackson acknowledged that as a Historically Black College or University, Dear Langston is not just a place where people learn but where they are also equipped to lead. She promised to be a tireless advocate for Langston University and other HBCUs, and she reiterated that her vision for her presidency includes continuous progress and strategic positioning for Langston University’s future.
The Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents appointed Dr. Jackson as president in April 2024 after she served as interim president for a year following the retirement of Dr. Kent Smith, 16th President of Langston University. Dr. Jackson had previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President for Student Success, and Dean and professor for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Jackson is the second woman to hold the title of President of Langston University.
“I accept this charge of leadership with deep gratitude and an unshakable resolve,” Dr. Jackson said. “Together, we will rise, we will lead, and we will ensure that Langston University’s legacy endures for generations to come.”
Langston University has been designated a Research College and University by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education Institutions, one of only 216 institutions nationwide to hold this classification.
“This recognition highlights the hard work and dedication of our researchers, faculty and staff who strive to strengthen the academy,” said Dr. Alonzo Peterson, the Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We have very smart people at Langston University. I am always inspired when I visit the labs or sit down with my colleagues.”
Faculty, staff and students at Langston University conduct research in a variety of areas across multiple disciplines. The university is known internationally for its E. (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research, but it also has research programs for horticulture and agronomy, aquaculture and aquaponics, biotechnology, and agribusiness and rural economic development, to name a few. Notably, the university’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center was renewed for a third 5-year cycle of funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research in late 2023.
Since 1973, the Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in higher education across the United States. Administered by the American Council on Education (ACE), the Carnegie Classifications are updated every three years and give institutions designations based on their sizes, types of degrees conferred and many other such characteristics.
The amount and types of research conducted at institutions have long been of interest to ACE and the Carnegie Foundation, and the Carnegie Classification traditionally reserved the coveted Research 1 (R1) and Research 2 (R2) designations for doctoral institutions with high research spending. For 2025, the Carnegie Classification has updated its metrics to provide clearer distinctions between R1 and R2 institutions while also adding a third research designation for non-doctoral institutions: Research College and University.
“On average, institutions in this category spend at least $2.5 million annually on research and development,” said President Ruth Ray Jackson. “Langston University’s research expenditures totaled $10,505,000 in fiscal year 2023. This recognition underscores Langston University’s commitment to expanding research excellence and advancing our institutional impact.”
The threshold for an R2 designation is $5 million in research spending annually, which Langston University exceeds, and at least 20 research doctorates awarded annually. Langston University offers one doctoral program, the Doctor of Physical Therapy, which is a professional rather than research doctorate.
There are more than 4,300 higher education institutions in the United States, and of these, 542 institutions received some level of research designation. Seven of these institutions are in Oklahoma and 40 are Historically Black Colleges or Universities. All 19 of the 1890 land-grant institutions, including Langston University, have received a research designation.
