Category: News

Langston University employees, alumnae honored at 14th annual Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame

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Langston University employees and alumnae were honored at the Fourteenth Annual Ceremony and Banquet of the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 26.

The honorees included recent Langston University retiree Dr. John K. Coleman, alumna Mrs. Carolyn Gay Harris, alumna Dr. Jolly Henderson Meadows, and former Langston University professor Dr, Melvin B. Tolson, who was honored posthumously.

Dr. John K. Coleman

Dr. Coleman attended LU from 1961-65, graduating with honors and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics. He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his Ph.D. in Theoretical Physical Chemistry in 1976 and completed post-doctoral studies in 1978. After some time away, Dr. Coleman returned to Langston University in 1993 at the request of the late President Ernest Holloway to serve as the Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences.

Over the past three decades, Dr. Coleman not only served as chair of the Department of Chemistry, but his impact also extended beyond academic metrics. For generations of Langston University students, he has been a mentor, advocate and example – a leader who never stopped believing in the transformative power of education. Many of his former students are now faculty members at Langston University in the Chemistry or Biology Departments, shaping new generations in the same spirit he so faithfully modeled.

Dr. Coleman was appointed the interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences in 2023, and he retired at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year.

Mrs. Carolyn Gay Harris

Mrs. Harris joined Langston University as a majorette in the Marching Pride, which was known at the time as the Langston Lions Band. Her time at Langston University was marked by academic achievement as she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, laying a foundation for her future career in education. Pursuing further academic excellence, she completed a Master of Education degree at the University of Central Oklahoma in 1974.

Mrs. Harris began her professional journey at Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma, where she taught for five years. Her commitment to shaping young minds extended to middle school classrooms for six years, and thereafter to administrative roles as both elementary and middle school principal for another six years. Her dedication and expertise culminated in her leadership as an elementary school principal for a remarkable 16 years. These decades of service reflect a career that spanned a total of 33 years, during which she touched the lives of countless students, faculty members and families.

Dr. Jolly Henderson Meadows

Dr. Meadows earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1974 from Langston University, followed by a Master of Education degree in Reading from Northeastern State University in 1979. She obtained a Master of Education degree in Leadership from Northeastern in 1986 and her Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Oklahoma State University in 1997.

Dr. Meadows began her 51-year career in education at Liberty Elementary in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. She joined Tulsa Public Schools in 1975 when she accepted a teaching position at Riley Elementary School, and she was appointed assistant principal at Patrick Henry Elementary School in 1986. After two years she was appointed principal – a position she held for 23 years. In 2006, Tulsa Public Schools took notice of the impressive academic growth Patrick Henry Elementary School showed under Dr. Meadows’ tenure and assigned her to Monroe Middle School. She was transferred to Gilcrest Middle School in 2007.

As an administrator, Dr. Meadows was known for utilizing innovative and reliable programs with proven outcomes to achieve academic gains. She employed a collaborative approach to empower teachers to become leaders, to disaggregate test data and to research supplemental instructional materials. She retired from Tulsa Public Schools in 2009 and worked as an adjunct professor of urban education in the undergraduate and graduate programs at Langston University–Tulsa. She accepted a full-time position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at the University of Tulsa.

Dr. Meadows is also the vice president of the Langston University National Alumni Association-Tulsa Chapter (2021-present).

Dr. Melvin D. Tolson

Dr. Tolson taught English and speech at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, for nearly two decades. In addition to teaching English, he established an award-winning debate team, the Wiley Forensic Society, which became a pioneer in interracial collegiate debates. Beginning in 1930, the team debated against law students from the University of Michigan in Chicago. In 1931, the team participated in the first known interracial collegiate debate in the South against Oklahoma City University. This is the story that inspired the film “The Great Debaters,” starring Denzel Washington.

Dr. Tolson took a sabbatical from teaching in 1930 to study for a master’s degree at Columbia University in New York City. His thesis project, “The Harlem Group of Negro Writers,” was based on his extensive interviews with members of the Harlem Renaissance, which inspired him to write “A Gallery of Harlem Portraits,” his first major work.

In 1947, Dr. Tolson relocated to Langston University, where he taught English, drama, and was a dramatist and director of the Dust Bowl Theater. Students described Tolson as eccentric, driven, fearless and radical. It was not unusual for him to stand on top of a desk and jump off to engage and challenge students during lectures. While at Langston University, Dr. Tolson was elected to multiple terms as mayor of Langston City.

Dr. Tolson’s career in education at the collegiate level spanned 43 years. He died in Dallas, Texas, on Aug. 29, 1966, and is buried in Guthrie, Oklahoma. His award was accepted by Dr. Cindy Ross, Chair of the LU Department of English and Foreign Languages in the School of Arts and Sciences.

Thanking Our Platinum Sponsors – 20th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala

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Langston University presents the 20th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This highly anticipated event is co-hosted by multimedia entrepreneur Sheryl Underwood and features amazing performances by talented artists and the opportunity to support Oklahoma’s HBCU. The university’s hallmark event is made possible through the support and generosity of sponsors including platinum sponsors ImageNet Consulting and Jackson Mechanical Service Inc.

ImageNet Consulting

A loyal partner and supporter of Langston University, ImageNet Consulting has served as a gala platinum sponsor since its inception in 2007. “ImageNet has never backed off the platinum level. It’s not even a question. We’re going to always be there, supporting Langston University,” says Monica Hinton, senior enterprise account executive for ImageNet Consulting.

“A lot of students who make it to college would not otherwise have an opportunity to do so if there weren’t donors and supporters like ImageNet,” she adds. Having witnessed the passion of LU faculty, staff and students firsthand, Ms. Hinton is inspired by how the students carry themselves on campus and their excitement at attending Langston University. “A lot of these students wouldn’t be able to enroll if it weren’t for donors and people who have the same passion as they do.”

In addition to supporting the annual gala, ImageNet hosts LU’s monthly foundation meetings in their corporate training facility and regularly supports other fundraising initiatives. Committed to providing effective business technology solutions, ImageNet Consulting is an industry-leading, award-winning business, technology and consulting provider. With over 60 years of experience in the technology and business consulting industry, the company has built a reputation for providing cutting-edge technology to their clients with dependable expertise and strategic guidance along the way. Across the U.S., ImageNet works with businesses of all shapes and sizes and from any industry.

Jackson Mechanical Service Inc.

Becoming a gala platinum sponsor for the first time in 2024, Jackson Mechanical Service Inc. was pleased to once again support Langston University as the gala marks its 20th anniversary.

Oklahoma’s premiere service provider and vendor, Jackson Mechanical Service offers commercial HVAC, boilers, chillers, plumbing, electrical, and maintenance services. With customers throughout the Sooner state, JMS specializes in renovations, retrofits, equipment replacement, and equipment repair and maintenance. In addition, the company has a professional projects team that can complete new construction work.

“We are so thankful to our sponsors. Their belief in Langston University’s mission and more importantly, our students, speaks volumes. Through their continued support, our students can complete their educational journey and achieve their goals,” says Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson.

Support Langston University

To learn more about supporting Langston University through scholarships and other initiatives, contact the LU Foundation at lufoundation@langston.edu or call 405-530-7536. Donations can be made directly on the university’s website. 

Dr. Jackson speaks at a podium in full academic regalia

“The Opportunity of Now:” President Jackson celebrates Langston University’s successes, reflects on impact at Opening Convocation

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Langston University had a lot to celebrate at its Opening Convocation Ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 4.

From national test scores to athletic achievements, President Ruth Ray Jackson highlighted numerous ways in which Langston University students, faculty, staff and alumni have achieved success over the past year during her State of the University address. She also called on the university community to look forward to the great things to come.

“Today, we stand at the threshold of a year filled with promise,” Dr. Jackson said. “We come together to recommit ourselves to the ideals of learning, discovery and service. And we recognize that this moment—the opportunity of now—is a gift we must not take for granted.”

The Class of 2025 took advantage of the opportunities Dear Langston provided them.

Recent biology graduate Daysha Isaac received national accolades while at LU, earning a Scientific Merit Award at the National IDeA Biomedical Research Excellence Conference in 2024.

Graduates from the School of Business scored in the Top 1% nationally on the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam. Graduates from the School of Physical Therapy earned a 100% pass rate on their licensing exams and a 100% post-graduation placement rate, continuing a long-standing pattern of success from Oklahoma’s first accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program. For the fifth year in a row, graduates from the Department of Computer Science have also earned a 100% post-graduation placement rate.

LU students have had success in extracurriculars and cocurriculars as well.

Lady Lions basketball team cheers as they hoist the SAC Championship trophy
The Lady Lions Basketball Team won both the 2025 SAC regular season and tournament championships, the first historically black college or university to win the titles on the women’s side.

The Lady Lions Basketball Team won both the 2025 SAC regular season and tournament championships, the first historically black college or university to win the titles on the women’s side. Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams made it to the Round of 16 in the NAIA national tournament this past March.

Seventy-eight student athletes were named to the SAC Commissioners Hall of Fame.

In August, the Marching Pride Band competed in the Pepsi National Battle of the Bands in Houston as well as the HBCU Labor Day Classic Battle of the Bands in Mississippi. In September, the Marching Pride will perform at the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener against the Philidelphia Eagles.

“These achievements across academics, athletics and the arts reflect the spirit of Langston: determination, creativity and excellence,” Dr. Jackson said. “They show us what is possible when talent meets the opportunity of now.”

Perhaps among the university’s proudest achievements over the past year has been its success in the research field.

Langston University was recognized as a Research College/University (RCU) by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education Institutions, one of only 216 institutions in the nation to receive this classification.

The university earned its RCU status thanks to the hard work of its passionate faculty, staff and student researchers. From aquaponics and artificial intelligence to horticulture and drone-based livestock management, Langston University conducts a variety of impactful research.

Langston University’s extensive research projects and numerous opportunities for student research involvement have contributed to the success of the university’s science, technology engineering and math (STEM) programs. LU’s STEM programs have not only outpaced national retention rates, but they have grown by 112% in recent years.

“Langston’s impact is broadening thanks to faculty who teach, mentor, and research with passion and purpose,” Dr. Jackson said.

Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson (left) and Arkansas Colleges of Health Education Assistant Provost and Director of DEI Christopher Smith sign an education agreement creating the Early Assurance Program.
Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson (left) and Arkansas Colleges of Health Education Assistant Provost and Director of DEI Christopher Smith sign an education agreement creating the Early Assurance Program.

A tenet of Dr. Jackson’s presidency has been to forge and strengthen partnerships between Langston University and organizations which work toward the same goals. To that end, working with groups such as Tinker Air Force Base, the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens and OG&E provide LU students with opportunities for internships, scholarships and professional development. A recent partnership with the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education created new pathways for LU students preparing to study occupational therapy in graduate school.

The university has recently made several investments in its facilities and programs with the goal of providing students, faculty and staff with better environments that will promote the continuation of LU’s academic, extracurricular and research success.

The university has invested millions of dollars in heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades across the Langston Campus. It has also invested in a complete roof replacement at the Oklahoma City Campus, and it is working to increase its program offering at the Tulsa Campus.

“These investments are not just about bricks and mortar,” Dr. Jackson said. “They are about creating the best possible learning environment for our students and working environment for our employees — places where excellence can thrive.”

As Dr. Jackson reflected on Langston University’s successes this past year, she also reflected on the importance of Dear Langston as Oklahoma’s HBCU and an 1890 land-grant institution.

As part of its land-grant mission, Langston University trains teachers who will shape the next generation, reaches out to underserved communities through health programs, contributes to Oklahoma’s economy through business and technology, enriches culture and preserves history through the arts and humanities, and uses research to solve problems and improve the lives of families and communities.

Dr. Jackson charged the students, faculty, staff and alumni to embrace “the opportunity of now” and continue to strive for success.

“Being a land-grant university means we don’t keep knowledge to ourselves,” Dr. Jackson said. “We teach, we research and we share so that the work we do here makes life better far beyond our campuses.

“Langston University is not only Oklahoma’s HBCU—we are a nationally recognized and respected institution. And this year, we will once again prove that the best of Langston is still ahead.”

a group photo of faculty, alumni and students showing an "L's Up"

Code Blooded poses for a group photo in front of Moore Hall

Code Blooded: Langston University students compete in national Cyber Games competition

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by Ellie Melero

Dazjuan Johnson can’t wait for the 1890 Cyber + AI Games.

Planned as part of the Second Morrill Act 135th Anniversary celebrations, the 1890 Cyber + AI Games are a national cyber capture-the-flag competition that will be held at the University of the District of Columbia on Sept. 9. They may not be a flashy spectacle like College Football Gamedays, but they will be fiercely competitive and exciting for anyone with an interest in cybersecurity or artificial intelligence. And Johnson can’t wait to play.

“I’m looking forward to testing our skills on a national stage, learning from other teams and representing Dear Langston with pride,” Johnson said.

A senior computer science major at Langston University, Johnson is one of six LU students who will make the trip to Washington, D.C., for the competition. These skilled student coders are all part of Code Blooded, LU’s cyber competition team.

Code Blooded regularly competes in events like code-a-thons and cybersecurity competitions, and they’ve even beaten teams from Ivy League schools like Yale in the past. This will be Code Blooded’s first challenge with its new team lineup for the 2025-26 school year, and it will be Johnson’s first competition with the team.

“It’s been an exciting and fast-paced experience, pushing me to sharpen my skills and collaborate closely with talented peers,” Johnson said. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and confident it will be a valuable step toward my future in tech and cybersecurity.”

Twenty teams from each of the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions plus the host school will participate in the 1890 Cyber + AI Games. They will be held in a capture-the-flag jeopardy style format, testing students’ skills in areas such as digital forensics, reconnaissance and geo-tagging.

The theme for the Games will be Agriterrorism. The teams will be given a hypothetical scenario in which there has been a disruption to the U.S.’s food supply chain through the introduction of biological, chemical, physical or cyber-physical threats via malware, ransomware, sensor/actuator tampering, network intrusions, phishing or social engineering. The students will have to work together to resolve the scenario.

Ralph Grayson, the chair of LU’s Department of Computer Science and Code Blooded’s coach, said the six members of the competition team were chosen because they each have an expertise in a different area that will be featured in the competition. Having students with a variety of skill sets makes the team more well-rounded and competitive.

“Competitions are always great because we want them to get used to what happens in the workforce,” Grayson said. “In the workforce, you have to work on teams, and there are always issues that come up. They have to work well together, and they have to develop and execute skills that they may not have had before.”

Selam Terefe, a junior computer science major, has been on Code Blooded since his freshman year, but he’s never competed in an event quite like this. That’s because this will be the first 1890 Cyber + AI Games.

Put on by Katzcy PlayCyber and the 1890 Universities Foundation, the 1890 Cyber + AI Games were created as part of the Second Morrill Act anniversary celebrations. They are intended to highlight the growing need for cybersecurity in agriculture, leading to the theme of Agriterrorism.

As Code Blooded prepares for the Games, Johnson and Terefe have reflected on the theme and what opportunities there are for computer science students in agriculture. They’re thankful for the opportunity to participate, and now, they’re ready to compete.

“I believe it is a great opportunity for HBCU students interested in the intersection of agriculture, artificial intelligence and cyber defense to get hands-on exposure and connect with peers with the same interest,” Terefe said. “I would like to thank Langston University’s Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences and the Computer Science department for giving us this opportunity.”

Langston University Cooperative Extension and Outreach Program makes plans to expand services to 48 Oklahoma counties in 2026

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LANGSTON, Okla.––Thanks to the efforts of the Oklahoma Legislature to fully match Langston University’s Evans-Allen federal funding, the LU Cooperative Extension and Outreach Program (CEOP) is preparing to expand its services to two new counties while increasing its program offerings in counties it already serves.
With the additions of Woodward and Johnston Counties, CEOP will offer extension programs in 48 of the 77 counties in Oklahoma. CEOP’s programs offer vital services to these communities, providing resources in areas ranging from family and youth development to a wide range of food and agricultural support. Dr. Roger Merkel, Associate Extension Administrator for CEOP, said that by expanding its services, CEOP seeks to fulfill its mission of advancing the well-being of Oklahomans and fostering resilient, thriving communities across the state.
“The Cooperative Extension and Outreach Program of the Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences is committed to serving the citizens of Oklahoma by promoting improved quality of life, enhancing agricultural and business productivity, and fostering community development,” Dr. Merkel said. “Central to the mission of Extension is the cultivation of meaningful human connections. Extension educators prioritize the establishment of respectful, supportive relationships that yield measurable, positive outcomes in the communities they serve.”
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) fully matched Langston University’s Evans-Allen federal funding for the first time in FY 2025, and ODAFF made strides to maintain the full match for FY 2026 by increasing CEOP’s state funding. Thanks to this full funding match, CEOP is strategically expanding its services throughout Oklahoma through investments in essential resources such as personnel, transportation, technology, program supplies, professional development opportunities and other forms of operational support.
With enhanced resources, the program intends to both broaden existing initiatives and implement new, impactful activities. Anticipated outcomes include:
This expansion effort is one of the ways in which Langston University aims to broaden its impact in Oklahoma through its land-grant mission.
“Langston University is grateful for its enhanced funding,” said Dr. Wesley Whittaker, Dean of the Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. “Consumers, producers and industry professionals recognize that funding for agricultural extension and research in Oklahoma creates value on many levels. It helps to develop new revenue streams for farmers and ranchers, expand value-added products, encourage diversified agricultural practices and strengthen the competitiveness of Oklahoma agriculture.
“Our dedicated team is energized and ready to do all that is necessary to ensure impactful outcomes from our work.”

American R&B band Con Funk Shun to perform at Langston University’s 20th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala

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The R&B funk icon group Con Funk Shun will perform at Langston University’s 20th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala on October 10 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

The President’s Scholarship Gala is Langston University’s largest student scholarship fundraiser of the year. The highly anticipated event always features amazing performances from talented artists, and the LU President’s Scholarship Gala Committee has booked Con Funk Shun to perform at this year’s Gala.

Con Funk Shun was originally comprised of eight gifted musicians who were hand selected by founder Michael Cooper. Their current lineup includes three original members, Michael Cooper, Felton Pilate, and Karl Fuller, as well as the talents of Kurt “KC” Clayton, Ron Moton, Aaron Green, Rene Escovedo, and Brian LaTour.

Initially known as Project Soul, Con Funk Shun has been pleasing fans for over five decades. Originating in Vallejo, CA, the band found a home in Memphis, TN. During the 1970s, they backed Stax recording artist the Soul Children as well as Rufus Thomas on his Golden Globe nominated Wattstax Benefit Concert and Documentary.

Inspired by the group Nite-Liters’ song, the group renamed itself Con Funk Shun and soon drew the attention of Mercury Records. Their debut album featured their first single “Sho’ Feels Good To Me.” Throughout their career, Con Funk Shun has released a total of 11 albums and eight top ten Billboard hits including the No. 1 hit single “Ffun,” “Chase Me,” “Shake & Dance,” “Baby I’m Hooked,” and more.

Their fan favorite song, “Love’s Train” from their Gold album “To the Max” was never released as a single. However, 40 years later, the supergroup Silk Sonic’s rendition topped the charts, helping that duo (Bruno Mars & Anderson Paak) win a BET Album of the Year Award.

Con Funk Shun can proudly claim to be one of the only R&B Funk bands that has three members with honorary doctorate degrees – Ron Moton (2018), Michael Cooper (2022) and Felton Pilate (2022). Dr. Cooper and Dr. Pilate have also received US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contribution to music and humanitarian efforts.

J'Taelii Heath stands by poster with research data on it.

Setting the Bar: J’Taelii Heath strives to carve her own path in research and life

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(This story was originally published in ‘E Roar | Vol. 2 Issue 4 on June 13, 2025)

By Ellie Melero, Media Relations Specialist; Jet Turner, Assistant Director of Communications

After almost two weeks of rain, the sun shone bright above W.E. Anderson Stadium as the Langston University Class of 2025 processed onto the football field for the 125th Commencement Ceremony, adding to the air of joy and levity that could be felt all over campus.

Cheering, dancing, noisemakers and more could be heard from all over campus as the hundreds of friends and families packed the stand to celebrate their graduates, nearly 70% of whom are the first in their families to earn a college degree. J’Taelii Heath was one of these first-generation students.

But if it weren’t for the encouragement of her family, and the Langston University McCabe Honors Program, she might not have been able to attend university at all.

Heath grew up in Oklahoma City in a family of entrepreneurs. From working with kids to styling hair, her family was involved in a variety of industries, but the business path never interested Heath. She was more interested in STEM, and the idea of entering the medical field had always intrigued her. When she took a health class in high school with a vegan teacher who taught them about different types of healthy lifestyles, she decided she wanted to go to school to study osteopathic medicine.

“It was just something that stuck with me,” Heath said. “I just wanted to continue to do that research and find a different outlet besides (the plant-based diet).”

Once she knew she wanted to study medicine, Heath knew she needed to get her bachelor’s degree first. As the oldest of five kids, it was also important to her to show her siblings that college was a viable option they could also choose.

As she began looking into schools, she knew wherever she enrolled needed to be affordable, have a good biology program and be close enough to home that she could still be a part of her younger siblings’ lives.

Langston University fit the bill.

Heath earned a McCabe Scholarship, which paid for her tuition, room and board, and entered the Lion Pride as a biology major.J'Taelii Heath holds certificate

“It just offered the opportunity for me to stay close to family and be able to afford it, of course, with a full ride scholarship,” Heath said. “That was the first step, being in the honors program, having my school paid for, especially coming from a low-income household where I’m the oldest and a first-generation college student.”

When she got to campus, Heath sought out Dr. Byron Quinn. A biology professor and accomplished researcher, Dr. Quinn is a mentor to many LU students, and Heath knew she wanted to join his lab. Dr. Quinn was happy to have her.

In Dr. Quinn’s lab, Heath learned how to properly conduct research. She learned how to handle different types of equipment and run simple experiments. She was eager to learn and a quick study, and she impressed Dr. Quinn. He helped her apply for an internship with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) as one of the first OMRF-LU Scholars.

During her OMRF internship, Heath helped design and conduct an experiment using black pepper, more specifically a compound called piperin, as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. Her goal was to find a more natural alternative treatment for the disease that didn’t rely solely on drugs. To her delight, the experiment was a success.

Heath continued working with OMRF as an LU Scholar after the internship was over, and she also began to help out more in Dr. Quinn’s lab. Heath found she really enjoyed research, so she decided to apply to OK-LSAMP, a statewide program that provides financial assistance to student researchers so they can present their research at professional conferences and conventions.

Over the course of her time at Langston University, with the assistance of her professors and the OK-LSAMP program, Heath has presented her research 15 times at local and national conferences.

“It has helped me see the world differently,” Heath said. “Traveling from state to state, people do things differently… It also helped me learn public speaking skills. I’ve always been very shy and not prone to want to go talk to people.”

Heath has also had the opportunity to assist with NASA research at Langston University, specifically with a project focused on studying how to keep astronauts’ immune cells active while in space conditions. Currently, the LU research team is preparing samples to be sent to the International Space Station. Heath will be a part of the team that will analyze the samples upon their return to Earth.

OK-LSAMP manager and associate professor of chemistry at Langston University, Dr. Lindsay Davis, immediately recognized Heath’s potential as an excellent student from the moment she met her in 2021.

J'Taelii Heath receives the Outstanding Senior Leadership award.
J’Taelii Heath receives the Outstanding Senior Leadership Award at the 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

Since then, Dr. Davis has seen Heath grow into the inquisitive student she is today. A student who always seeks to improve herself. A student who seeks new opportunities wherever she can find them.

“(Heath) is always wondering how to improve,” Dr. Davis said. “I don’t know if she really realizes her power. (Her power) is evident by all of her accolades. It’s evident. I wish she would seek that part of herself more. But that’s part of being a young Black scientist; you just kind of do it, and she’s doing it.”

As Heath stood to be recognized as a winner of the Outstanding Senior Leader Award during the commencement ceremony, she beamed with power. The award is earned by graduating seniors who go above and beyond throughout their college career in their commitment to leadership, academics, campus involvement, community service and exemplary character, all of which embodied her journey at Langston University.

Eventually her name was called to receive her diploma, and she strolled up the ramp and onto the commencement stage, taking a photo with President Ruth Ray Jackson and shaking hands with the members of the dais.

She walked off the opposite side ramp the first member of her family to graduate college.

“I just want to be the outlet for my siblings, to be that extra guidance to a different path for our family and for generations to follow,” Heath said. “There is a different path that is an option for us.” 

Business students sit at desks

Langston University business students rank Top 1% nationally on Peregrine Business Exam

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Graduating seniors from the Langston University School of Business (LUSB) scored in the 99th percentile nationally on the rigorous Peregrine Outbound Business Exam, outperforming more than 83,000 students across the United States.

The LUSB Class of 2025 posted an average score of 80.13% on the exam, far outperforming the national average of 61.34% and putting their scores in the Top 1% nationally. LUSB students achieved top marks across all core business disciplines, including finance, economics, strategic management, marketing and business ethics.

“This is not just an academic win; it’s a statement,” said Dr. Daryl Green, Dean of LUSB. “It proves that with the right approach, our students, many of whom are first-generation college students, can compete and dominate nationally.”

Every year, graduating business students take the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam, a rigorous assessment administered by over 500 colleges and universities around the world. The exam evaluates students’ mastery across core business disciplines such as finance, economics, management, marketing and business ethics.

The Class of 2025’s success on the exam is a reflection of LUSB’s innovative curriculum and expert faculty.

LUSB recently restructured its capstone course “MG 4703: Strategy & Policy.” Co-taught by Dr. Green and Dr. Charles Mambula, the class was reimagined with an emphasis on student ownership and practical engagement. The class incorporates team-based learning, self-designed study sessions and student-led instruction, all of which led to positive learning outcomes.

Outside the capstone, LUSB continues to distinguish itself with a faculty of experienced industry professionals who bring real-world expertise into every classroom. Students receive close mentorship, professional coaching and leadership development from the start of their first year.

“Our students aren’t just preparing for jobs,” Dr. Green said. “They’re preparing to launch their ventures, lead organizations and build communities. Our students think like entrepreneurs, act like consultants, and grow as leaders. That mindset is baked into every course we teach.”

In 2023, Langston University was named one of the Best HBCUs for Entrepreneurship by BestColleges.com, thanks in part to its Master of Entrepreneurial Studies program and its student-centered business culture. The Class of 2025’s test scores are another testament to LU’s HBCU excellence.

“We believe in turning raw talent into polished excellence,” Dr. Green said. “That’s the Langston way. And this exam result is proof that our approach is working.”

Photo of the LU-Tulsa campus taken outside facing the front with the Langston University letters and flags during nighttime

LU Announces Addition of Public Health, Healthcare Administration Majors to Tulsa Campus

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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 Receives $10 Million for Deferred Maintenance Projects

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By The Office of Public Relations

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.