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the first class of student ambassadors at Langston University in 2006

Tradition, Pride and Service: Student Ambassadors program shapes student experience at Langston University for 20 years

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

(This story was originally published in ‘E Roar Digital Magazine | Vol. 3 Issue 2 on March 6, 2026)

by Ellie Melero

When Maya Offord arrived at Langston University as a freshman in Fall 2022, she was immediately greeted by a Student Ambassador.

The Ambassador welcomed her to Dear Langston and helped her find her way to student check-in. There, she met other Ambassadors who would continue to help her navigate the campus that was about to become her home for the next four years.

Throughout that first day, and her entire first week, Offord continued to have overwhelmingly positive interactions with Student Ambassadors. From putting on fun events in the evenings to doing “dorm storms” to check on her and her fellow freshmen, the Ambassadors made sure Offord truly felt like she was a member of the Lion Pride.

“As soon as I got on campus that first day, my first people that I had were Ambassadors,” Offord said. “It really inspired me to go be an Ambassador because they were good mentors, and I was like, ‘I really, really want to be a part of that.’”

Offord is now a senior quad major––psychology, corrections, general studies and criminal justice––and she is the Student Ambassadors’ membership and training chair. She is one of the thousands of students and alumni whose time at school has been made all the better thanks to LU Student Ambassadors.

Student Ambassadors show L's Up during Lion Camp — Student Ambassadors are model LU students who serve as freshman orientation leaders, assist with campus tours, help with ceremonial events, and volunteer around campus and in the Town of Langston community.

The Langston University Student Ambassadors is an organization made up of model students who want to elevate their HBCU through community service and peer mentorship. They serve as freshman orientation leaders, assist with campus tours, help with ceremonial events, and volunteer around campus and in the Town of Langston community. They are heavily involved with student activities across organizations, and they are experts in LU history.

Student Ambassadors are an integral part of LU, but for most of the university’s proud history, the organization did not exist.

A Directive from the President

When Dr. JoAnn Haysbert became the President of Langston University in Fall 2005, she gave Dezz Lewis a mission: create a student ambassador program.

“Then, all we had, really, was the McCabes, Mister and Miss Langston, Miss Black Langston and the three SGA elected officials,” Lewis said. “Those were your student leaders. And (Dr. Haysbert) said, ‘Man, we need more when people come to campus.’”

Timeless Human Values of Leadership 1. Leadership 2. Exemplary Character 3. Respect for Oneself 4. Respect for Others 5. Respect for School Property 6. Service to Others 7. Scholarly Achievement — Student Ambassadors are taught the Timeless Human Values of Leadership

She tasked Lewis, who was the Director of Student Life at the time, with creating a new group of students who could serve as “ambassadors” to help represent Langston University during campus visits and other important events. She left it up to him to decide how the club would be organized and run, and he embraced the challenge.

Lewis knew he wanted the organization to be different from any other student organization. As a proud alumnus himself, he wanted it to be a way to instill school spirit and pride in students while shaping them into young leaders. He wanted it to create a sense of belonging on campus because he knew students who felt they belonged were more likely to finish college. Most of all, he wanted it to be impactful not just for its members, but for Dear Langston as a whole.

After brainstorming for a while, Lewis created a set of goals and measurable outcomes for the program. Then, he went to work.

He decided rather than follow the standard student organization model of the time, where clubs were run by presidents and a few other executive positions who made all the decisions, the Student Ambassadors would be run by the Ambassadors’ Council. They would create committees for the various aspects and functions of the organization, and each committee would have a chair. Each chair would have a seat at the Ambassadors’ Council. The Ambassadors’ Council Chairman would be the spokesperson for the organization.

collage of first class of student ambassadors — Lewis began recruiting the first class of Student Ambassadors in Spring 2006.

With the framework established, Lewis began working out how he would train the Student Ambassadors. In addition to their role as student representatives during campus visits, the administration had decided the Ambassadors should also serve as orientation leaders during Lion Camp, Langston University’s week-long freshman orientation program that takes place the week before classes begin in the fall semester.

“We needed orientation leaders for the freshman orientation,” Lewis said. “So when you drop your kids off, the first people you see are the Ambassadors. They’re your model Langston students, and they embody the Timeless Human Values.”

Once he had a plan ready, he set to work recruiting students. In Spring 2006, the Student Ambassadors had their first official meeting with a class of 36 students. At the end of the summer, they attended the Student Leadership Institute and held a retreat to prepare for Lion Camp. In Fall 2006, new students were greeted for the first time by Student Ambassadors.

A Staple of Student Life

When Lion Camp ended, the Student Ambassadors remained. They were meant to be student leaders year-round, and they were meant to serve the entire campus community.

The Student Ambassadors would reach out to other student organizations and ask what support was needed. They would help recruit students to attend various club events as well as official university programs and sporting events. They cultivated a shared sense of school pride with their peers, and they worked to better the student experience for everyone.

Student Ambassadors are taught to embody the Profile of a Langston University Student.

They also continued to receive training. On Wednesday evenings in the fall, Student Ambassadors attended a leadership class with Dr. Haysbert, giving them direct interaction with their president and an opportunity to influence their campus.

Lewis also continued to train them himself, teaching them to recite the Timeless Human Values and the Profile of a Langston Student so that they might take them to heart and learn to embody those qualities. He taught them about the history of the university, and he taught them poems he hoped would inspire the students to continue to strive for success.

“They learned everything that was poured into me as a young adult,” Lewis said. “A lot of affirmations and poems. They had a curriculum. It spawned out of conversations I had with my mentors in college, but most of all, my grandmother made me memorize every poem, affirmation you could think of. So, a lot of what they were doing was stuff that I learned as a kid and stuff I learned at Langston (University).”

student ambassadors line dance during Lion Camp — The Student Ambassadors have become prevalent throughout Student Life.

As the Ambassadors established their role in campus life over the next few years, Lewis continued to refine what he called “the core” of the program. He would add to the curriculum as he saw needs arise. He changed the membership process so that instead of recruiting specific students who had shown leadership potential, any student with a 2.0 GPA could apply to join.

Eventually, Lewis relinquished his role as advisor to the Student Ambassadors. Now, Dr. A. Dominique Williams, the Assistant Dean of Students in the Office of Student Life, serves in that capacity. Since taking over the role, Dr. Williams has continued to improve the organization.

She believes that as student leaders and representatives for the institution, the Student Ambassadors should be held to a high standard. Members must now maintain a 2.5 GPA minimum in addition to the thorough application and training process. Their role in the community has also been expanded.

After Lion Camp, the Ambassadors continue to mentor freshmen throughout their first year of school. They assist with campus tours and recruitment events like High School Day. They participate in service projects like serving meals in the cafeteria. A new service project they recently added was attending HBCU days at high schools and middle schools in Oklahoma.

“There’s still room for growth,” Dr. Williams said. “There’s still room for this organization to be bigger and better than it currently is. This is an awesome opportunity for students to be engaged and just spread the good word of Langston (University).”

The Student Ambassadors have become a staple of student life at Dear Langston, and dozens of students apply each spring to be inducted into the program in the fall. With each new Ambassador Class inducted and freshman class welcomed, their impact continues to grow.

20 Years of Impact

a student ambassador wearing an "Ask Me" shirt gives a family directions during Lion Camp — The Lion Camp “Ask Me” t-shirts are iconic symbols of the Student Ambassadors program.

After 20 years, there are many aspects of the Student Ambassadors program that have become tradition. Customs like “L’s Up” and many spirit chants originated from the organizations’ early years. Saying “I am a Langston Man” or “I am a Langston Woman” when introducing oneself is now common. The “Ask Me” t-shirts from Lion Camp are easily recognizable symbols of the club.

Now, students like Trinity King cannot imagine Langston University without the Student Ambassadors.

When King first came to Langston, the Student Ambassadors helped her feel at home. Her Ambassador mentor, Kayla, helped make her transition into college easier. She wanted to pass on that same support and encouragement she received, so King applied to become an Ambassador during the spring of her freshman year. Kayla even wrote her a letter of recommendation.

King was inducted into the Ambassador Class of 2023, and she has loved it ever since. She now serves as the Chair of the Student Ambassadors. As she prepares to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in animal science in May, King knows her time at LU wouldn’t have been the same without the program.

“That first interaction I had my freshman year (with Ambassadors), it really changed my trajectory,” King said. “Learning about the history of Langston, I take that to heart with me. I’m Langston ride or die.”

King and Offord were both inspired to join the Student Ambassadors because they had felt its positive impact early on in their time at LU, and they continue to see how its influence impacts the campus community beyond people’s first years.

group of student ambassadors pose for a silly photo — Many students enjoy their time as Student Ambassadors, and they take the lessons the program teaches with them to leadership positions in different clubs and jobs.

Many students join Student Ambassadors at the end of their freshman or sophomore years, and they often go on to become leaders in other student organizations afterward. King tells new students that Ambassadors is a great “starter organization” because it helps you get involved on campus and teaches you to be an active member of the community. The program’s lessons on leadership, personal responsibility and school pride stay with you as you move on to your next club or internship or job.

“I believe Ambassadors shaped me into being a leader,” Offord said. “Although I’d been in leadership roles in high school, I didn’t really get that experience until I got here. Being an Ambassador, it encouraged me to be a really good leader and also to take accountability. It also taught me it’s OK to go other ways and work with other people because when you’re a leader, you have to be able to be flexible.

“And then it also helped me to love Langston (University).”

Graphic depicting three LU founders with the words and details for the event.

Langston University to celebrate Founders Week with ceremony, celebrations

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Langston University is set to celebrate 129 years since its founding with a week of ceremonies and celebrations in Langston and Tulsa. The events will include musical performances, the annual Founders Day Program and an Inaugural Founders Week Celebration Gala.

The Langston University Department of Music will present The Chamber Collective musical performance on Tuesday, March 10. This collection of small ensembles will feature both choral and instrumental performances. The event will be held in the I.W. Young Auditorium on the Langston Campus at 6:30 p.m.

The annual Founders Day Program will be held at the I.W. Young Auditorium on the Langston Campus at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. The theme for this year’s program is “Honoring Our Past, Empowering Our Promise,” and the featured speaker will be Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, Founder and Executive Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation.

Dr. Cruther is an alumna of Langston University, and she is a nationally recognized justice advocate, community leader and social impact advisor. As Founder and Executive Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, she leads transformative initiatives focused on public safety, criminal justice reform, economic mobility and community healing. She also serves as a Founding Board Member of Justice for Greenwood, Senior Advisor to Black Tech Street and Advisor to Roc Nation’s United Justice Coalition.

Langston University will end the week with the Inaugural Founders Week Celebration Gala in Tulsa on Saturday, March 14.

The Founders Week Celebration Gala, a black-tie optional event, will include a formal dinner, awards presentation and live music. There will also be a special presentation to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling program, which has since spurred the creation of a bachelor’s program, the formation of the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, the establishment of two federally funded Rehabilitation Research Training Centers, and the creation of a post-doctoral research program.

The Chamber Collective and annual Founders Day Program are free and open to the public. The Founders Week Celebration Gala is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased online at langston.edu/founders-week through Friday, March 6.

Digital rendering of new physical therapy clinic on Langston University's Langston campus.

Bringing Care Home: New Langston University Physical Therapy Clinic Turns Learning into Service

Release Provided By Jet Turner

(This story was originally published in ‘E Roar Digital Magazine | Vol. 3 Issue 1 and featured in the January 2026 edition of Lion Talk.)

Dry air fills Gloire Houmba Mayindou’s lungs as he runs, his worn shoes beating the concrete surface of the park’s basketball court.

The “Diablo Rouge,” Mayindou’s club team, practice on the outdoor court nearly every day in The Republic of the Congo, his home country. Dribble, stop, shoot, rebound, pass… the 5-on-5 drills of the day were as normal and intense as any other day.

The 11-year-old watches as a shot soars overhead, the ball bouncing wildly between the backboard and rim. Realizing the ball isn’t going in the basket, Mayindou jumps to secure the rebound. He suddenly feels hands, followed by a shoulder, hit him in the back as his feet leave the ground, causing them to swing out from under him. He lands shoulder first on the unforgiving concrete. A teammate falls on top of him.

The impact dislocates his right shoulder.

Young Gloire Houmba Mayindou dribbling a basketball on a concrete court in the Republic of the Congo. — Young Gloire Houmba Mayindou poses for a photo in the Republic of the Congo.

“I couldn’t shower, couldn’t dress myself, couldn’t eat, couldn’t move,” Mayindou said. “So, dealing with that pain and then knowing that you cannot go to the hospital to get help, man, it’s mentally challenging.”

Access to healthcare, much less physical therapy, is limited in the Republic of the Congo. Even if you can get to a hospital or other healthcare provider, services are so expensive that most people don’t even consider it an option when they are hurt.

This experience, along with his observations of how many people are living with chronic pain without the assistance they need, drove Mayindou to come to the United States and eventually Langston University to earn his doctorate in physical therapy.

Now Mayindou, a first-year physical therapy student, can not only learn his trade in a program that boasts a 92% National Physical Therapy Exam pass rate and a 100% job placement rate, but he can soon get hands-on experience much more quickly than the average physical therapy student when Langston University completes construction on a physical therapy clinic being built right on the Langston Campus.

Construction has already begun on this Physical Therapy Clinic, which is being funded through Title III grants.

Dr. Elicia Pollard, Dean of the School of Physical Therapy, said this clinic will not only have an impact on students at LU, but on the community as well.

“There’s no physical therapy clinic here (in Langston),” Dr. Pollard said. “If locals want services, they’ll either drive or do without. So, we are going to fill that need there. We are going to be offering this clinic to people who are uninsured or under insured or low-income families. We are going to eliminate potential barriers such as transportation and cost.”

The closest clinics to the town of Langston are in Guthrie, which forces those who seek assistance to drive upward of 20 minutes for care.

The clinic is not designed like a typical medical facility with a labyrinth of halls and little rooms. The Langston University Physical Therapy Clinic will have an open concept with only a few rooms with doors for private needs. This allows for the area to be reconfigured for different patient populations and research needs.

Digital mockup of Langston University Physical Therapy Clinic interior. Features a wooden floor with treadmills against a glass wall.

Digital mockup of Langston University Physical Therapy Clinic interior. Features the lobby area.

Digital mockup of Langston University Physical Therapy Clinic interior. Features a turf-grass area with free weights.

Digital mockup of Langston University Physical Therapy Clinic interior. Features a patient sitting on tables with a clinician.

Dr. Anthony Sylvester, Director of Clinical Services at Langston University, has been instrumental in the development and design of this clinic since its inception. As a two-time Langston University graduate with experience running small, rural health clinics in addition to 25 years of experience as a clinical instructor, he understands the importance of ensuring the space is being used to its fullest potential to optimize client and student outcomes.

Because of his experiences, Dr. Sylvester understands how unique this clinic is to Langston University.

“This isn’t typical of other physical therapy schools,” Dr. Sylvester said. “I think we’re going to be pretty unique in reference to what most schools, a lot of PT schools, will have. We’ll have that daily experience here. Students will see a patient they’ve worked with progress through their care.”

The Physical Therapy Clinic will also offer opportunities for students to participate in research, different forms of patient care, community events and much more.

This level of experience is why students like Mayindou come to Langston University to study physical therapy.

“The first time I learned that they were building a clinic, everyone, at least all my classmates, we are all so excited,” Mayindou said. “That’s kind of a dream come true. In our field, there’s nothing better than experience. To work with a patient one-on-one is a different thing.

“I call it a blessing.”

LUSB students and faculty sit at desks in a classroom

Langston University School of Business students score in the Top 1% in Peregrine Outbound Business Exam for second semester in a row

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

by Gerard Lewis, Public Relations Intern

For the second consecutive assessment cycle, Langston University School of Business (LUSB) seniors scored in the top 1% nationally on the rigorous Peregrine Outbound Business Exam.

LUSB’s graduating seniors performed nearly 20 percentage points above national Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Program (ACBSP) benchmarks on the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam for Fall 2025 in a fully proctored classroom setting and under stricter testing conditions than in the spring. This performance follows LUSB graduates’ success on the Peregrine exam in Spring 2025.

Dr. Daryl Green, Dean of LUSB, said the students’ success reflects the hard work of the faculty and the students’ remarkable resilience.

“For the Fall 2025 term, our business seniors once again ranked in the top tier nationally on the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam,” Dr. Green said. “This time, under fully proctored, in-class conditions. Their average score of approximately 78.6% closely aligns with our Spring 2025 results, which were taken online and unproctored. This consistency confirms the integrity and authenticity of our students’ learning outcomes.”

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.

LUSB graduates excelled in several core disciplinary areas.

In Information Management Systems, graduates averaged 84%, which is significantly higher than the national benchmark. In Economics, graduates averaged in the low-mid 80s, which is about 20 points above ACBSP norms. In Quantitative Research & Statistics, students averaged 81%. In Legal Environment, students scored in the low 80s, outperforming most of their regional peers. In Marketing & Finance, students scored in the high 70s.

Ashley Dillard, director of Client Solutions at Peregrine Global Services, commended LUSB’s performance over the past two semesters.

“Langston University demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the growth,” Dillard said. “At Peregrine, we partner with many institutions focused on continuous improvement, and it is gratifying to collaborate with leaders like Dean Green who are deeply dedicated to the advancement of their students and academic programs.”

LUSB has made several strides to improve student learning outcomes and increase educational opportunities in recent years. Some of their recent accomplishments include increasing LUSB enrollment by more than 20% since 2024; partnering with Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business to launch a 4+1 program for LU students to earn master’s degrees; and hosting national events such as the HUxPNC Entrepreneurship Summit.

Langston University remains committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities for Oklahoma and beyond. Anyone interested in applying for LUSB, or any other LU program, can apply online at langston.edu/apply-now.

Dr. Alonzo Peterson, Senator Nikki Nice and Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson pose for a photo in front of a photo of Bessie Coleman

Langston University joins Sen. Nikki Nice, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics to celebrate Bessie Coleman Week

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Langston University will join Sen. Nikki Nice and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics as they celebrate the life and legacy of LU alumna Bessie Coleman during Bessie Coleman Week from Jan. 26-30.

The celebrations will include an LU alumni reception followed by a community celebration on Jan. 28.

“Langston University is honored to stand with Sen. Nikki Nice and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics to celebrate the legacy of our alumna, Bessie Coleman,” President Ruth Ray Jackson said. “Though her time at Langston was brief, her determination and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire our students to pursue STEM and other historically underrepresented fields.”

Bessie Coleman came to Oklahoma from Texas in 1910 to attend Langston University, which was then the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University. Although she could only afford to attend for one semester, she left her mark on the university and the state. She went on to attend flight school in France to earn her pilot’s license, and she became the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license.

Coleman became a stunt flier, and she was known for her daring tricks. People came from all over to watch “Queen Bess” perform in air shows. She died tragically in a plane crash at 34 years old on April 30, 1926.

A century later, Coleman’s story still inspires young people to pursue their education, particularly in the STEM fields. The planned celebrations are intended to honor Coleman’s legacy, share her story, and promote STEM education in Oklahoma.

“As Oklahoma’s HBCU and a proud land‑grant institution, we remain committed to expanding educational access and strengthening STEM pathways for the communities we serve,” Dr. Jackson said. “It is a privilege to honor Bessie Coleman’s remarkable story and share her enduring impact with the people of Oklahoma and beyond.”

The Bessie Coleman Community Celebration and Aviation Conversation will be held Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Metro Tech Spring Lake Conference Center in Oklahoma City. The event is free and open to the public, and space can be reserved at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bessie-coleman-centennial-community-celebration-and-aviation-conversation-tickets-1980203909198?aff=oddtdtcreator.

There will be a private reception for Langston University alumni before the Community Celebration beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Faculty research panel encourages students to get involved with research, provides insights for next steps

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

by Ellie Melero

Six Langston University faculty researchers from various departments came together to share their research and graduate school experiences with students during a discussion panel on Nov. 11, encouraging students to get involved with undergraduate research and providing insights on how to do so.

“It was just an opportunity for us to let (students) know that we also go through these different steps,” said Dr. Desmond Delk, the coordinator and moderator for the event. “They, too, can do it, and we’re resources for them. And really, the main thing is to also get them interested in research and let them know how research looks different.”

Dr. Delk, the chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER), brought together faculty with a variety of research interests for the “Scholarly Works in Progress: An Early Career Perspective” research panel. Dr. Chukwuebuka Ezeakacha, the director of LU choral activities; Dr. Lindsey Davis, the chair of the Department of Chemistry; Yaisa Mann, a professor in the Department of English; Dr. Brittany Mays, a professor in the HPER Department; Dr. Emisha Maytubby, the chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and Alexis Montague, a professor in the Department of Public Health, all participated in the panel.

The panelists talked to students about their educational and research backgrounds, which covered topics ranging from sub-Saharan African music to infectious diseases. The faculty members discussed why they chose to pursue their areas of study and research interests, some of the challenges they’ve had to overcome while conducting research, and then answered student questions about research.

Junior biology major Kiaorie Stewart-Ricks already has some experience conducting research thanks to an internship he had this past summer, and he plans to continue pursuing research as he works toward his goal of becoming a sports physician. He was excited for a chance to listen to the LU faculty’s stories, especially those who are themselves LU alumni.

“I wanted to just come see my fellow researchers that are alums of Langston (University) and see what their challenges were doing research and the things they went through,” Stewart-Ricks said. “I thought maybe I could get some insight through their challenges.”

Providing students insight into life as a researcher was part of Dr. Delk’s goal when he coordinated the event. He wanted to give students a chance to learn about what LU’s faculty do outside of class, and he hoped they could inspire some of the students to get involved with research early.

Cynsere Boyd, a senior public health major with a minor in corrections, came to the event because she hoped to hear some advice about how to manage research and school. Like Stewart-Ricks, she enjoyed listening to the faculty members’ stories, and she appreciated the advice they shared regarding mentors and peer collaboration.

“I think the panel was a great opportunity to show us how we can make it through college and find other routes for grad (school) and figure out how to make connections with different peers,” Boyd said.

As an 1890 land-grant institution, Langston University takes pride in the high-quality research conducted at all three campuses, and there are countless ways for students of any year or major to get involved with research during their time at LU. Scores of students attended the mid-day panel, proving that research is a big draw for many students.

Dr. Delk made sure to take advantage of the time they had with students to not only share the panelists’ research, but also to share summer research internship opportunities. Many students expressed appreciation for this addition as well as for the advice the faculty shared.

“I think it went well,” Dr. Delk said. “The faculty members gave some great insight. Some of the students had some good questions. We connected them to resources, summer programs, we gave them access to some of our own personal publications.

“So, I’m encouraging students to ask questions, connect with people, and just dive into this idea of research.”

Dr. Oscar Battle, Jazmeen Sarkissian, and Parker Avendano pose for a photo

Dr. Oscar Battle, family present student scholarships to nursing, physical therapy students

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

by Ellie Melero

Nursing student Yazmeen Sarkissian and Physical Therapy student Parker Avendano each received a $1,000 scholarship from Dr. Oscar Battle, Jr. and Family Scholarships during a scholarship presentation program on Thursday morning.

Dr. Battle, a Langston University alumnus, has long been an avid supporter of Langston University’s Physical Therapy and Nursing programs. He believes students seeking to enter these essential fields should abide by what he calls “The 5 C’s,” and he knows LU’s programs instill these values in their students. That’s why he feels called to support these students.

“This scholarship was established to help build a better world,” Dr. Battle said. “At my graduation in 1968, the president (William H. Hale) said, ‘Don’t spend a lot of time on things you know. Go out and spend time learning things you don’t know.’ That has stayed with me. As a graduate, I owe Langston (University). It’s important that I contribute and contribute considerably more than I’ve ever gotten from the world.”

The 5 C’s stand for Commitment, Communication, Care, Continue and Community. Medical practitioners, such as nurses and physical therapists, need to be committed to helping people. They need to know how to communicate clearly, both with patients and one another, especially in times of stress. They need to care about what they’re doing, and they need to be lifelong learners who continue to perfect their craft. Finally, they need to help build community and find ways to give back to their communities.

Sarkissian and Avendano were chosen because they exhibited these qualities.

“I appreciate everybody that came out and supported us, and I appreciate the family of Dr. Oscar Battle so much,” Sarkissian said. “(This scholarship) is really just going to propel me forward, and it’s just a really big support for me in my situation right now.”

Sarkissian is from Arlington, Texas, and she plans to return to Texas after completing her degree to work as a nurse.

Avendano is from El Reno, Oklahoma, and he plans to return to El Reno to open a physical therapy practice with a friend after he graduates.

“(This scholarship) means a lot because it just shows how much Dr. Oscar Battle cares about the programs here at Langston University,” Avendano said. “And not just us being good students, but is also just preparing to serve people once we leave here. Just like he said, sending people out into the world to make a difference on behalf of Langston (University).”

Photograph of LU-OKC Campus exterior near entranceway

Langston University receives $3.125 million in grants to support rehabilitation programs, student scholarships

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

OKLAHOMA CITY–Langston University’s Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies earned $3.125 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Education to support the university’s rehabilitation programs, including funding 96 full-tuition scholarships over the next five years.

The department has been awarded three grants; one is from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS), and two are from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).

The first grant, funded through the RSA and totaling $1 million over five years, will establish a specialized Pre-Employment Transition Services to Youth with Mental Disabilities track within the department’s master’s program for Rehabilitation Counseling. This will include funding the tuition, fees and a living stipend for 30 graduate students over five years.

The second grant, worth $1.25 million and funded by OSERS, will establish a new track within the undergraduate Rehabilitation Services bachelor’s degree program. The new track will be School-to-Work: Preparing Personnel to Serve School-Age Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the grant will fund the tuition, fees and a living stipend for 36 undergraduate students over the next five years.

The last grant is from the RSA and will pay out $875,000 over five years. This grant will establish another new track within the Rehabilitation Services program: Pre-Employment Transition Services to Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (including Autism). It will fund 30 undergraduate scholarships over the next five years, which will include tuition, fees and a living stipend.

“Langston University is honored to receive this transformative investment from the U.S. Department of Education,” said President Ruth Ray Jackson. “These three grants reflect our unwavering commitment to preparing highly qualified professionals who will serve youth with mental, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.

“I commend Dr. Corey Moore and the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies for their leadership in advancing inclusive education and workforce development. This funding strengthens our mission as a land-grant institution and expands access to high-impact academic programs that meet urgent national needs.”

Dr. Corey Moore is the Founding Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies.

Undergraduate students interested in the Rehabilitation Services program who wish to apply for the scholarships within either track must have completed at least 41 hours of general education courses prior to applying. Interested individuals should contact Professor Emanual Lewis, the Rehabilitation Services Program Coordinator at LU-Tulsa, via phone at 918-902-3184 or via email at emanual.lewis@langston.edu.

Graduate students interested in the new track within the Rehabilitation Counseling program should contact Dr. Andre Washington, the Rehabilitation Counseling Program Coordinator at LU-OKC, via phone at 405-530-7525 or via email at andre.washington@langston.edu to apply for scholarships.

“The awarding of these grants, especially three at the same time, speaks to the relevance and value of the work being done here at Langston University in the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies,” said Dr. Elizabeth Albright, Interim Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. “These scholarships enhance what Langston University already does to support students through degree completion. By providing financial support, not only are students able to graduate without adding debt, but they will be stronger in their field because their primary focus can be school.”

LU’s Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and it was recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a Top 20 rehabilitation graduate program in the nation. Accredited through CACREP, the graduate program has also birthed two Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) that are both funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research.

These new grant projects present an exceptional approach to student development through LU’s partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, Tulsa Public Schools and other local education agencies. Significant attention will be devoted to cross-fertilizing these academic initiatives and ongoing RRTC trainings to increase students’ knowledge of the delivery and transition of mental health and developmental disability support services to school-age children and youth.

The goal is to improve the supply of fully credentialed rehabilitation, mental health and disability professionals for employment in local educational and/or rehabilitation agencies.

“These innovative federally funded educational initiatives are critical for training and preparing our undergraduate and graduate students within the department to help meet the demands of human service systems addressing the current national youth mental health crisis as well as the pre-employment service support needs of school-age children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities” said Dr. Moore, the Founding Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies and project director for all three grants.

The OSERS priority focuses on personnel preparation for special education, early intervention and related services personnel at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally controlled colleges and universities, and other minority-serving institutions. The RSA priorities are consistent with the purpose of the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training program, which is to provide financial assistance for academic training areas of personnel shortages in vocational rehabilitation.

These funded initiatives at Langston University are in direct response to identified needs in personnel development, as well as to improve services and outcomes for school-age children and youth with mental, intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Langston University professor wins 2025 National Rehabilitation Association’s Bobbie Atkins Distinguished Research Award

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

OKLAHOMA CITY––Dr. Corey Moore, a Professor and the Founding Chair of the Langston University Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, received the 2025 Bobbie Atkins Distinguished Research Award from the National Rehabilitation Association at their national conference on Oct. 1.

The award, named after prominent rehabilitation researcher Dr. Bobbie J. Atkins, is a recognition of quality research from individuals or organizations which has an impact on improving services to people with disabilities. Dr. Moore was recognized for his distinguished record of research and publications, which have had a particularly strong impact on those with the most significant support needs.

“Dr. Atkins was truly a trailblazer and a giant in our field,” Dr. Moore said. “I proudly stand on her shoulders and carry her legacy of research in disability and rehabilitation.”

In addition to his roles as a professor and department chair, Dr. Moore serves as Founding Executive Director at the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Research and Capacity Building for Minority Entities and the RRTC on Advancing Employment Equity for Multiply Marginalized People with Disabilities, both at Langston University. In these roles, he has shown a long-standing commitment to research leadership and advocacy in the field of disability and rehabilitation.

He has also served as the principal investigator on twenty-three different research, training and service grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, which total over $33 million. He is an author or co-author on over 90 peer-reviewed articles published in refereed professional trade journals, monographs and policy briefs.

In addition to his exemplary record of research and publications, his expertise has been recognized at the highest levels, as evidenced by his past appointments to federal agency bodies, including the advisory committee for the director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Dr. Moore’s work continues to have a profound impact on the field as it helps shape policy, professional practice and academic scholarship.

In accepting this award, Dr. Moore acknowledged the contributions of all core RRTC investigators, official collaborators and mentors from various institutions, and he thanked Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson and her administration for their ongoing strong support.

To learn more about the LU-RRTC, please visit langston.edu/capacitybuilding-rrtc or call toll-free at (855) 497-5598.

Langston University signs MOU with Oklahoma State University to create 4+1 pathway for business students

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Langston University’s School of Business and Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a new 4+1 Business Degree Pathway.

This agreement provides Langston University students majoring in Business the opportunity to complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years, streamlining their path toward advanced business leadership and analytics careers.

Through this partnership, qualified Langston University students can seamlessly transition into OSU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Business Analytics and Data Science (MS BAnDS), Master of Management Information Systems (MS MIS), Master of Quantitative Finance (MSQF), and Master of Hospitality and Tourism Management (MS HTM) programs. Students will have access to graduate-level coursework during their senior year, allowing them to accelerate their graduate degree completion while saving time and money.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to creating academic pathways that strengthen Oklahoma’s business and innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Daryl Green, dean of the School of Business at Langston University. “It gives our students a competitive advantage in pursuing high-demand careers in business, analytics and leadership.”

The collaboration further aligns with Langston University’s mission to provide transformative educational opportunities and expand graduate pathways for underrepresented students in business and technology disciplines.

“We’re excited to partner with Langston University to create this 4+1 pathway for their business students,” said Dr. Jim Payne, dean of Spears Business. “Our campuses are just 20 miles apart, and this kind of collaboration strengthens Oklahoma’s workforce by providing more students with access to advanced business education. We look forward to welcoming Langston students into our graduate programs and helping them build successful careers in business.”

LU students wishing to take advantage of these new pathways must be juniors with at least 90 undergraduate hours completed at the time of applying. All students must take the GMAT exam and complete OSU’s standard graduate school application found at grad.okstate.edu/apply.

Interested participants will meet with their LU advisor to complete a general eligibility screening and discuss next steps. After meeting with their LU advisor, they will need to set up an appointment with a Spears advisor for their program of interest. Their advisors will help them navigate the process of applying to the master’s program early at OSU, and they will be equipped with timelines for the next available semester.

For more information about Langston University’s School of Business, visit langston.edu/academics/school/business. For more information about the Spears School of Business, visit spears.okstate.edu.

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Langston University is Oklahoma’s HBCU. Made up of six academic schools, LU provides students with a world-class education that includes hands-on learning through impactful research and beneficial internships. The Langston University School of Business (LUSB) prides itself on producing change agents in the world of business. Nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), LUSB offers more than 10 degree programs that prepare graduates to jumpstart their career goals. In 2025, LUSB graduates ranked in the top 1% nationally on the Peregrine Business Exam.

Emboldened by its motto “the Power of Personal,” Spears Business prepares students in an environment where human connections are paramount and academic excellence is strengthened by interpersonal prowess. The results speak for themselves, as U.S. News & World report ranked Spears Business No. 8 for its online bachelor’s programs and No. 11 for its online MBA, while Fortune listed its MS BAnDS program No. 2 in the country behind only Harvard University. With 6,744 students, Spears Business is the largest college on the OSU campus.