Category: News

Sanderson Hall on Langston Campus

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

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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

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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

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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.”

headshot of Dr. Corey Moore in a suit and tie
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.

Dr. Corey Moore headshot

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

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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

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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.

 

osu logo

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.

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.”