Category: News

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY WELCOMES RECORD BREAKING FRESHMAN CLASS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University is experiencing historic enrollment for the 2015-16 school year. Faculty and staff recently welcomed the largest freshman class in the history of the University.

According to admissions data, it has more than 692 incoming freshmen, and this number continues to rise. With more than a 40 percent increase in the past several years, the strength of the incoming class is a direct reflection of the strategic recruitment efforts.

Among these efforts, the Office of Admissions highlighted that the University has maintained its affordability for high-quality education on a state and national level. Admissions has also seen a return on pairing recruitment efforts with the alumni chapters, this has given Admissions its advantage over the competition. The incoming class proves to be a group of enthusiastic academic leaders; it is made up of a total of 40 incoming freshmen that are now scholars in the Edwin McCabe Honors Program. A program sponsored by the University; scholars must take a total of 50 hours of honors courses designed to develop communication skills, analytical thinking, creativity and leadership.

Langston University was listed as the third most affordable small college in Oklahoma on the College Tuition Compare website.

“As an affordability leader in the state, we are able to better leverage our financial resources to compete for more students in Oklahoma,” said Chauncey Jackson, Executive Director of Enrollment Management at Langston University.

Langston University was nationally ranked the fourth most affordable small college in the United States. The ranking was created using information from the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator database. The number of out-of-state admits has drastically increased, with more students coming from Missouri, Colorado, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

“We offer a number of academically challenging programs and continue to develop our resources,” said the president of the University, Kent J. Smith Jr., Ph.D.

Total enrollment is 2,567 for all three campuses, which are located in Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses offer upper-division courses and graduate courses. Among these programs, Langston-OKC is host to the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling & Disability Studies, a vocational rehabilitation program designed specifically for migrant and seasonal farm workers with special needs. Langston-Tulsa has a state-of-the-art facility that offers a variety of programs at the baccalaureate and graduate levels.

The Langston University Doctor of Physical Therapy program is one of only two programs offered in the state of Oklahoma. The Langston campus is also home to the number one goat research institute in the world, the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research. Langston University offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. To learn more about programs and offerings please visit the Langston University website at www.langston.edu.

Jacob Rodriguez

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW VOLLEYBALL COACH

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University has appointed a new head coach for volleyball, Jacob Rodriguez.

“Coach Rodriguez, a true man of integrity and great character, is a great addition to our athletic department,” said Donnita Rogers, the Director of Athletics. “His enthusiasm is contagious. Rodriguez will be a tremendous role model for our student-athletes and will play a pivotal role in putting Langston University volleyball on the map.”

Rodriguez comes to Langston from Bacone College, where he served as the head volleyball coach for three years. During his three years as head coach, the team went 46-52 overall and 24-16 in the Red River Athletic Conference.

Prior to Bacone College, he served as the assistant coach at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. During this time the team made tremendous strides, which included trips to the NAIA Regionals and the National Christian College
Athletic Association Regional and National Tournament in 2007.

Rodriguez currently holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology from Dallas Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Southwestern Assemblies of God University.

Stepping into this position, he has high hopes for the volleyball program’s fourth season. Last year the Volleyball program reached historic new heights, the team recorded its first win over East Central University, an NCAA Division 2 opponent.

The Lady Lions made it to the Conference Tournament last year; he knows the bar is already set high. He is ready to build a strong 2015 recruiting class and turn Langston’s volleyball team into a program that strives to win national championships.

“The most important thing for this team is to compete; the team will need to continue to build off of this foundation,” said Rodriguez.

“Our first goal as a team is to give a unified effort every time we step on the court.”

The Lady Lions open the 2015 season on August 21, 2015, against Southwest Assemblies of God in Waxahachie, Texas. For more information or to view the Langston Sports schedules please visit www.langstonsports.com.

Student Leadership Institute 2015

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY CREATES CULTURE OF LEADERSHIP

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University Office of Student Life recently held the annual Student Leadership Institute (SLI), where student leaders learned best practices for leading and developing their organizations.

The weeklong event included guest speakers, seminars, group exercises and other activities to help the students develop as leaders. The theme was “Back to the Basics: Remembering The Foundation For Success.”

Brittany Carradine, Assistant Director of Student Life in the Office of Student Affairs, has led the SLI since 2013 with the goal of helping students lead successful organizations.

“The SLI is where students develop skills, connect with peers, and grow as leaders,” Carradine said. “Leaders who understand how they lead are more engaged, productive, and successful. This will help students understand their top strengths to become better leaders.”

Students were taught how to run effective meetings, the fiscal responsibility of leading organizations, the importance of communication within an organization, especially during times of conflict, and how to use social media effectively.

Students then had the opportunity to use what they learned as they met with student leaders from other schools to develop a plan for supporting each other in success.

Shaquille Anderson is a senior Business Management major is the newly appointed 2015-16 Student Government Association president. His goal is to increase communication between the students and administration, as well as with his fellow students.

“It is in my nature to factor in people’s perspective,” Anderson said. “I think it is important in any leadership role to take in the opinions and viewpoints of others in order to make a positive impact. It is our priority as campus leaders to keep the student experience at a high level.”

Student leaders have been equipped with the tools needed to fulfill their responsibility to their peers, future students and themselves to represent Langston and their organizations well.

“They are ready to work and take action,” Carradine said.

Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma.
To learn more about Langston University, please visit http://www.langston.edu.

NASA OKLAHOMA EPSCOR AWARDS LU SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE WITH STEM RESEARCH GRANT

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

NASA Oklahoma EPSCoR awarded $36,000 to Langston professor, Randy Hunt, Ph. D. and the School of Education and Behavioral Science to produce effective, informed, and reflective future STEM scientists capable of independent practice and professional growth in college STEM programs.

The grant entitled, “Investing in STEM Student Diversity through NASA Ames Astrobiology Mentoring Modeling: Chemistry, Mathematical, and Computer Models” is a response to increase student diversity in Astrobiology knowledge for 15 STEM college students. Hunt serves as the faculty mentor and will mentor the Astrobiology students and develop ongoing relationships with its STEM mentors and partners.

“We are grateful for the financial support of STEM research at Langston University and look forward to sharing the results next year,” said Hunt.

Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Among 2,400 teacher preparation programs, Langston University’s elementary program ranks number one among all HBCU’s and in the top ten for its secondary (middle and high school) programs by the National Council on teacher quality. To learn more about the School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, visit http://www.langston.edu/academics/school/education-and-behavioral-sciences/.

FARMING ON A FEW ACRES WORKSHOP

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By Courtney Jordan, Communications Specialist

The Business without Borders, LLC, Langston University, and Star Spencer High School will offer workshop presentations on the 2014 Farm Bill, gardening tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture home loan and repair assistance, and animal management assistance on Sat., April 18, 2015 at Star Spencer High School (3001 Spencer, Road, Spencer, Oklahoma). Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the workshop starts at 9:30 a.m.

Registration and lunch is free. Please register in advance by telephone or e-mail. To register or for additional information please contact, Dwight N. Guy, dwight.guy@osec.usda.gov, (405) 306-1954.

The Cooperative Extension Program at Langston University provides educational programs to individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability. Issued in furtherance of the Extension Work Act of September 29, 1977 in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

USDA, TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY AWARD LU SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND APPLIED SCIENCE WITH RESEARCH GRANT

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – United States Department of Agricultural and Tuskegee University awarded $22,000 to George Luker, Ph.D. and the School of Agriculture and Applied Science for “Swine Outreach Activity”. United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is implementing a national response to reduce, and in some areas eliminate, the risks and damages inflicted by feral swine to property, agriculture, natural resources and human health.

APHIS is serving as the lead federal agency in a cooperative effort with other entities that share a common interest in reducing or eliminating problems caused by feral swine. The overall objective of the program is to minimize damage inflicted by feral swine.

“This funding will help to increase the understanding of how federal swine impacts farmers and ranchers,” said Luker. “It will also provide outreach materials to fanners and ranchers on how to resolve problems generally associated with feral swine.”

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

IRA D. HALL LECTURE SERIES

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – The School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Langston University hosted the Ira D. Hall and Rubye Hibler Hall Endowed Lecture Series on March 10, 2015. Students, faculty, staff and special guests gathered in honor of Langston graduates Rubye and Ira D. Hall, for whom the annual lecture series is named.

The guest speaker was the Honorable Alcee L. Hastings, a United States Representative for District 20 in Florida, who is currently serving his 12th term in Congress. He highly encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities to become campus leaders.

“Leadership is the cornerstone of this country and Langston University plays a fundamental role in shaping our leaders,” Hastings said.

Hastings is a graduate of Fisk University and earned a Juris Doctorate in law from Florida A&M University. He challenged the students to learn a second language, and said it is “critically important for your career survival.”

Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. To learn more about Langston University, please visit http://www.langston.edu.

Blongshia Cha at the Miss Langston University Pageant in 2015

CHANGING THE WORLD ONE STEP AT A TIME

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Five female students participated for the title at the annual Miss Langston Scholarship Pageant that took place on Saturday night. The title of Miss Langston represents a woman who is the face and voice of Langston University.

The participants were judged on their performance in an onstage question-and-answer portion, a talent and physical fitness portion and an evening gown and swimsuit portion. All participants were required to adopt a platform, or cause they can support, for something they can tie into the community.

A sophomore who is currently working to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Blongshia Cha from Denver, Colorado, was crowned Miss Langston in 2015. Her platform is based on the issue of college readiness and retention. She was inspired by the common phrase; the journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step.

She believes that education is one of the most important common denominators in our society and that regardless of your social or religious background if you had the same education you’re just as competitive.

“I would like to bring attention to the need to continue education. Using my platform I would like to promote mentoring students at the middle school, high school, and university level,” said Cha.

“One of the ways I plan to do this is through tutoring students at Coyle schools. By doing this I am able to not only help them academically but also talk to them about other issues. Therefore, I am not only able to educate but mentor as well.”

“It is imperative that we educate our youth,” Cha said.

“I plan to pursue the title of Miss. America to the best of my abilities. If crowned I plan to use my title as a launching pad for my platform,” she said.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY HOSTS AQUACULTURE WORKSHOP

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By Courtney Jordan, Communications Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – The Langston University Aquaculture Program canceled the Feb. 28 workshop due to inclement weather. The workshop has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2015. The presentations for aquaculture hobbyists and commercial producers will take place at the E.L. Holloway Research, Education and Extension Center located on the main campus. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the workshop starts at 9:00 a.m. The workshop will focus on the increasing interest in aquaponic production, processing and marketing.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie on OK Highway 33. Attendees will be directed to the meeting site with Aquaculture workshop signs. Registration and attendance is free. A catfish lunch ($10) will be available with advanced registration or you may bring your lunch. The deadline for advanced registration is Feb. 23, 2015. Persons may register by telephone or e-mail. For additional information contact: Mr. George Luker, Aquaculture Specialist, gluker@langston.edu, office (405) 466-3077.

AIR FORCE AWARDS LANGSTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES WITH RESEARCH GRANT

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – The DOD Air Force awarded a $200,000 research grant to Byron Quinn, Ph.D., professor in the university’s Biology department in Arts and Sciences. Quinn received funding for his grant entitled “Biochemical Fatigue Metabolite Instrumentation.”

The grant awarded will allow undergraduate students to gain hands-on training with the requested instrumentation by participating in fatigue research and coursework.

“Students taking this course will take on independent research projects in tissue biomarker detection from the metabolic analysis with the Gas Chromatography in Metabolomics Study,” said Quinn.

“This instrumentation adds significant value to the research and training program at LU.”

Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program. The School of Arts and Sciences is host to the biology program and currently leads the world in manipulating peanut plant hairs into full new plants without the use of seeds.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. To learn more about Langston University, please visit http://www.langston.edu.