Category: News

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY REMEMBERS MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Release Provided By

By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a driving force behind the civil rights movement in the 1950s and ‘60s, but he was more than just an activist. He had a love for people that drove him to believe in a better future for all. King’s inspiring vision for the future has motivated many to take action in their own lives and strive for a better future.

January 19 is not only a day to commemorate King’s legacy, but also a day to celebrate black culture as a whole. It is a day to celebrate those figures in history who defined black culture by constantly working toward a better tomorrow and by encouraging others to not stand idle, but to have a voice and a role in the shaping of the future.

Historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, have played an important role in black culture by providing high quality education and preparing students to excel; a mission still continued today.

King himself graduated from Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. King learned far more than sociology principles during his time at Morehouse.

It was there, at an HBCU in Georgia, that King met great thinkers and educators would become his mentors. It was there that King learned what true education was.

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education,” Martin Luther King, Jr. said.
HBCUs across the United States provide students with what King calls “true education.” Students are given the opportunity to strengthen themselves and empower others, while also encouraging them to make a positive impact in this world. They are taught to think larger than themselves. HBCUs contribute to building a better future, a mission King believed in and fought for.

Langston University began shaping black culture and the future as an HBCU in 1897. As the only HBCU in Oklahoma and the farthest west, many students from the U.S. and around the world began building their future on the Langston University campus.

As you walk through the Langston University campus, you begin to see King’s dream come alive. While LU is a historically black university, the campus has grown increasingly diverse over the years. One can now walk the campus and see many people from different walks of life, all sharing the same goal: shaping a better tomorrow.

It was an HBCU that assisted in building King’s character and knowledge. HBCUs have been a critical part in developing black culture and they still celebrate it today.

Langston University will celebrate King’s legacy with a March of Peace and commemorative program on Jan. 22, 2015. The March of Peace will be a candle light march beginning at 6:30 p.m. The march will end at I.W Young Auditorium, where the program will be held at 7 p.m.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. program will include student tribute performances and a guest speaker. Langston University students, faculty and staff are encouraged to come celebrate King, reflect on the past, and look toward the future, where King’s words will continue to encourage others.

On January 19, while many will enjoy a day off work or school, remember to also take the time to reflect on the meaning of the holiday. Remember the impact King made in our world and how others were encouraged by his words and his love.

A group of Langston University representatives pose with hardhats and shovels at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new building for the School of Physical Therapy in 2015.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY GROUNDBREAKING HELD FOR NEW SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY BUILDING

Release Provided By

By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University began a new chapter in its history with a formal groundbreaking ceremony for its School of Physical Therapy building located at the Langston, Oklahoma campus. Construction for the new facility has begun, it is located adjacent to the wetlands pond and island and south of the E. L. Holloway Agricultural Complex. Fencing and construction trailers are currently mobilized at the construction site. The building will contain three classrooms, one anatomy lab, two clinical laboratories, a computer lab, a cardio lab, informal learning spaces and much more.

“Today is a momentous occasion, here at dear Langston. We are breaking ground on the future home of the School of Physical Therapy”, said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University. “I am pleased with the progress our University is making and will continue to make. The Physical Therapy building will be more than an educational facility, but a way to influence the lives of our future medical professionals.“

This building will offer Langston Physical Therapy students the extraordinary opportunity to develop the existing academic programs, grow student activities, expand community engagement, and eventually serve a greater number of education seekers in the region who lack convenient, affordable access to high-quality education.

Speakers for the event included Ailya Chaudry, Ph.D., and University President, Kent J. Smith, Jr., Ph.D. Those attending included Rick Davis, Chairman of the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma A&M Colleges and Universities, Jason Ramsey, Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma A&M Colleges and Universities, Andy Lester, Regent for the Oklahoma A&M Colleges and Universities, Alicia Sumlin, Mayor of Langston, Oklahoma, Lucy Swanson, a representative of the Guthrie Chamber, as well as the Physical Therapy students and faculty.

The Langston University Doctor of Physical Therapy program is one of only two programs offered in the state of Oklahoma. It prepares students for a career in Physical Therapy, and to achieve their professional and personal goals. Programs and services support the economic growth of the community in response to changing needs. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program. If you are interested in learning more about Langston University’s School of Physical Therapy, please visit http://www.langston.edu/physical-therapy. For more information about Langston University, visit http://www.langston.edu/ .

Mrs. Alice Strong Simmons, Dr. Ricco Wright, and Mr. Desmond Harvey

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ARE COMING HOME

Release Provided By

By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University announced that three alumni were chosen for new administrative and faculty appointments for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Ricco Wright, Ed. D., was named assistant professor of Mathematics in the School of Arts & Sciences at the Langston campus. Wright started teaching at the university this past August. His efforts in his first semester have already had a positive impact on the campus community.

“On a personal level, I plan to keep my students engaged all semester, make a difference in their lives, and enjoy my first year as an assistant professor of mathematics at my alma mater,” Wright said.

“On a professional level, I plan to increase the number of mathematics majors at Langston by recruiting at least three freshmen to join the Mathematics Club and by serving as their advisor this academic year,” Wright said.

It is also his goal to increase the intellectual campus climate by starting a book club on campus called Bibliophilism, by participating in monthly dialogues in the Harrison Library, and by giving talks on campus about different topics ranging from philosophy to literature to politics to music.

He is dedicated to making things better than when he came to the university and makes it his goal to continuously become more active in the fields of mathematics and mathematics education. Prior to LU, Wright taught mathematics at two universities in New York City. He received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Langston University in 2004 and a Doctorate in Mathematics Education from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2014.

Desmond Harvey was appointed as the new director of Student Life at the Langston campus.

“I am looking forward to returning to my alma mater,” Harvey said.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and graduated with honors from Langston University in 2006.

“During my first year as Director of Student Life, I plan to learn more about the student organizations, programs, and events that are hosted through the Office of Student Life, while establishing a relationship with the student leaders on campus,” he said.

Prior to Langston, he was the coordinator of prospective student services in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology for one year at Oklahoma State University. Before that, he served as an academic advisor, Coordinator of the Multicultural Engineering Program, Coordinator of African American Affairs, and Coordinator of Prospective Student Services for two years at Oklahoma State University.

Alice Strong-Simmons was appointed as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Oklahoma City campus. Coming from a long line of teaching professionals, Strong-Simmons describes herself as an “educator at heart.” As a trained educator, she was Director of Child Development and Adjunct Professor at Langston University.
She currently serves as Central Area Director of The Links, Incorporated and holds life memberships in the Langston University National Alumni Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Strong-Simmons prides herself on being a “Country Girl” whom God has endowed with an extraordinary passion for Langston University and its students, and working to assure the best education possible for the youth and children of the Great State of Oklahoma. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Langston University and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

Langston University President, Kent J. Smith, Jr., is confident that the experience and expertise these new appointments will bring to the roles will serve our students in and out of the classroom.

“As Langston University continues to blossom, it is vital we have the right leadership in place,” Dr. Smith said.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters’ degrees and one doctoral program. For more information about Langston University giving please contact the LU Foundation Office at (405) 466-3482.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY RECEIVES $12K IN GRANTS FOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Release Provided By

by Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University School of Education & Behavioral Sciences has received a $3,000 grant from the NASA Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NASA Oklahoma EPSCoR) and a $9,000 grant from the Oklahoma Teacher Connection.

The NASA Oklahoma EPSCoR grant provides funding for a travel grant to develop STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) education in collaboration with the NASA Ames Research Center. The goal is to gain hands-on knowledge of Astrobiology. Langston University School of Education and Behavioral Sciences pre-service teachers will partner with AMES Research Center scientists to implement a space science curriculum.

“I will have the opportunity to travel with two STEM majors to AMES Research Center,” said Randy Hunt, Ph. D., Professor of the School of Education & Behavioral Sciences.

“The research information gained from the NASA Ames Pre-Service teacher trip will be used to develop space science lesson plans and curriculum for classroom teachers. The students will present their field trip information to the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences and School of Arts and Sciences to faculty and students once returned.”

“Oklahoma Teacher Connection Grant will directly impact the Langston University’s Tulsa campus,” said Ruth R. Jackson, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. “Oklahoma Teacher Connection partners with Langston University to reduce obstacles for paraprofessionals’ education and provided advancement into teaching in the Tulsa Public Schools.”

The program will provide current paraprofessionals and teachers’ assistants in Tulsa Public Schools with year-long small group seminars and individualized tutoring sessions embedded in college preparation experiences focused on academic policies, advising, financial planning, test-taking skills, time management, technological skills, and the Oklahoma Career Development Program for Paraprofessionals to promote recruitment and placement of minority populations in the teaching profession.

Grants were awarded to the following individuals:
Project Director: Randy Hunt, Ph. D.; The School of Education & Behavioral Sciences
Project Director: Lisa Weis, Ph. D.; The School of Education & Behavioral Sciences

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. For more information on the School of Education & Behavioral Sciences at Langston University, visit https://langston.edu/academics/school/education-and-behavioral-sciences/.

STUDENT INSPIRED BY INNOVATIVE METHODS AT PRESTIGIOUS SUMMER PROGRAM

Release Provided By

by Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – A senior English Education major at Langston University, Emmanuel Robinson, was one of 30 aspiring male teachers chosen from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) across the nation to attend the HBCU Male Summer Institute hosted by Winston-Salem State University. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Teacher Quality and Retention Program fund the Institute.

The Guthrie native aspires to become a high school English teacher.

“I really want to teach in an urban setting and give those students the ability to compete with anyone,” Robinson said. “This experience was certainly a guiding point in my teaching career.”

He highly encourages other education majors to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities and summer programs that are available.

The program is specifically geared toward aspiring male teachers from schools across the nation and focuses on teaching innovations and relevant subjects like professional development and school violence by providing support and the tools for the classroom through a series of workshops and lectures.

The men were taught through three different learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic.

“I was able to learn the different strategies but also able to practice those skills learned,” said Robinson. “I plan to make my classroom a mixture of all three something new or developing every day for my students to keep them engaged but also energized about learning. I want to make learning a priority again in students.”

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on the School of Education & Behavior Sciences at Langston University, visit https://langston.edu/academics/school/education-and-behavioral-sciences/.

KENYAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS LOOK TO LANGSTON’S GOAT EXPERTS TO HELP BOOST ECONOMY IN EAST AFRICA

Release Provided By

by Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Elected officials from East Kenya visited the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research at Langston University on Oct. 31, 2014.

The E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research plays an important role in improving the lives of people in developing countries. International institutions continue to benefit from the training and resources made available by the Institute for Research and Extension. The officials toured the research facilities and goat farm in hopes that the University will consider investing in various projects in East Kenya.

The Kenyan government officials sent members of Mombasa County’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries to the U.S. to cultivate relationships to further the mission to enhance food security, plant and animal health, and reduce poverty through the creation of agribusiness opportunities that result in improved livelihoods.

“Our governor sent us specifically to come back with something,” said Anthony Njaramba, the Mombasa County Minister of Agriculture.

The E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research has been involved in research, training, and development projects in West Africa for two years.

“We have not come to beg for help; we have come to request a partnership because we understand what Langston University can do for us,” Njaramba said. “These areas have been neglected because of the harsh climate. We believe that goat farming can turn our economy around, and Langston University can help us do that.”

Also proposed was the development of a student exchange program for students from the Agriculture Training College in Kenya to attend Langston University.

“We have never had an exchange student in East Africa, only in the West, ” said Marvin Burns, Ph. D., Dean of the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. “I am happy to know that you have interest and we certainly want to see Mombasa come to the forefront of Tanzania. We have people in place to help us get what we need.”

Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program. E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute provides cutting-edge research that focuses on providing new information relevant and usable by producers and researchers alike. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Click here to learn more about the E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research.

Langston University (LU) was founded as a land grant college through the Morrill Act of 1890 and officially established when House Bill 151 passed on March 12, 1897, as the Colored Agricultural and Normal University. The bill mandated the University to receive federal funds matched by state funds for the support of agricultural research and cooperative extension and community engagement.

LU has both a rural and urban-mandated mission with campuses in Langston, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and one extension in Ardmore. Langston University produces top academic scholars within the six schools that house the degree programs. LU boasts a total of 30 undergraduate and 5 graduate degree programs are offered within Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Behavioral Science, Nursing and Health Professions, and Physical Therapy. Currently, the top majors are nursing, health physical education and recreation, liberal education, and psychology. Learn more by visiting us online.

A baby goat, otherwise known as a kid, is bottlefed by a Langston University student.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY RECEIVES $1.5 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR AGRICULTURE RESEARCH

Release Provided By

By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) partners with Langston University to monitor trends in agriculture education and the future of agriculture-related careers.

“We are ideally positioned to provide new insight into the rapidly developing field of agriculture,” said Marvin Burns, Ph. D., Dean of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Langston University. “We are grateful for the financial support of this important research and look forward to sharing the results next year.”

The research conducted by grantees will provide important data relating to the sustainable control of greenhouse gas emission by ruminant livestock; students with disabilities; food and agricultural science career pathway awareness and opportunities; the establishment of a state-of-the-art centralized laboratory to reinforce agriculture classes; enhancing health and productivity of dairy goats using smart technology, and the comparison of biological control of red cedar with goats to conventional methods of control.

Grants were awarded to the following individuals:

Project Director: Arthur Louis Goetsch, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture

Project Director: Steve Zeng, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture

Project Director: Terry Gipson, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture

Project Director: Steve Hart, Ph. D.; The School of Agriculture

Project Director: Phillip D. Lewis, Ph. D.; The School of Education

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. 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 University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. For more information on the School of Agriculture at Langston University, visit http://www.langston.edu/academics/school/agriculture-and-applied-sciences/.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY MAKES HISTORY WITH $1.45 MILLION GIFT

Release Provided By

By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – ONEOK recently pledged nearly $1.5 million to Langston University to fund projects campus-wide.

As the largest gift to date, ONEOK’s gift will fund scholarships in the Accounting Department that will be awarded to well-deserving students with financial needs. It will also fund a new professorship in the Accounting Department.

Over the past three years, ONEOK has developed a strong relationship with the Accounting Department. ONEOK routinely recruits LU Accounting students for their internship program. The internship program helps prepare students for post-college success through in-the-field training and additional learning experiences in the oil and natural gas industry. In most cases, these internships turn into full-time positions at ONEOK.

In addition to the large amount given to the Accounting Department, ONEOK’s support has reached across campus with a portion of the gift allocated to a marquee and video scoreboard, and a new entrance sign.

“We are incredibly thankful to ONEOK for the generous gift and the continuous support to our students,” said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University. “ONEOK is Langston University’s largest supporter, and its gift will make a huge impact on the lives of our students and will continue assisting Langston on our journey to becoming a competitor in our ever-growing economy.”

“Langston’s accounting program is top notch, and Langston’s proximity – right here in our own backyard – makes it a great resource for us to recruit quality local candidates,” said Terry K. Spencer, president and chief executive officer of ONEOK. “We have hired a number of Langston graduates for accounting roles at ONEOK. Making additional investments in the university to maintain that pipeline of quality candidates just makes sense.”

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters’ degrees and one doctoral program. For more information about Langston University giving please contact the LU Foundation Office at (405) 466-3482.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY PREPARES FOR HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

Release Provided By

By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla.—Langston University homecoming, Forever A Memorable Experience, will kick off with Rep. Mike Shelton as the grand marshal. Homecoming is Oct. 13-18, 2014, with Shelton leading the annual parade and kicking off festivities on Saturday.

“We are pleased to have representative Shelton as our homecoming grand marshal,” said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University. “He embodies the quality of leadership that we strive to teach at Langston. Shelton has dedicated his life to serving others and has always been a great supporter of Langston University.”

Shelton is a native of Oklahoma City and a Langston University alumnus. It was by studying under a former state representative that Shelton became interested in politics. Shelton mentored and worked with several organizations, including Langston University’s Oklahoma City campus. As the Community Outreach Coordinator for Langston University – Oklahoma City, he launched the first adult scholarship program for the campus.

In 2004, Shelton was elected to Oklahoma District 97 and currently serves as the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader.

Homecoming is an anticipated tradition at Langston University. Events are scheduled every day during the week of homecoming, such as the annual Gospel Fest, President’s Scholarship Gala, Greek Step Party and coronation of Mr. and Miss. Langston University. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on October 18, while the football game begins at 2 p.m. against Wayland Baptist University.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University homecoming and to purchase tickets, visit www.langston.edu/homecoming.

OPENING CONVOCATION ENCOURAGES STUDENTS

Release Provided By

By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

“Nobody can control your life but you,” was the theme for Angela Monson’s speech at Langston University’s Formal Opening Convocation on Sept. 25, 2014.

Monson, Associate Provost University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, was the keynote speaker for the event, while Clyde Montgomery, Jr. presided.

Monson’s speech challenged students by urging them to make their own destinies. “Decide what you want out of life and pursue it” was her charge to the students. Monson was encouraging and hopeful for the future of Langston University students.

Following her speech, Monson was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by Kent J. Smith, Jr., Langston University president. The Outstanding Teacher of the Year award was also presented at the ceremony to Alonzo F. Peterson, a mathematics professor.

The ceremony also featured the introduction of the 2014 Student Government Association officers, music by the Langston University Concert Choir and Band and comments made by Mr. and Miss. Langston University.

To conclude the ceremony, Clifford Smith, Director of Choral Activities, led the auditorium in singing the Alma Mater. As another academic year has begun, so has another year of opportunity for Langston University students. As Monson pointed out, students are the future and they can change the world.