Category: News

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS & MARCHING PRIDE BAND SIGNED AN EXCLUSIVE APPAREL AGREEMENT WITH ADIDAS

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS & MARCHING PRIDE BAND SIGNED AN EXCLUSIVE APPAREL AGREEMENT WITH ADIDAS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

Langston, Oklahoma – Langston University and Adidas have entered into an exclusive contract agreement. Adidas is now the official provider of LU apparel, uniforms, footwear, and equipment. This exclusive contract will represent each of the University’s intercollegiate athletic programs and the Marching Pride Band.

“This is so exciting. We have the opportunity to bring every program under the same brand for the first time in the school’s history,” said LU Athletic Director, Donnita Rogers.

LU Athletics has also signed an agreement with a local partner, Midwest Sporting Goods. “We not only get to work with a national brand, but we are also partnering with another company located in the state of Oklahoma. This means these tax dollars will stay right here,” said LU President, Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr.

During this process, LU had offers from three major national brands. “One of the reasons we chose Midwest and Adidas was because of their commitment to service,” said Smith.

“It was important to us that we partner with someone who cares about our university community the way we do, I believe that we found that through this partnership.”

LU Athletics is an official member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). “This is a very special day for LU. The reality is our Athletic Director is building a national powerhouse in Athletics,” said Dr. Smith.

“We are not only recruiting incredible talent, but they are performing well in the classroom. Not many institutions can tout that, and that makes me very proud.”

Order your official Langston University Gear at https://lulions.itemorder.com/sale.

LU students pose in their graduation caps and gowns at graduation

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY TO CLEAR $4.6 MILLION IN BALANCES FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN A ‘PANDEMIC SEMESTER’ TO ZERO

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University students and graduates have received life-changing news in a letter from President Kent J. Smith, Jr. Today, the University announced that it will clear student account balances for students enrolled in the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021 semesters through the support of the HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund) III HBCU Award. The amount of student account balances erased through this initiative totals $4,654,112.06.

“We know the hardship that our community has faced over the course of the pandemic,” said Langston University Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ruth Jackson.

“We care about our students and their families. It is our hope that this will ease some of the financial burdens and provide our scholars more financial freedom in the future. We know for many of our students this will provide them the opportunity to continue in the academic journey.”

This initiative will also include former students not currently enrolled at the institution as well as graduates who will now be cleared of any balance and hold preventing them from receiving an official transcript. There is no expectation or requirement for enrollment in a future semester to receive the benefit of the cleared balance. The funding allows the University to bring balances for students enrolled in a ‘pandemic semester’ to zero. This initiative will clear balances owed in tuition, fees, and fines. Students are still responsible for their federal, state, or private loans.

“At LU, we always put our students first and this initiative directly aligns with our mission to serve. This will provide our students with support to fully focus on academics and further support them in their journey to graduation and a successful career,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., Langston University President.

“We are excited for what this transformational gift means for our students, former students, and recent graduates!”

Students who are enrolled or plan to enroll in the Fall 2021 semester will be eligible for additional financial support through the HEERF III student aid fund. Read the full letter from President Smith here.

LU student after donating blood

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY HOLDS RED CROSS SICKLE CELL AWARENESS BLOOD DRIVES ON ALL CAMPUSES APRIL 5

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DONORS WILL RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRT COURTESY OF ONEOK.

TULSA, Okla. – Langston University and the American Red Cross announce Sickle Cell Awareness blood drives on April 5 at their Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses. The blood drives are being sponsored by ONEOK. “I’m blessed to work with three great institutions, and I saw this as an opportunity to partner together to help address the need for donations of rare blood types – in particular those needed to help treat sickle cell disease,” said Mike Clark, Vice President, Controller – Natural Gas Liquids, for ONEOK.Right now, the Red Cross is asking for your help to address a critical need for African American and Black blood donors. African American and Black blood donors have a unique ability to help sickle cell patients and support the health of their community.

Red Cross blood drive cancellations – mostly due to the pandemic – have significantly impacted the ability to collect lifesaving blood donations from the Black community. Unfortunately, disproportionately high COVID-19 infection rates, hospitalization and fatalities within Black communities have deterred many donors from giving, and the cancellation of drives at educational institutions and businesses where most of these individuals give has made the problem worse. Despite the steep decline in blood donations from African American and Black blood donors, the need for blood products for patients with sickle cell disease has remained relatively steady.

“We are very excited to be partnering with the American Red Cross and ONEOK for this historic multi-campus blood drive event,” said Joshua Busby, Dean of Students, Langston University. “The importance of hosting this event at an HBCU is significant because we have a direct reach to the communities of color. We know that Sickle Cell Disease impacts those communities at a higher rate, and the type of outreach we can provide is important.”

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood Monday, April 5, to help save lives. All those coming to give at any of the April 5 Langston University blood drives will receive a commemorative T-shirt courtesy of ONEOK, while supplies last.

• Langston Campus | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Multipurpose Building Gym

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

• Langston Tulsa | 2:30 – 7:30 PM | Classroom 207 & 208

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

• Langston OKC | 2:30 – 7:30 PM | Atrium

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Sickle cell disease is the most common blood disorder in the U.S. and impacts about 100,000 people, most of which are of African or Latino descent. Blood transfusions from Black donors help to provide a lifesaving treatment for patients during a sickle cell crisis by increasing the number of normal red blood cells in the body and helps deliver oxygen throughout the body and unblock blood vessels.

Blood transfused to patients with rare blood types, like those with sickle cell disease, must be matched very closely to reduce the risk of complications, and these patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a blood donor of the same race or similar ethnicity. A single sickle cell patient can require multiple blood transfusions per year throughout their lifetime to treat complications from sickle cell disease.

HEALTH INSIGHTS FOR OUR DONORS

The Red Cross is testing blood, donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Testing may also identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Plasma from routine blood donations that test positive for high levels of antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to meet potential future needs of COVID-19 patients. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood product collected from COVID-19 survivors who have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.

The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is also screening all blood donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.

Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

BLOOD DRIVE SAFETY

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face masks for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

ABOUT BLOOD DONATION

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit  RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY JOINS GROW WITH GOOGLE, THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND PROGRAM TO TRAIN 20,000 HBCU STUDENTS IN DIGITAL SKILLS THIS SCHOOL YEAR

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THE PROGRAM IS PART OF GOOGLE’S $15 MILLION COMMITMENT TO UPSKILL BLACK WORKERS, ANNOUNCED IN JUNE

Written By: Elizabeth Killough

Google today announced 16 new schools are joining its Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program, including Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. Through a $1 million investment in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the program provides digital skills workshops in HBCU career centers to help Black students prepare for the workforce. Announced in October, the initiative’s goal is to reach 20,000 students during the current school year. Today’s announcement brings the number of participating schools to 20 total, and the program will be available to all HBCUs by fall 2021

“Google believes investing in HBCU students strengthens the future workforce and increases economic opportunity,” said Bonita Stewart, vice president for global partnerships at Google and Howard University alumna. “We’re proud to expand our Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to reach more HBCU students with the digital skills they need to thrive in the workforce.”

TMCF—the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community—has a track record of successfully connecting HBCU students with scholarships, training and jobs as they navigate college and careers. Its long history of on-the-ground work ensures the Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program is tailored to meet student needs.

“We are excited about this initiative and partnership with Google and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and thrilled that they chose our Office of Career and Professional Development to bring these much needed skills to our Langston students,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith Jr., president of Langston University. “Through this partnership, I am confident that our students will have the necessary digital skills to be prepared for their professional life after Langston.”

Started last October, the Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program provides HBCU career centers with funding and a semester-long in-person and online digital skills program. The program combines existing Grow with Google workshops with custom job seeker content for Black students, including design thinking, project management, and professional brand building. TMCF, which is contributing to the program’s design, will work with HBCU career centers to onboard the program.

“A central part of the mission of TMCF is to prepare the next generation of workforce talent. Our partnership with Google enables this mission and ensures students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities are positioned to compete for meaningful careers”, said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

This $1 million Grow with Google investment is part of a $15 million commitment to upskill Black workers. Announced by Google CEO Sundar Pichai last June, the investment aims to help Black job seekers learn new skills in partnership with national workforce development organizations.

Grow with Google is Google’s initiative to create economic opportunities for all by providing free tools and training. Since 2017, the program has trained more than five million Americans on digital skills. The Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program builds on the company’s ongoing investments in HBCU students. Since 2013, the Google In Residence program has placed Google software engineers at HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) as faculty. The company also hosts Tech Exchange, a virtual student exchange program that teaches HBCU and HSU students applied computer science courses.

For more information on Grow with Google’s HBCU Career Readiness program, please visit this website.

ABOUT GROW WITH GOOGLE
Grow with Google was started in 2017 to help Americans grow their skills, careers and businesses. It provides free training, tools, and expertise to help small business owners, veterans and military families, jobseekers and students, educators, startups, and developers. Since Grow with Google’s inception, it has helped more than five million Americans grow their skills, careers and businesses. Grow with Google has created a network of more than 7,500 partner organizations like libraries, schools, small business development centers, chambers of commerce and nonprofits to help people coast-to-coast.

ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the PK-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: tmcf.org.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY WELCOMES THE HIGHEST ACADEMICALLY ACHIEVING INCOMING CLASS FOR THE FALL 2020 SEMESTER

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By Christina Gray

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University welcomed more than 630 students for the 2020 incoming class, with multiple learning modalities giving students options whatever their circumstance. Classes began virtually on Monday, August 17, 2020. LU hosted a new student orientation, Lion Camp, for the incoming students coupled with a two-week intersession entitled “Fallmester”. Fallmester, along with Lion Camp, began on August 3, 2020.

The University was proud to welcome 100 new honors students within the incoming class, which is the largest honors class to date. LU scholars are required to take honors courses designed to develop communication skills, analytical thinking, creativity and leadership. The incoming freshmen class is among the most academically talented to ever be admitted to LU, demonstrating a significant improvement in both GPA and test scores over prior years.

“We continue to see the incredible interest of incoming students,” said LU President, Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr. “I am proud to report that LU received more than 10,000 applications for our Fall 2020 class.”

With the return of students on the campus, the Emergency Leadership Team (ELT) has done a tremendous job of increasing its monitoring, vigilance, and efforts related to the virus and the health safety of the campus community. Updated protocols and processes were implemented for student move-in and orientation. For more information about the campus safety efforts, please visit the LU Covid-19 Resource Page.

Langston University is a public historically black college and university enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. LU has been recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability, ranking number three among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S., according to AffordableSchools.net. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Learn more at https://www.langston.edu.

1890 UNIVERSITIES, ELECTED OFFICIALS, BUSINESS & COMMUNITY LEADERS TO CELEBRATE THE 130TH ANNIVERSARY OF MORRILL ACT OF 1890

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FEDERAL LEGISLATION CREATED A SYSTEM OF 19 1890 LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES

LANGSTON, Okla. — The presidents and chancellors of the nation’s 1890 Universities announced plans for a weeklong celebration from August 24-31 of the 130th anniversary of the federal legislation that designated them as land-grant institutions. The Morrill Act of 1890 established a land-grant university system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in states where African Americans were banned from accessing public higher education.

“Langston University is one of the nineteen institutions within the 1890s land-grant universities that were established by the 2nd Morrill Act of 1890. We take great pride in it and continue to uphold the integration of the original mission of intellectual development and lifelong learning with research, public service, and outreach. We are committed to continuing planting the seeds that will ensure a better quality of life for the people within our communities,” said Dr. Wesley Whittaker, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.

Higher education leaders, elected officials and policymakers, business and community leaders will join in an online celebration of the 1890 land-grant universities anniversary, culminating with a two-hour online forum on Monday, August 31 from 1:00-3:00 pm EDT that will explore the history and accomplishments of these institutions and the important role they play in the nation’s future. Registration for that convening is open to all here.

During the week of August 24, leaders and members of the 1890 university community, policymakers, businesses, and community leaders will use an array of platforms to reflect on and celebrate the legacy of these land-grant institutions, including on social media using #Celebrate1890s. They will highlight innovative programs at the 1890 land-grant universities and their role in developing solutions for local, regional, and global challenges. This week of activities will also include points of pride and/or significant accomplishments for each of the 19 1890 land-grant universities.

The celebration will end with a virtual webinar on August 31, 2020, from 1-3 p.m. EDT. This would have been an in-person gathering were it not for the pandemic, but the 1890 land-grant universities are committed to having a very meaningful event honoring their history and celebrating their current work. The webinar will have two-panel discussions. One panel will feature Makola Abdullah, President, Virginia State University; Heidi Anderson, President, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Paul Jones, President Fort Valley State University; and Peter McPherson, President of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The webinar will also feature a second panel with private sector leaders such as Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs; Kellie Adesina, Director, Government Affairs, Bayer U.S. – Crop Science; and Karis Gutter of Corteva Agriscience.

The webinar will also feature remarks from prominent dignitaries such as Scott Hutchins, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics; Representatives Alma Adams, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee; David Scott, Lead Sponsor of the 1890 Scholarship Program; and Sanford Bishop, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee; Sherrod Brown, Co-Lead Sponsor of the 1890 Centers of Excellence.

After 130 years, 19 universities designated as 1890 land-grant universities continue to work together to provide essential research, education, and Extension/public outreach that both sustains U.S. food, fiber, and renewable fuel production and addresses the challenges of our time at local, regional, national and global levels. The 1890 land-grant universities have a legacy helping to fill a crucial need of educating first-generation and economically disadvantaged college students; enhancing the resilience of limited-resource farmers, families, individuals, and underserved communities; and pioneering the most advanced and advanced education, research, and engagement programs to improve quality of life. With very little investment, the 1890s educate nearly 100,000 students annually, contribute more than $4.4 billion to the local economies, and provide pathways of opportunity for thousands of Americans.

The land-grant philosophy is even more relevant today, given the dynamic complexity of the socioeconomic environment where an integrated, iterative systems approach provides the best likelihood of generating solutions that are responsive to the complex dynamism of our environment. The 1890 land-grant universities are a perfect platform for addressing the three interlocking disparities of education, health, and economic prosperity made more evident by the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead, the 1890 institutions plan to focus on these disparities while continuing to play a foundational role in the higher education system and in providing access and enhancing opportunities for all citizens.

“Land-grant institutions, specifically Historically Black institutions such as Langston University, continue to play a pivotal role in the shaping of young adults as they prepare to enter an ever-changing society,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University. “Our mission and values remain focused on providing access to education and finding creative solutions to overcome challenges.”

The 1890 land-grant universities include: Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Central State University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Langston University, Lincoln University in Missouri, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University, and A&M College, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Virginia State University and West Virginia State University.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY AND OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY ENTER AGREEMENT REGARDING PROGRAMS IN TULSA

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LANGSTON UNIVERSITY TO RECEIVE $15 MILLION

TULSA, Okla. — Langston University President Kent Smith said an academic agreement with Oklahoma State University (OSU) will maintain Langston University’s (LU) presence in Tulsa while also strengthening the educational offerings of both institutions.

“I am pleased that OSU President Hargis recognized the potential of my proposal regarding the future of higher education in Tulsa. When making the proposal, it was important to me to preserve Langston University’s mission within the communities we serve, specifically North Tulsa,” said LU President, Kent Smith. “For us, this academic agreement allows us to focus on our programs of greatest strength and at the same time to enhance and expand our nursing program by partnering with the OSU Center for Health Services (OSU-CHS).”

“When President Smith proposed the concept some months ago, I was intrigued by the possibilities for both institutions,” said Burns Hargis, President of Oklahoma State University. “Both LU-Tulsa and OSU enjoy strong programs in Tulsa. This academic agreement will enable both institutions to pursue strategic objectives and to be more responsive long-term to the market’s higher education and workforce needs.”

LU and OSU are both governed by the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. The agreement is pending approval of the OSU A&M Board of Regents, which meets next week.

As part of the agreement, OSU and OSU-CHS will pay LU $15 million over a period of ten years. “The funds LU will receive from OSU and OSU-CHS will spur investment in innovative programs and services to distinguish LU and advance our mission to offer quality education to diverse populations,” Smith said. “As a historically Black college and university and a land-grant institution, we look forward to investing in and further elevating LU in both presence and stature while maintaining a presence in Tulsa.”

“I want to commend both LU and OSU for their efforts in identifying operational efficiencies and programmatic enhancements to better serve Tulsa and the surrounding region,” said Rick Davis, Chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents.

Davis also commended the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) for signing an agreement earlier today with the Office of Civil Rights, resolving outstanding issues stemming from a complaint filed 17 years ago. “The agreement signed by the OSRHE helps create a clear path forward for LU to reimagine its role in Tulsa and beyond,” Davis concluded.

LANGSTON RECEIVES FUNDING TO PRESERVE THE HISTORIC COTTAGE ROW DISTRICT

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Written by Christina Gray

Langston University has received a grant of $473,820 to preserve the historic cottage row district on the Langston campus. Dr. Nancy Alexander led the grant team that wrote in their proposal that the “preservation of this precious landmark not only results in the recognition, understanding, and preservation of the HBCU story but it keeps a flame burning that we should not ever let become extinguished.” Click here to learn more about its history and to read the full excerpt of the proposal.

The projected start date for the design and planning phase of this project is on July 1, 2020. “We wisely requested some time to design, develop and plan to be completed within the first 6 months,” said Dr. Nancy Alexander, Chair of the LU Business Administration Department.

“All of the renovation and restoration of the cottages will take place in year one which includes replacing doors, insulating the attics, and replacing the wiring. In year two, we are undertaking the campus beautification projects, which includes the installation of benches, new signage, and the installation of a storm shelter.”

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to preserve our historic cottage row district,” said Mautra Jones, LU Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs.

“The grant will provide support to maintain the integrity of the original structures and make necessary upgrades to the cottages. One of the crown jewels of the Langston campus, we take great pride in our cottages as our very own students helped build them in the 1930s. The grant team led by Dr. Nancy Alexander is elated to embark upon this special journey and looks forward to continuing showcasing Historic Cottage Row District to the entire state and nation. Additionally, we appreciate the Oklahoma Historic Preservation Society for its assistance in providing valuable guidance through the years regarding this Oklahoma treasure.”

The Historic Cottage Row District project is supported by the Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant program. It is funded by the Historic Preservation Fund and administered by the National Park Service Department of Interior. For more details, please refer to the National Park Service press release.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY’S OUTSTANDING PROACTIVE RESPONSE TO COVID-19

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By Christina Gray

Just a few short months ago, no one could have predicted how COVID-19 would impact our institutions. A special team at Langston University started bracing for that impact early on, and the effect has been significant. The Langston University (LU) Emergency Leadership Team (ELT) has met daily to work on operational contingency plans for COVID-19 since the first confirmed case within the US was reported on January 21, 2020. The initial campus-wide advisory notification immediately followed and advanced screening protocols at the LU Health Clinic quickly followed. The campus community has consistently received updates via e-mail, on the COVID-19 landing page, and community telecommunication briefings from the Office of the President.

The University has been diligent in its proactive response to the crisis with the health and safety of its community members at the forefront of their efforts. “Our entire community has shown tremendous courage and creativity throughout a time of uncertainty and transition,” said President Smith.

“LU is profoundly grateful for the resilient spirit demonstrated by Lions everywhere. Together, we will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger and more innovative than ever before.” The team worked with campus facilities to implement deep cleaning practices across campus and modified operations to the LU dining service as part of their initial efforts. During the extended spring break, the community spaces on campus were deep cleaned, new protocols for campus safety were enacted, and additional hand sanitizing stations were deployed across campus. On March 27, 2020, the following enhanced measurements were implemented: limited access to campus, mandatory teleworking, and consolidated campus housing.

After spring break, a total of 1108 students returned to campus, but trends surrounding the virus and community transmission made it clear that changes to campus housing needed to be enacted quickly. The University worked to assist students in returning safely home. To date, only 80 students remain on-campus. At this time, only approved community members who have written approval from the Executive Policy Group of the ELT may remain in housing. Several student resources were made available to help them transition during this time, including travel funding, credit adjustments to accounts, and aided in student employment assistance. The Langston University Foundation also established an emergency fund to award mini-grants to students in need of funding.

Virtual Resources to Ensure Student Success

On March 30, 2020, all campuses were closed to the public and all coursework transitioned to fully online delivery through the end of the spring semester. The faculty worked to make academic accommodations for a hybrid delivery of coursework and leadership implemented expanded adjustments to campus operations. LU has enhanced its virtual resources to ensure student success throughout this time of distance learning. To help our students thrive, the University enhanced its library and technology resources and is providing virtual tutoring and virtual office hours. “Our dedicated faculty, staff, and students have embraced the challenge with grace, flexibility, and innovation as we all adapt to a new way of operating,” said President Smith.

“Our collective response affirms the values at the core of our University; that of unwavering loyalty and a mission to serve.”

Advanced Health Screening Protocols for Remaining Residents

As part of the COVID-19 efforts, the University hired an additional nurse practitioner dedicated to COVID-19 monitoring and new protocols. The University implemented advanced health screening protocols for approved residents. Any resident that experiences symptoms similar to or consistent with COVID-19 will be required to self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. Any confirmed cases will be placed in the designated quarantine spaces on campus.

The LU Police Department has implemented controlled access on all campuses. On the Langston campus, only one gate remains open. A checkpoint was established and is the single point of access for vehicles entering the campus. Additionally, no outside guests are authorized to visit any campus housing space while these mitigation protocols are in place. To date, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported at any campus or location associated with Langston University.

The University has initiated these strict protocols to ensure the continued health and safety of its community, including several precautionary measures to maximize the recommended social-distancing practices. “No one could have predicted the impact COVID-19 would have on our society, but one thing is certain and that is the resiliency of our community,” said President Smith.

“Taking care of one another is what Lions do best, and it’s how we intend to get through this challenging time.”

US CONGRESSWOMAN KENDRA HORN EMPOWERED STUDENT LEADERS

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Written By: Christina Gray

The United States Congresswoman Kendra Horn visited the Langston campus on November 7, 2019. During her visit, she delivered a powerful presentation to the community on effective ways to communicate with their elected officials.

She encouraged the students to look past initial perceptions and be willing to question their assumptions.

“The perception is that we only live in the extremes. We have to change that dialogue,” Horn said.

She explained that people often believe that she is extreme in her political beliefs. She challenged the students to inspire change by sharing their stories, know their resources, and find ways to get involved.

“Looking for opportunities to get engaged, that’s how you can start to move the needle,” she said. “And that is how you change the world.”