Category: News

CLASSES AT THE LU EXTENSION AT UCSO START FOR THE INAUGURAL NURSING CLASS

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Written by Christina Gray

Langston University welcomes the inaugural nursing class at the Ardmore extension at the University Center of Southern Oklahoma. Classes began on January 22nd. The center hosted a student orientation for the 14 students in the four-year program last Tuesday.

This new initiative is geared to help meet the demand of the state’s nursing shortage. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offered in Ardmore is the same program as the one on the Langston campuses in Langston and Tulsa. The course offerings include an RN-BSN and an LPN-BSN track. Admission for the nursing program in Ardmore is now closed until January 2020.

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. This Spring, the inaugural nursing class has begun classes at the Langston University Ardmore extension at the University Center of Southern Oklahoma. 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, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu/.

LU PARTNERS WITH UCSO TO OFFER NURSING PROGRAM IN ARDMORE

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By Christina Gray

The University Center of Southern Oklahoma (UCSO) was recently approved to offer a bachelor’s program for nursing students from Langston University. Recruiting for its staff will begin in the fall, and classes will start in spring 2019.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offered in Ardmore will be the same program as the one on the Langston campuses in Langston and Tulsa. The course offerings will also include an RN-BSN and an LPN-BSN track. 

The new program offering provides the community an affordable and local option.  

“We plan to admit at least 24 qualified students spring 2019 with an increase in the number of admissions each spring,” said Dr. Teressa Hunter, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.  

“ The increase in the number of admissions will depend on the hiring of additional qualified faculty and clinical sites availability.”

Before the approval of the program, Langston University administrators met with the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce to discuss the community’s needs and requested a Community Needs Assessment for Ardmore, something the University Center hasn’t done since 2007. 

A recent news article in the Daily Ardmoreite quoted that ”Langston University has been wonderful to work with,” UCSO Interim CEO Peggy Maher said.  

“I especially like their commitment to working with the Ardmore community. They’ve met with the Chamber of Commerce, and they went to superintendents, they want to find out what Ardmore’s needs are.“  

“Our goal was to survey the local patrons to find out what the community wanted from the program,” said Mautra Jones, Langston University Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs.  

“We wanted to make sure that our program would ultimately to fit the needs of the surrounding community.” 

In addition to the nursing program, Langston University’s administrators submitted a list of other possible degree programs to bring to UCSO in the future. The list included agriculture programs, criminal justice, cybersecurity, natural resources, conservation, and animal science. 

SIX HIGHER ED INSTITUTIONS JOIN FORCES TO HELP STUDENTS

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Tulsa Community College, along with regional partners Langston University, Northeastern State University, Oklahoma State University, Rogers State University, and The University of Tulsa have joined forces for the Tulsa Transfer Project.

These five northeast Oklahoma universities and TCC will collaborate to improve the success of transferring from TCC to any of these four-year institutions. Transfer students lose, on average, 13 credit hours through the transition from a community college to a four-year university, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

“TCC is the state’s largest provider of transfer students. We believe this is a critical piece of the conversation to not only help our students succeed but also help increase the number of bachelor’s degrees in our community,” said TCC President & CEO Leigh B. Goodson, Ph.D.

The John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education will provide the framework for the project including a self-assessment by each school and then collaboration to improve the overall transfer experience. Designed to take two years, the project is sponsored locally by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation.

“We are committed to empowering young people to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, many who go to college face barriers along the way, and the goal of earning a Bachelor’s degree becomes out of reach. In supporting this partnership, it is our hope that participating institutions will improve the way they serve transfer students as they work toward completing a degree and achieving their goals,” said Michael DuPont, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation Program Officer.

During the 2017-2018 academic year, 3,419 students transferred from TCC into a bachelor’s degree program with more than half of those students transferring to either Langston, NSU, OSU, RSU, and TU.

The Tulsa Transfer Project will be the first of its kind collaborative effort for the Gardner Institute. While the non-profit has done this kind of work nationally with a single institution or a statewide system, the Tulsa collaboration is the first for a group of regional partner institutions. Each institute will participate in the Foundation of Excellence Transfer program coordinated by the Gardner Institute.

The Tulsa Transfer Project officially launches Sept. 21, 2018 as leaders from all six higher education institutions, as well as the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation and the John N. Gardner Institute, gather in Tulsa. The meeting will take place at the Thomas K. McKeon Center for Creativity on the TCC Metro Campus at 910 S. Boston Avenue.

Partner Institutions:

“Langston University is honored to partner with Tulsa Community College and be a part of this new initiative that will assist students in obtaining a college education. We are grateful to the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation for their generous support of this valuable program.” –Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., Langston University President

“This initiative aligns with our multi-year efforts to increase enrollment, retention and graduation rates at NSU. We appreciate the leadership of the Schusterman Family Foundation and the many institutions who are working together for the betterment of our state. We are encouraged by the fact that our transfers from community colleges increased this year and we are hopeful this trend will continue.” –Dr. Steve Turner, Northeastern State University President

“If Oklahoma is to meet the workforce demands of increasing our number of individuals with bachelor’s degrees, we must all collaborate to remove unnecessary obstacles. We couldn’t be happier to work within this group and offer a smoother transfer process to students seeking an OSU degree in Tulsa.” –Howard Barnett, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa President

“As the Tulsa metro’s four-year regional university, RSU welcomes the opportunity to participate in this historic partnership aimed at improving student success for transfer students. Whether our transfer students want to continue their studies in a traditional campus environment or online, RSU’s participation in the Tulsa Transfer Collaborative will help ensure these students get access to the resources and networks they need to successfully complete their educational journey.” –Dr. Larry Rice, Rogers State University President

“The University of Tulsa is committed to creating an affordable pathway for TCC students who seek a small private university experience with meaningful opportunities in research, leadership, social justice and much more. As a partner in the Tulsa Transfer Project, TU offers an inclusive environment and full support from campus to career.” –TU President Gerard P. Clancy, M.D.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY NAMED A CERTIFIED HEALTHY CAMPUS FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY NAMED A CERTIFIED HEALTHY CAMPUS FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

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Certified Healthy recipients are recognized for promoting health and wellness where Oklahomans live, work, learn, and play. They set positive examples and shape brighter futures for Oklahoma.

Langston University has applied for the program and been awarded the highest recognition of “Excellence” for the third year, in two separate categories: University and Business. Langston University is Oklahoma’s only Historically Black College University (HBCU) and is leading the way in changing the campus’ environment to improve the health of its students, staff, and faculty.

Langston University President Dr. Kent J. Smith Jr., and his staff have made it a top priority to be named America’s Healthiest Campus, a distinction only a handful of universities have accomplished. Langston University has partnered with the Logan County Healthy Living Program to create sustainable change for the entire community.

Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling in 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. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges.

Langston University students jumping

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY WELCOMES CLASS OF 2022

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LANGSTON, Okla. – The fall semester officially started this week at Langston University. The University welcomed a new freshman class for the 2018 fall semester, and the campus is bustling with excitement! Freshman move-in started last week. New students participated in a series of events including freshman orientation known as Lion Camp. The orientation is designed for incoming students to get acclimated to campus, meet fellow Lions, and begin their academic and co-curricular experiences.

Student leaders across campus helped lead the efforts of the more than 20 events that assisted new students with getting involved on campus upon their arrival. Members of the Student Government Association, Greek Life, and the LU student ambassadors volunteered at the LU movie night, late-night yell, painting with a twist, the amazing race, and the mixer.

“I am proud of the outstanding leadership and efforts shown by the LU faculty, staff, alumni, and community volunteers who helped students with their transition into college life,” said Langston University President Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr.

Lion Camp 2018 made one large improvement from last year, spreading out the event over two weeks. “Our goal was to ensure new students received the full Langston University experience at their own pace,” LU Dean of Student Life, Joshua Busby said. “We know there’s a lot of information being communicated at Lion Camp, so it’s better to give them time to absorb it and have more fun while doing it!”

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, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.

LU – TULSA TO OPEN STUDENT GARDEN THROUGH STEM GRANT

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TULSA, Okla. – Langston University – Tulsa and Green Country Permaculture received a grant for a new summer gardening STEM program for Tulsa area students to get hands-on experience of growing their own vegetation.

The summer program allows students a better understanding of how to live off the land by working on a small-scale organic farm in Broken Arrow this summer.

The goal of this program is to increase interest in sustainable agriculture among younger generations. With National Geographic reporting that the nation’s farmers are 17 years older than the national average American working, Langston University and Green Country Permaculture want to address the lack of youth in agriculture.

The grant will also help Tulsa Public Schools expose students and teachers to agriculture once school starts on Aug. 20. Some classrooms will have hydroponic systems – a process where plant roots come in direct contact with a water-based, nutrient-rich solution, while also having access to oxygen, which is often a faster method than traditional methods and better suited for the school year.

Founded in 2012, Green Country Permaculture (GCP) is a consulting and ecological landscaping organization that provides alternatives to conventional landscape practices. CGP specializes in drainage issues, edible landscaping, native landscaping, school garden programs, and Permaculture design.

Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Langston University is recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability by afforableschools.net and bestvalueschools.com. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.

Dr. Edward O. Manyibe, Research Associate Professor and Capacity Building Director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) received the 2018 Bobbie Atkins Research Award from the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) on July 13, 2018.

DR. EDWARD O. MANYIBE WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AT ANNUAL REHABILITATION CONFERENCE

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LANGSTON, Okla. – Dr. Edward O. Manyibe, Research Associate Professor and Capacity Building Director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) received the 2018 Bobbie Atkins Research Award from the National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) on July 13, 2018.

Dr. Manyibe was honored for his production of a significant volume of exemplary research and associated publications, research related to multiculturalism and disability, and development of research which has or will make a difference in thinking and/or practice in the multicultural arena.

It was the research and publication of Bobbie Atkins, the person after which the award was named, that provided the impetus for increased awareness surrounding the special issues impacting persons of color with disabilities. Her landmark research, “Vocational Rehabilitation of Blacks: The Statement,” published in the Journal of Rehabilitation in 1980, disclosed the inherent inequities for blacks served by the public vocational rehabilitation system.

Since her publication, Dr. Atkins has been a leading educator, publisher, researcher and trainer, grant developer, and spokesperson on multicultural, gender and other issues in rehabilitation.

The NAMRC is a diverse group whose purpose is to advocate for the rehabilitation needs of multicultural persons with disabilities. The NAMRC promotes and advocates a greater understanding of the needs of multicultural populations with disabilities, and assists multicultural populations to become self-sufficient and reach their highest level of attainment in society.

Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Langston University is recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability by afforableschools.net and bestvalueschools.com. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.

Mark Gordon

MARK G. GORDON NAMED DIRECTOR OF BANDS FOR LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

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LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University is proud to announce that Mr. Mark G. Gordon has been appointed as the Director of Bands, effective June 25, 2018. He comes to Langston University with more than 20 years of experience directing bands on the high school and collegiate levels. His bands have won more than 30 first-place trophies from various battles of the band and competitions in Texas and Louisiana. He also hosted the largest high school battle of the bands in Texas for more than eight years with a capacity of more than 20,000 attendees.

Mr. Gordon earned a bachelor’s degree in applied music in 1996 from Prairie View A&M University. He went on to earn a master’s degree in divinity theological studies in 2007 from St. Agnus Georgian School and a master’s degree in music composition from Texas Southern University in 2014. Mr. Gordon is currently working on his dissertation in education and leadership instruction at North Central University. In 1996, he began his teaching career at M.B. Smiley High School in Houston, Texas. He later matriculated back to his Alma Mata; Prairie View A&M University where he was the assistant director of bands for 10 years.

Currently serving as Director of Bands for Charles H. Milby High School in Houston, Texas. Mr. Gordon is also a vocalist and national gospel recording artist. He has recorded with Universal Records and has performed with such artists as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Stephanie Mills and John P. Kee. He is also a member of the following organizations: JAW Entertainment Group, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Mu Alpha Sigma National Honor Society, and the National Association for the Study and Preservation of African American Music (NASPAAM).

If you would like to contact Mr. Gordon or the Langston University Band Department, you can email mark.gordon@langston.edu or call (405) 466-3418.

Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Langston University is recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability by afforableschools.net and bestvalueschools.com. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.

2018 LANGSTON UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION ACADEMY

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

Langston University to host the annual Langston University Transportation Academy (the Academy) to expose ninth and tenth-grade students to various careers in transportation. It is geared to improve their basic skills in computers, math, science, communications, teamwork, and leadership. The Academy will be conducted from June 3 – 15, 2018.

“We hope that students will take advantage of this opportunity to learn basic skills that will prepare them for their future,” said Dr. D. Chongo Mundende, Langston University project director for The Academy.

Planned activities include an enhancement program in science and math, basic skills, a stimulating academic program designed to introduce students to the land, water, air, and space transportation, and a sports and recreation program designed to instill healthy team and individual competition. Those who complete the program are also awarded a stipend.

The Academy is free and open to qualified US citizen and permanent resident for students in Grades 9 and 10. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on April 10, 2018. For the Transportation Center at (405) 466-3456, or email Dr. D. Chongo Mundende at dcmundende@langston.edu: Alternatively, you can write to:

Chongo Mundende, Ph.D.

Director, Transportation Academy

Langston University

229 Allied Health Center

Langston, OK 73050

E-mail: dcmundende@langston.edu

The Southern Plains Transportation Center, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission are the main sponsors of the program. Other partners include the Oklahoma Trucking Association, Federal Aviation Administration, Midwest City Police Department, Oklahoma Safety Management Council, Metro Tech Aviation Career Center, and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Langston University is recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability by afforableschools.net and bestvalueschools.com. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.

Women in Leadership Luncheon 2018 flyer

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY WILL HONOR SIX OUTSTANDING WOMEN

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

Langston, Oklahoma – Six outstanding women leaders will be honored at Langston University’s annual Women in Leadership luncheon on Thursday, April 18, 2018. The following leaders will be recognized for their remarkable achievements in their various professions: Sue Ann Arnall, President of the Arnall Family Foundation; Sarah Edwards, Co-Owner of Waters Edge Winery, Loretta Greene, Class of 1960; Peggy Kennedy, Class of 1960; Beth Shortt, Executive Director, Leadership Oklahoma City; and Dr. Bernadine Tolbert, Class of 1960.

In addition to recognizing outstanding women leaders, the event also provides support for the University’s Young Women’s Empowerment Institute (YWEI). The luncheon offers guests the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the YWEI mentoring program and a chance to hear how lives have been changed through participation.

The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. on the Langston University-Oklahoma City campus located at 6700 N. Martin Luther King Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111. For more information, please contact Dana Hope at dhchism@langston.edu or at (405) 466-6024. For more information about this event or to attend, please visit us online at http://www.langston.edu/women-leadership-luncheon.

About the Young Women’s Empowerment Institute

YWEI is a mentorship program for freshmen female students attending Langston University. It is designed to prepare them for the next stages of life and career through empowerment, support and connections. YWEI is dedicated to the advancement of young women in the workplace and committed to leadership, communication and skill development. Initially derived from a partnership between Langston University and the Central Area of The Links, Incorporated, the program was created to empower young college women to successfully manage the collegiate landscape and graduate ready to engage the global community.

Langston University (LU) is a public Historically Black University enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Langston University is recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability by afforableschools.net and bestvalueschools.com. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Langston offers more

than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.