Press Release Archives - Langston University

Category: Press Release

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson smiling in blue academic regalia in front of an LU branded podium

President Jackson reaffirms Langston University’s commitment to leadership, service during annual State of the University address

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Leadership, service and impact were the main themes of President Ruth Ray Jackson’s State of the University address during Langston University’s Opening Convocation Ceremony on Thursday.

Addressing the gathered students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests, Dr. Jackson charged the LU community to be leaders in the spaces they inhabit, both on and off campus. She remarked on Langston University’s long legacy of transforming lives through education, research, outreach and service, and she reaffirmed the university’s commitment to continuing that work during the 2026-27 school year and beyond.

“As Oklahoma’s HBCU and the state’s second-largest land-grant institution, we occupy a unique and important place in higher education,” Dr. Jackson said. “These distinctions are not simply a source of pride; they are a responsibility. Our mission calls us to expand opportunities, create knowledge, strengthen communities and prepare students for lives of leadership and service.”

2026 SGA Officers dressed in formal attire raising their right hands as they take the oath of office — (Left to right) Jonell St. Fort, Christion Gause and Nakhya Foster were sworn in as the Student Government Association President, Vice President and Activities Board Coordinator, respectively, during Opening Convocation on Sept. 3.

Leadership and service are not new charges for the LU community; in many ways, those principles are at the core of life at Dear Langston. But Dr. Jackson renewed the charge as part of a new initiative being introduced this academic year: Lead Boldly.

The Lead Boldly initiative is named after a book by prominent businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, “Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” In the book, Smith invites readers to consider how their actions can bring Dr. King’s “Beloved Community” to life through the seven key principles of purpose, courage, vision, innovation, agility, partnership and accountability. Smith visited the LU-Tulsa Campus in October 2025, and many students had the opportunity to hear him speak and even ask him questions. Over the summer, the university received a donation of 1,000 copies of his book.

Through the Lead Boldly initiative, Langston University has begun distributing free copies of the book to students at all three campuses. Throughout the school year, the university will host several Lead Boldly events intended to infuse Dr. King’s teachings directly into student programming.

“(Langston University students) will explore Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community and what it means to lead with purpose, service and responsibility to others,” Dr. Jackson said. “That mission has never been more important than it is today.”

In addition to introducing the Lead Boldly initiative, Dr. Jackson took time to celebrate some of the many accomplishments the LU community has had over the past year.

Vice President for Academic Affairs Alonzo Peterson dressed in academic regalia addressing the crowd during Opening Convocation — Vice President for Academic Affairs Alonzo Peterson encouraged students to get involved on campus outside of classes.

The School of Physical Therapy’s Class of 2026 achieved a 100% passage rate for the National Physical Therapy Examination with a 100% job placement. The School of Nursing and Health Professions secured an Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Grant of over $100,000, expanding the university’s efforts to address substance misuse, promote prevention and improve health outcomes in communities across the state. The Department of Rehabilitation Counseling and Disabilities Studies earned a Top 10 national ranking for its Master’s of Rehabilitation Counseling program. The Department of Social Sciences launched its inaugural Ambassador for Justice program, which connects students with justice leaders and leadership development experiences to prepare them to be changemakers in their communities. Students and Faculty in the Science Research Institute developed a research payload that is scheduled to launch aboard SpaceX-35 to the International Space Station in October.

“Across every school and department, we are making meaningful contributions that extend far beyond our campuses,” Dr. Jackson said. “These things do not happen by accident. They happen because talented people choose excellence every day.”

During her address, Dr. Jackson also announced Langston University has begun to work on a new long-term strategic plan. The university’s current strategic plan expires in 2027. Developing the new plan will be a collaborative process with opportunities for faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to help shape the future of the institution.

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson dressed in blue academic regalia smiling at the podium during Opening Convocation — Dr. Jackson delivered the State of the University address during Formal Opening Convocation on Sept. 3.

Part of the plan includes changes to Langston University’s administrative divisions. The university hired three new vice presidents, filling two vacant roles and creating a new one to lead a new division. Diana Lasswell has been hired as the new Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and Dr. R. Mark Rasor has been hired as the new Vice President for Fiscal and Administrative Affairs. Lindsey Hunter has been hired as the inaugural Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management.

Along with these new hires, the university’s administration will undergo realignment to ensure the university is prepared to take on the challenges facing higher education across the country.

“We must ensure that our structure supports our strategy, that responsibilities are clearly assigned, and that our resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact on student success and institutional effectiveness,” Dr. Jackson said.

Dr. Jackson also discussed the university’s upcoming Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation site visit. This standard site visit is part of the normal process of maintaining accreditation for higher education institutions, and many different university stakeholders will participate in the visit.

As many of these activities will be ongoing throughout the school year, Dr. Jackson encouraged Langston University’s community to step up and take advantage of the opportunities to help shape the university’s future. LU has a long history of leadership, service and impact in Oklahoma. It is up to each member of the Lion Pride to ensure that legacy continues.

“May we continue to learn deeply, lead boldly and serve faithfully,” Dr. Jackson said. “May we remain steadfastly committed to our mission and intentional in building the Beloved Community. And may we continue working together to create an even stronger future for Dear Langston.”

21st annual president's Scholarship Gala talent announcement: Chante Moore

Decorated R&B artist Chanté Moore to perform at Langston University’s 21st Annual President’s Scholarship Gala

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Chanté Moore will perform at Langston University’s 21st Annual President’s Scholarship Gala on Oct. 16 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

The President’s Scholarship Gala is Langston University’s largest student scholarship fundraiser of the year. The highly anticipated event always features amazing performances from talented artists, and the LU President’s Scholarship Gala Committee has booked Chanté as this year’s concert performance.

In 1992, Moore exploded onto the R&B music scene with her certified gold debut album, “Precious.” Since then, she has released more than 20 chart-topping singles and 7 full-length albums. She has collaborated with many high-profile artists, including Prince, Babyface and The Isley Brothers.

Moore is known for hits like “Chanté’s Got a Man,” “Love’s Taken Over” and “Straight Up.” She has won numerous awards throughout her career, such as the 1997 American Music Award for Top Soundtrack for her work on “Waiting to Exhale: Original Soundtrack Album.” She also won a 2002 Soul Train Music Award for the Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo for the song “Contagious,” in collaboration with The Isley Brothers and which also received a Grammy nomination. In 2013, she received a UB Honors Award for Best Independent R&B Album Release for her sixth studio album “Moore is More.”

In 2014, she wrote an autobiographical self-help book titled “Will I Marry Me?” In 2017, she released her latest albums “The Rise of the Phoenix” and “Christmas Back to You.” Since then, Moore has continued to travel and perform.

“When you see me perform, you will always hear love songs,” Moore said. “You will always get lush, beautiful and intricate harmonies. You can rely on the music being positive even if it’s about heartbreak. To sum it all up, no matter what, you can always count on getting the best of me.”

To purchase tickets for the Langston University President’s Scholarship Gala, visit langston.edu/gala.

headshots of Diana Lasswell, Lindsey Hunter and Mark Rasor

Langston University hires three new vice presidents for fiscal affairs, strategic enrollment, institutional advancement

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Langston University has hired three new vice presidents to fill out its administrative team, filling two vacant positions and adding one role to lead a newly formed division. The additions of these new roles will serve as a compliment to the existing executive team, which will constitute the President’s Cabinet.

Diana Lasswell is the new Vice President for Institutional Advancement. She is responsible for stewarding donors with the Langston University Foundation as its executive director and leading the Offices of Development and Alumni Affairs. She started in her new role on Aug. 10.

Lindsey Hunter will be the inaugural Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management. In this role, she will be responsible for leading strategic enrollment efforts to include admissions, recruitment and outreach services as well as student financial aid and scholarships. She will begin at Langston University on Sept. 8.

Dr. R. Mark Rasor will be the new Vice President for Fiscal and Administrative Affairs. In this role, VP Rasor will be responsible for oversight of Fiscal and Administrative Affairs to include all financial and budgetary responsibilities, human resources, Title IX/ADA, facilities management and capital projects. Dr. Rasor will begin at Langston University on Sept. 9.

“We are so happy to have VP Hunter, VP Lasswell and VP Rasor join our Langston University family,” said LU President Ruth Ray Jackson. “Each of them brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their respective roles that will be an incredible benefit to our university as we continue to work to provide affordable, high-quality higher education opportunities here in Oklahoma and beyond.”

Diana Lasswell

Vice President Lasswell is a seasoned planned giving professional with extensive experience designing, rebuilding and scaling gift-planning programs for large public universities, academic medical centers and national nonprofits. She has a proven record of closing complex blended and principal gifts, implementing charitable gift annuities and trusts, and aligning donor passions with institutional priorities.

An Oklahoma native from Claremore, Vice President Lasswell comes to Langston University after serving as the Executive Director of Planned Giving at the University of Oklahoma since 2024. She has previously held senior roles for planned giving at the Oklahoma State University Foundation, the University of South Florida, the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, and The Salvation Army Oklahoma and Arkansas Division. She has her B.S. in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Tulsa.

“I am excited to be here,” Vice President Lasswell said. “The opportunity to increase fundraising efforts to help and support the students and programs here is key for me. As a first-generation college graduate at an institution with many first-generation students, this is truly a mission I am proud to be a part of.

“Langston University is important to the State of Oklahoma, and I hope to share the impact LU has not just with our supporters, but with all of Oklahoma that may not realize the opportunities and impact Langston University provides. I want to do my best to make a difference and provide support for Dear Langston.”

Lindsey Hunter

Vice President Hunter is a strategic, student-centered higher education executive with more than 20 years of progressive leadership driving enrollment growth, postsecondary access and student success. She has spent her career building scalable enrollment systems and high performing, cross-functional teams that can translate institutional vision into operational execution and measurable results.

She comes to Langston University after serving as the Director of Enrollment Services at Oakton College since April 2025. Throughout her career, she has served at selective research universities, community colleges, K–12 systems and national nonprofits, including leadership roles at Emory University, Clark Atlanta University and Chicago Public Schools. She is a graduate of Spelman College, where she earned her B.A. in Theater and Drama, and she holds a Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies from Hofstra University.

“I am excited to join the Langston community as the inaugural Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management,” Vice President Hunter said. “The HBCU experience is unmatched. At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, I am certain that attending an HBCU offers a remarkable return on investment. High-quality academics, a distinct and vibrant campus experience, and lifelong alumni connections are the markers of that value.

“I look forward to leading the team that introduces new generations of students to Langston and supports them not only in their admission, but through their matriculation and all the way to graduation at this wonderful institution.”

Dr. R. Mark Rasor

Vice President Rasor has worked in higher education accounting and finance since 2007, holding various leadership roles at two Oklahoma higher education institutions. He has extensive experience in budget preparation, financial implementation of strategic plans, direct oversight of multiple offices, and oversight of contracts with key campus partners and vendors. In addition to his experience in the higher education sector, he has 25 years of private sector experience in wholesale and retail sales, accounting and management. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Vice President Rasor currently serves as Vice President for Administration and Finance at Rogers State University, where he oversees the university’s financial operations and strategic resource management. Before coming to Rogers State, he served in various roles at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, including as Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Interim President. Dr. Rasor holds degrees from Baylor University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he has his doctorate from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

a high school student smiling during High School Day 2024

Langton University offers concurrent enrollment for Oklahoma high schoolers for $100

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Langston University’s concurrent enrollment program offers Oklahoma high school students an opportunity to take college-level courses and earn college credit for only $100.

Oklahoma high school juniors and seniors can begin working on their college degrees by taking classes through Langston University’s concurrent enrollment program this fall and spring. The program has a $100 flat fee per person per semester. Juniors can have tuition waived for up to 9 credit hours per year, and seniors can have tuition waived for up to 18 credit hours per year. This allows students to save both time and money on their degrees.

Dr. Heath Burge, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Advising Services, said it’s important to offer these opportunities to high schoolers not only for the financial aspect, but to help prepare them for the academic rigor of college courses.

“This program is important because it provides early exposure to college courses and campus experiences,” Dr. Burge said. “It provides early exposure to Langston University. These students will have a headstart on completing their bachelor’s degrees, and it will ultimately help provide a smoother transition going from high school to college.”

The concurrent enrollment program offers courses in a variety of subjects, including English, mathematics, natural sciences, political science and business. These classes can count toward general education requirements and program-specific pre-requisites.

To enroll in Langston University’s concurrent enrollment program, students must be current 11th or 12th grade students and must either have a minimum ACT composite score of 20 or an unweighted 3.25 GPA or an unweighted 3.0 GPA while ranking in the top 50% of their class. Interested students should talk to their high school counselor.

For more information about LU concurrent enrollment, visit langston.edu/concurrent-enrollment.

Langston University Announces 2026 Commencement Speaker: Sherman L. Lewis

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

LANGSTON, Okla.–President Ruth Ray Jackson announced Wednesday that distinguished alumnus Sherman L. Lewis will serve as the speaker for the 126th Commencement of Langston University on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10 a.m. in W.E. Anderson Stadium. Lewis will also receive an honorary doctorate degree during the ceremony.

Lewis is a proud alumnus and long-time supporter of LU. He has served the university for more than fifty years in various capacities, including as the current chair of the Langston University Board of Trustees for the Urban Campuses and a member of the LU Foundation Board. He was a trailblazer in the field of conservation, a successful entrepreneur, and he is the most prolific individual donor in the university’s history

“Langston University is proud of the work Mr. Sherman Lewis has done for Oklahoma and the agriculture industry, and we are grateful for all the ways in which he gives back to his alma mater,” Dr. Jackson said. “Over the years, his generous donations have helped countless LU students pursue their degrees while also enhancing the student experience. He is the single largest donor in the university’s history, but he also gives his time through his work on the Board of Trustees for Urban Campuses, the LU Foundation Board and his participation in various events throughout the year.”

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson and Dean Joshua Busby present Sherman Lewis with an award — President Ruth Ray Jackson awarded Sherman Lewis the first ever Presidential Award of Excellence during the 20th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala in 2025.

Lewis grew up on a farm near Beggs, Oklahoma, and earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics with a minor in mathematics from LU in1964. After graduation, he spent two years in the military before joining the USDA Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in 1967.

He was quickly recognized for his outstanding service, and in 1971, Lewis became the first Black District Conservationist in Oklahoma, serving as the District Conservationist for Rogers County. He continued to rise through the ranks, and he eventually became Director of the Conservation Planning Division in Washington, D.C. In 1997, he retired as Deputy Administrator for Management and Strategic Planning for NRCS.

Lewis returned to Langston University as the Director for the Center for Outreach Programs, where he focused on recruiting students, providing technical assistance to producers and minority-owned businesses, and developing partnerships with federal and state agencies to secure scholarships, internships and career opportunities for students.

After eight years at LU, Lewis decided to venture into the private sector. He and his family started several businesses in Houston, Texas, including quick service restaurants, construction project management, real estate, wholesale and retail gas distribution and a Mexican restaurant.

Lewis was awarded the Heart of the Lion Award in 2014 and received the 1890 Career Exemplar Award from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities in 2015. In 2022, he and his family established the Sherman and Berniece Lewis Endowment, which was the largest single donation in university history. Shortly after, the university renamed the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences to the Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. In 2025, he received the first ever Langston University Presidential Award of Excellence.

For more information about Langston University’s commencement ceremony, please visit langston.edu/commencement.

rehabilitation counseling students in class

Langston University Rehabilitation Counseling program ranked Top 10 in the nation, Top HBCU program

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

The Langston University Rehabilitation Counseling Program has been named one of the Top 10 rehabilitation counseling graduate programs and the Top HBCU program in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

Langston University rose 8 points in the rankings from 2025 to be named the tenth best program in the United States. Previously tied with Winston-Salem University, LU now sits as the highest ranked Historically Black College or University (HBCU) on the list.

“We are incredibly proud to see our Rehabilitation Counseling program break into the Top 10 nationally,” said Dr. Corey Moore, the founding director of the program. “While the ranking is a high honor, the true reward is watching our graduates enter the workforce fully equipped to lead, and seeing our research translate into better outcomes for the communities we serve.”

Langston University was ranked above programs from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Northern Illinois University, University at Buffalo-SUNY and others.

This accomplishment comes as the program celebrates its 25th anniversary, and LU President Ruth Ray Jackson recently honored Dr. Moore with a Distinguished Service Award for his leadership as the founding chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Services.

Langston University’s rehabilitation counseling master’s program is available in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Students benefit from small class settings that allow for more one-on-one interaction with the program’s distinguished faculty, and they have opportunities to participate in ground-breaking research at the department’s two federally funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers. Many of the students receive scholarships funded by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services/U.S. Department of Education, and all students participate in hands-on internships.

“We will use this momentum to further enhance the academic preparation of the next generation of rehabilitation and mental health professionals and to continue translating our high-impact solutions-oriented research initiatives funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research/Administration for Community Living,” Dr. Moore said.

For more information about the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, please visit langston.edu/rehab.

Chris Vincent crouches on the sidelines during a Langston University Women's Basketball game.

LU Women’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Vincent Departs for Division II

Release Provided By Jet Turner

Langston University Women’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Vincent has accepted a position as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at NCAA Division II Purdue Northwest. A national search will be held to determine the next leader of Lady Lions basketball.

Vincent came to Langston University as the Associate Head Coach of the men’s basketball team under Chris Wright in 2022, helping lead the greatest single season turnaround in college basketball history. Their remarkable success included two Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) regular season and tournament championships, two NAIA national tournament appearances, a runner-up finish in the 2023-2024 season, and an overall record of 66-5.

After two years in the role, Vincent was selected as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach in 2024.

“We recognized Coach Vincent’s leadership potential while serving as the associate head coach on the men’s side of our basketball program for two seasons, and that continued when he began to serve as our women’s head coach,” Langston University Athletic Director Donnita Drain-Rogers said. “Coach Vincent’s passion for the sport of women’s basketball, recruiting expertise and the ability to quickly develop a winning culture are just a few reasons why he stood out when we were looking to fill our head women’s position in Spring 2024.

“His basketball IQ, recruiting expertise and leadership skills have been on full display these past two seasons leading the Lady Lions. He’s left his mark on the Lady Lions program in his short time here. We wish him well in all his future endeavors, and I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to blossom for years to come.”

In his two years leading the Langston University women’s basketball program, Vincent tallied a 55-9 overall record. He led the Lady Lions to back-to-back Sooner Athletic Conference regular season titles, one SAC tournament championship and two berths into the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament.

During the 2024-2025 season, the Lady Lions advanced to the NAIA National Tournament Round of 16 and tied the program record for most wins in a season with 31. The Lady Lions finished with the No. 1 defense in the country and No. 2 in overall efficiency.

“Words cannot fully express the love and passion I have for Langston University,” Vincent said. “The past four years have been nothing short of historic and memorable, but even more importantly, life changing.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to propel this program to an even greater place, not only winning four conference championships, tournament championships, and national championship appearances, but touching the lives of players, colleagues and alumni. The impact that has on Langston University surpasses any wins or losses.”

Vincent’s player accomplishments include two Defensive Players of the Year, two Newcomers of the Year, and one Sixth Woman of the Year. Additionally, he’s had three players named First Team All-SAC, two players named Second Team All-SAC, one player named Third Team All-SAC and two players named Honorable Mention All-SAC.

Langston University wishes Coach Vincent and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.

“Coach Vincent will be deeply missed,” President Ruth Ray Jackson said. “His dedication to Langston University basketball––on both the men’s and women’s sides––helped elevate these programs to an elite level. His service and mentorship extended far beyond the basketball court, leaving a lasting impact on the entire Langston University community. We wish him all the best at Purdue Northwest and continued success in all his future endeavors.”

Former Langston University Head Coach Chris Wright talks to his players in the locker room.

LU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Wright Departs for Division I Alabama State

Release Provided By Jet Turner

Langston University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Wright has accepted a position as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at NCAA Division I program Alabama State University. A national search will be held to determine the next leader of Lion’s men’s basketball.

“Coach Wright’s impact on Langston University basketball has become legendary in just a few short years,” said Langston University Athletic Director Donnita Drain-Rogers. “The program, culture and championship level of play he created set the standard for small college hoops. I look forward to watching his impact on NCAA Division I basketball and celebrating his future success.”

In his four years at Langston University, Wright has amassed a record of 121-21, bringing a winning culture back to LU men’s basketball. His teams have made the NAIA National Championship Tournament each year, finishing in the Round of 16 in 2023 and 2025 and as the National Runner-Up in 2024 and 2026.

Wright’s time at Langston University has been highlighted with many historic moments. After inheriting a program that went 1-27 in the 2021-22 season, Wright engineered the single greatest turnaround in the history of college basketball when he took over the program in 2022. The Lions finished that season at 31-3 overall and climbed to No. 3 in the national polls. The program became the first ever HBCU to win the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season crown along with capturing the SAC Conference Tournament Championship.

His teams went on to win the SAC regular season title in 2022 and 2023, and SAC tournament championship in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

During his time at LU, Wright’s players conference accomplishments include 2 Players of the Year, 3 Newcomers of the Year, 2 Defensive Players of the Year, in addition to 6 players on the All SAC First Team, 3 players on the ALL SAC Second Team, 4 players on the All SAC Third Team, 6 All SAC Defense players and 1 All SAC Freshman. Nationally, five of his players achieved NAIA All-American status.

Most recently, during the 2025-26 season, the Langston University Lions achieved a 29-8 overall record, finishing as the runners-up in both the SAC regular season and conference tournaments and earning the Lions the 4 seed in the Liston quadrant of the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship Tournament. They battled through five other teams before eventually falling to Freed-Hardeman University in the national championship game 76-71.

“Over the past four years so many people have poured their blood, sweat and tears into transforming Langston University basketball into what it is now, one of the most successful programs at any level of college basketball,” Wright said. “I am beyond thankful to all of you that have played a role in this incredible transformation. Leaving LU has proven to be the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life. To say that I love this place is a vast understatement.

“Ally, Reece and I are forever grateful for our time here. You have touched our hearts and have forever changed our lives. This is not a goodbye, but a, ‘See you later.’ L’s up.”

The program boasted a 3.14 team GPA in the Fall 2025 semester and was named a recipient of the NABC’s Academic Excellence Award. For his efforts in 2022-23, Wright was named the John Hudson SAC Coach of the Year, the NAIA National Coach of the Year by Hoopdirt.com and the Jack Bennett Man of the Year, which exemplifies winning with integrity.

Langston University wishes Coach Wright and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.

“Coach Wright’s influence elevated not only men’s basketball at Langston University, but the institution as a whole,” President Ruth Ray Jackson said. “The expertise and passion he brings to the game is matched only by his care for our players and for their success beyond the court. I am proud of the four incredible seasons led by Coach Wright and his staff, and we wish him continued success at Alabama State.”

Graphic depicting three LU founders with the words and details for the event.

Langston University to celebrate Founders Week with ceremony, celebrations

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Langston University is set to celebrate 129 years since its founding with a week of ceremonies and celebrations in Langston and Tulsa. The events will include musical performances, the annual Founders Day Program and an Inaugural Founders Week Celebration Gala.

The Langston University Department of Music will present The Chamber Collective musical performance on Tuesday, March 10. This collection of small ensembles will feature both choral and instrumental performances. The event will be held in the I.W. Young Auditorium on the Langston Campus at 6:30 p.m.

The annual Founders Day Program will be held at the I.W. Young Auditorium on the Langston Campus at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. The theme for this year’s program is “Honoring Our Past, Empowering Our Promise,” and the featured speaker will be Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, Founder and Executive Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation.

Dr. Cruther is an alumna of Langston University, and she is a nationally recognized justice advocate, community leader and social impact advisor. As Founder and Executive Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, she leads transformative initiatives focused on public safety, criminal justice reform, economic mobility and community healing. She also serves as a Founding Board Member of Justice for Greenwood, Senior Advisor to Black Tech Street and Advisor to Roc Nation’s United Justice Coalition.

Langston University will end the week with the Inaugural Founders Week Celebration Gala in Tulsa on Saturday, March 14.

The Founders Week Celebration Gala, a black-tie optional event, will include a formal dinner, awards presentation and live music. There will also be a special presentation to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling program, which has since spurred the creation of a bachelor’s program, the formation of the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, the establishment of two federally funded Rehabilitation Research Training Centers, and the creation of a post-doctoral research program.

The Chamber Collective and annual Founders Day Program are free and open to the public. The Founders Week Celebration Gala is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased online at langston.edu/founders-week through Friday, March 6.

LUSB students and faculty sit at desks in a classroom

Langston University School of Business students score in the Top 1% in Peregrine Outbound Business Exam for second semester in a row

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

by Gerard Lewis, Public Relations Intern

For the second consecutive assessment cycle, Langston University School of Business (LUSB) seniors scored in the top 1% nationally on the rigorous Peregrine Outbound Business Exam.

LUSB’s graduating seniors performed nearly 20 percentage points above national Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Program (ACBSP) benchmarks on the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam for Fall 2025 in a fully proctored classroom setting and under stricter testing conditions than in the spring. This performance follows LUSB graduates’ success on the Peregrine exam in Spring 2025.

Dr. Daryl Green, Dean of LUSB, said the students’ success reflects the hard work of the faculty and the students’ remarkable resilience.

“For the Fall 2025 term, our business seniors once again ranked in the top tier nationally on the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam,” Dr. Green said. “This time, under fully proctored, in-class conditions. Their average score of approximately 78.6% closely aligns with our Spring 2025 results, which were taken online and unproctored. This consistency confirms the integrity and authenticity of our students’ learning outcomes.”

Every year, graduating business students take the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam, a rigorous assessment administered by over 500 colleges and universities around the world. The exam evaluates students’ mastery across core business disciplines such as finance, economics, management, marketing and business ethics.

LUSB graduates excelled in several core disciplinary areas.

In Information Management Systems, graduates averaged 84%, which is significantly higher than the national benchmark. In Economics, graduates averaged in the low-mid 80s, which is about 20 points above ACBSP norms. In Quantitative Research & Statistics, students averaged 81%. In Legal Environment, students scored in the low 80s, outperforming most of their regional peers. In Marketing & Finance, students scored in the high 70s.

Ashley Dillard, director of Client Solutions at Peregrine Global Services, commended LUSB’s performance over the past two semesters.

“Langston University demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the growth,” Dillard said. “At Peregrine, we partner with many institutions focused on continuous improvement, and it is gratifying to collaborate with leaders like Dean Green who are deeply dedicated to the advancement of their students and academic programs.”

LUSB has made several strides to improve student learning outcomes and increase educational opportunities in recent years. Some of their recent accomplishments include increasing LUSB enrollment by more than 20% since 2024; partnering with Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business to launch a 4+1 program for LU students to earn master’s degrees; and hosting national events such as the HUxPNC Entrepreneurship Summit.

Langston University remains committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities for Oklahoma and beyond. Anyone interested in applying for LUSB, or any other LU program, can apply online at langston.edu/apply-now.