Press Release Archives - Page 4 of 7

Category: Press Release

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

Release Provided By Welcome

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

Release Provided By Welcome

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.

PHILIP STITT NAMED HEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH

Release Provided By Welcome

LANGSTON, Okla. – Director of Athletics Donnita Drain has announced the appointment of Philip Stitt as the head men’s basketball coach at Langston University. Stitt has more than 25 years of coaching experience, including seven years at the NCAA DI level, ten years at the NCAA DII level and 11 years at the junior college level.

“I am more than thrilled and excited to see the direction of Langston University men’s basketball under Coach Stitt,” Director of Athletics Donnita Drain said. “We had a tremendous pool of candidates which included over 60 applicants with various coaching backgrounds from successful high school coaches all the way up to the NCAA DI level. Through it all we had a great screening committee comprised of several alumni, including former lettermen athletes, and current administrators at Langston University. Coach (Philip) Stitt came through with shining colors. He has a rich experience of coaching at other HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), tremendous championship experience, and he’s a proven winner and recruiter.”

Stitt most recently coached at Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Marian, Ala. where he led MMI to a 77-33 record over the past four seasons. During that time span, Stitt has coached two NJCAA All-Americans, two ACCC All-Region 22 performers and three NJCAA Academic All-Americans while consistently being ranked in the top 25 and clinching the ACCC/NJCAA Region 22 Championship in 2015-16. Stitt has also received coaching accolades during his time at MMI where he was named the NJCAA Region II Coach of the Year, the NJCAA District 12 Coach of the Year and Birmingham’s Tip-off Club’s Alabama Junior College Coach of the Year in 2015-16. Over the span of 28 seasons, Stitt holds a record of 100-68 at MMI and a career coaching record of 215-156.

“I’m very excited, particularly after meeting with President (Dr. Kent J.) Smith, Jr., Director of Athletics Donnita (Drain) Rogers and the search committee,” the first-year head coach said. “Everybody has a passion for Langston University and I’m looking forward to working in that type of environment. One of the factors that stood out to me about Langston University is the people. In this business, the people are important. I’m excited to get started.’ Of Stitt, President Kent J. Smith, Jr., said “During the screening process, Coach Stitt showed tremendous attention to detail and his ability to recruit stood out. He also brings impressive HBCU experience which will serve him well at Langston University. I am confident that Coach Stitt will lead our Lions to continued success on and off the court.”

Stitt’s coaching career began in 1991 as an assistant at Florida Community College at Jacksonville, Fla. After spending three seasons with the Stars, he moved on as the assistant coach at NCAA DI Jacksonville University. In 1997 Stitt joined the coaching staff at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C. In his only season at Fayetteville State University, the Broncos finished with a 17-10 record, tied for second place in the CIAA Western Division. The next season, Stitt became an assistant at Winston Salem State University (WSSU). At WSSU, he was part of five 20-win seasons, two CIAA conference championships, five NCAA Division II tournament berths and two NCAA Division II Sweet 16 appearances. He was also named the 2004-2005 CIAA Coach of the year.

Stitt returned to Florida Community College in 2006 to take over the program as head coach for two seasons before moving on to Grambling State University (NCAA DI) as the Associate Head Coach (2008-2009). Stitt has also served as assistant men’s basketball coach at Fayetteville State University (NCAA DII), North Carolina A&T State University (NCAA DI) and Florida State College at Jacksonville before arriving in Marion, Ala.

Director of Athletics Donnita Drain would like to thank the alumni, lettermen, and University supporters who assisted in the screening and interview process for this important search including Dr. James Mosely, Judge Kenneth Watson, Dr. Kevin Cox, Ms. Lateka Alexander, and Ms. Mariea’ Drain. The contributions of our alumni to the interview and screening process were invaluable, and their input further solidified the selection of Mr. Stitt as the next head coach of Langston University Men’s Basketball.

The Langston University Department of Athletics will hold a press conference to welcome Coach Stitt on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Langston University – Oklahoma City Campus located at 6700 N Martin Luther King Avenue in Oklahoma City.

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

Release Provided By Welcome

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

Release Provided By Welcome

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

Release Provided By Welcome

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.

LU – TULSA TO OPEN STUDENT GARDEN THROUGH STEM GRANT

Release Provided By Welcome

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.

MARK G. GORDON NAMED DIRECTOR OF BANDS FOR LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

Release Provided By Welcome

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.

2018 LANGSTON UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION ACADEMY

Release Provided By Welcome

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 WILL HONOR SIX OUTSTANDING WOMEN

Release Provided By Welcome

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.

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