LANGSTON, Okla. –The Langston University School of Education and Behavioral Sciences announced that United States Magistrate Judge Bernard M. Jones will keynote the 2016 Ira D. Hall and Rubye Hibler Hall Endowed Lecture Series at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. Named in honor of Langston University alumni Ira D. Hall and Rubye Hibler Hall, the annual lecture series exists to commemorate the Halls and their commitment to education.
The Honorable Bernard M. Jones was appointed United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma on July 31, 2015, becoming the first African American in the state of Oklahoma to serve in this capacity. Prior to his appointment to the federal bench, Judge Jones served as a District Judge for Oklahoma’s Seventh Judicial District. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern Methodist University, and obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School. Born and reared in northeast Oklahoma City, Judge Jones is active in the community and currently serves as a Director for the Boy Scouts of America’s Last Frontier Council and as a Trustee of the Ralph Ellison Foundation. The Journal Record, Oklahoma Magazine, and OKC Biz have recognized him as one of Oklahoma’s Achievers Under 40, among other noteworthy achievements.
Initially established by Rubye Hibler Hall in 1989 to honor her husband Ira D. Hall, the series was renamed to honor the contributions of both upon Mrs. Hall’s passing in 2003. Ira D. Hall was principal of several schools, superintendent of Clearview School and assistant director of all black high schools for the Oklahoma Education Department. Rubye Hibler Hall was the first African American appointed to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. She was with the Oklahoma City School District 43 years, beginning in 1932 as a teacher, speech pathologist, psychometrist, diagnostician and consultant.
Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Founded in 1897, Langston University boasts three campuses located in Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The University offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more, please visit the Langston University website at http://www.langston.edu.
PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC AND LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES
By Jeff Lieberson, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
Indianapolis, IN – The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) today named 19 recipients of its inaugural 1890 Universities Career Exemplar Awards. The recipients, distinguished alumni representing each of the 19 historically black land-grant universities, have achieved excellence in navigating their career pathway and providing mentorship to other traditionally underrepresented students pursuing similar career pathways. The awardees were nominated by their alma maters and evaluated on their commitment to institution, individual achievement, civic engagement and impact in providing access, opportunities and mentorship to current students and new alumni. The recipients were honored at APLU’s Annual Meeting now underway in Indianapolis, IN.
“The first class of 1890 Career Exemplar Awards recipients are a testament to the tremendous contributions 1890 institutions make to our society through their instruction, research and community engagement,” said APLU President Peter McPherson. “These alumni have not only achieved success in their own careers, but worked with their alma maters and current students to serve the institutions that had such a formative influence on them.”
“The 1890 Career Exemplar Awards recipients reflect the broad diversity and great achievement of 1890 Universities and their alumni,” said Dr. RoSusan D. Bartee, Interim Vice President of Access and Success. “As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act, their stories remind us of the power of the 1890 land-grant community and the progress we can continue to drive through these institutions and their students.”
The names, alma maters and achievements of the recipients of the inaugural 1890 Career Exemplar Awards are listed below:
Billy Bridgeforth of Alabama A&M University is Chairman of the National Black Growers Council and he has been featured in several trade publications. In 2013, the White House named him a “Champion of Change for Agriculture.”
Dr. Jesse Harnessof Alcorn State University has served as a member and chairman of the USDA Secretary of Agriculture’s National Commission on Small Farms and Advisory Committee on Small Farms. In 2005, he was inducted into the George Washington Carver Hall of Fame.
Morakinyo A. O. Kuti of Central State University is the Director of Sponsored Programs and Research at Central State University and an alumnus of the university. Hewas instrumental in the development of the $4.7 million Center of Excellence in STEM and STEM Education proposal funded by Department of Defense in 2010.
David Turner of Delaware State University is Global Analytics leader for Banking and Financial Markets for IBM and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Delaware State University. In 2002, Fortune magazine named him “50 Most Powerful Black Executives in America.”
Doris Hicks of Florida A&M University taught for 36 years in the public school system as an elementary teacher and is a lifelong volunteer for the local guardian ad litem program in Polk County, Florida. As President of the Polk County Alumni Chapter of the Florida A&M University National Alumni Association, she established an endowment to ensure students from Polk County receive yearly funding until graduation.
The Honorable Calvin Smyre of Fort Valley State University is a business executive, state legislator, and community and national leader. He is President Emeritus of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Donald C. Hylton, Sr. of Kentucky State University is a veteran of over 40 years of the plastic industry. While at ExxonMobil, he was active in their diversity efforts that led to the hiring and promotions of minorities and women within the organization.
Sherman L. Lewis of Langston University retired in 1997 as Deputy Administrator for Management and Strategic Planning at the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Upon retirement, Mr. Lewis dedicated eight years of service to Langston University as the Center of Outreach Programs Director.
Charles E. Seeney of Lincoln University is founder and former Managing Director of NewTech @ The NanoPoint. He is a scientist and entrepreneur with a central focus on the management of Intellectual Property.
Willie A. Deese of North Carolina A&T State University is Executive Vice President and President of the Merck Manufacturing Division, with responsibility for Merck’s worldwide manufacturing operations. He has also served on the North Carolina A&T Board of Trustees.
Ernie Collins of Prairie View A&M University joined Humble Oil and Refinery Company, now ExxonMobil, in 1969 and worked in various marketing staff and management positions until his retirement in 2003. Mr. Collins and his wife are strong supporters of youth and education and have established scholarship funds at Prairie View A&M University and Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Honorable James Clyburn of South Carolina State University is the U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s 6th congressional district, serving since 1993, and the Assistant Democratic Leader since 2011. President Barack Obama has said Representative Clyburn is, “One of a handful of people who, when they speak, the entire Congress listens.” He has supported higher education by leading the charge for increased Pell grants, investing millions in science and math programs and historic preservation at HBCUs.
Dr. Leodrey Williams of Southern University and A & M College built a career in Extension education. He was appointed Special Assistant to the United States Department of Agriculture Extension Administrator and five months later, the Secretary of Agriculture appointed him the National Director of Extension.
Ola G. Hudson of Tennessee State University was inducted into the Tennessee Teachers Hall of Fame in May 1997 and served for 40 years as a teacher at the Metropolitan Nashville Public School System.
Dr. Mortimer H. Neufville of Tuskegee University served a distinguished career at the National Association of State Universities and Land-grant Colleges (NASULGC), now APLU. In 2006, he assumed the role of Executive Vice President at NASULGC and retired in 2008. He later served Interim President at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Pearlie S. Reed of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff served as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for the United States Department of Agriculture from 2009 and 2012. He was nominated for this position by President Barack Obama and was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate.
Dr. Emmanuel T. Acquah of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore serves as Director of International Programs, and Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He has received a number of international honors including being appointed to the Advisory Committee of U.S. Response to Cutting Hunger in Half in Africa and to the United States Agency for International Development’s Strategic Partnership for Agricultural Research and Education Committee.
Walter F. Johnson III of West Virginia State University attained the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, the highest grade that could be achieved in the Medical Service Corps at that time. Upon retirement, Mr. Johnson received the Army’s highest award for achievement, the Distinguished Service Medal.
Dr. Antonio A. McLaren of Virginia State University joined the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture as a National Program Leader. In this role, he is responsible for managing and providing leadership for the 1890 Capacity Building Grants Program and the Higher Education Challenge Grants Program.
LANGSTON, Okla. —Langston University homecoming, the EvoLUtion will start off with Cheryl Miller as the grand marshal. Homecoming is Oct. 12-17, 2015, with Miller leading the annual parade and kicking off festivities on Saturday.
“We are excited to have one of Langston University’s newest members, Coach Cheryl Miller serve as our homecoming grand marshal,” said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University.
“Cheryl has been a great addition to our campus and has shown she has the true spirit of a lion. Cheryl leads our girls not only on the court, but instills the quality of leadership and provides the mentorship they need to thrive.”
Coach Cheryl Miller was appointed as Langston University head women’s basketball coach in April 2014. Miller was a three-time national player of the year at the University of Southern California, leading the Women of Troy to national championships in both 1983 and ’84 and playing on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team. She went on to coach in the WNBA for four seasons before beginning a career as a national sports broadcaster.
The NCAA named Miller one of the top five collegiate basketball players in NCAA history. Miller was USC’s head women’s coach for two years in the mid ’90s, and then coached the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA from 1997 to 2000. Miller led LU’s women’s basketball team through a great 2014-15 season, finishing with a 28-4 record.
Homecoming is an anticipated tradition at Langston University. Events are scheduled each day during the week of homecoming, such as the annual Gospel Fest, President’s Scholarship Gala, Greek Step Show, and the coronation of Mr. and Miss Langston University. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Oct. 17, while the football game begins at 2 p.m. against Southwestern Assemblies of God.
Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University homecoming and to purchase tickets, visit www.langston.edu/homecoming.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University is pleased to announce the appointments of Acting Executive Director of Residential Housing William Evans and Acting Director of Student Life in Student Affairs Helen Alatorre. Both are planned to begin on Oct. 19, 2015, at the Langston University campus.
Evans brings with him more than 18 years of residential life experience, while Alatorre brings more than 20 years experience in student affairs. Both come to Langston from the University of Wyoming, where Evans held the position of Associate Director of Residence Life and Dining Services and Alatorre was Assistant Dean of Students for Leadership Development.
Evans plans to develop educational and social programming to cultivate a strong sense of community among the students. He plans to implement strategic initiatives for new procedures and processes for the Housing Department.
Alatorre’s experience in programming, leadership development, and advising student government will be helpful as she serves the students at Langston. She understands the importance of working directly with students in order to create lasting memories during their time spent at the University.
Evans and Alatorre have dedicated their entire careers to the development of students.
“I am passionate about helping students transition to college and supporting them all the way to graduation,” Evans said.
Alatorre enthusiastically stated, “I think it is important to get a feel of the culture on campus and its students and see how I can contribute and advance it.”
“I look forward to learning more about Langston’s traditions and its rich history.”
Evans and Alatorre are married with a six-year-old daughter, and are excited about their move to Oklahoma.
Alatorre regarding the move:
“It’s a homecoming for the entire family,” Alatorre said. “It was a professional decision, but a personal one as well, which is what makes this a complete experience.
“The university will be well served by the new additions to our staff,” said Kent J. Smith Jr., Ph.D., President of Langston University.
“These new appointments are committed to the pursuit of excellence and the experience they bring to the positions will be a source of strength for students and the campus community at large.”
Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more about Langston University, go to www.langstonuniversity.edu.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University has appointed a new head coach for volleyball, Jacob Rodriguez.
“Coach Rodriguez, a true man of integrity and great character, is a great addition to our athletic department,” said Donnita Rogers, the Director of Athletics. “His enthusiasm is contagious. Rodriguez will be a tremendous role model for our student-athletes and will play a pivotal role in putting Langston University volleyball on the map.”
Rodriguez comes to Langston from Bacone College, where he served as the head volleyball coach for three years. During his three years as head coach, the team went 46-52 overall and 24-16 in the Red River Athletic Conference.
Prior to Bacone College, he served as the assistant coach at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. During this time the team made tremendous strides, which included trips to the NAIA Regionals and the National Christian College
Athletic Association Regional and National Tournament in 2007.
Rodriguez currently holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology from Dallas Baptist University and a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Southwestern Assemblies of God University.
Stepping into this position, he has high hopes for the volleyball program’s fourth season. Last year the Volleyball program reached historic new heights, the team recorded its first win over East Central University, an NCAA Division 2 opponent.
The Lady Lions made it to the Conference Tournament last year; he knows the bar is already set high. He is ready to build a strong 2015 recruiting class and turn Langston’s volleyball team into a program that strives to win national championships.
“The most important thing for this team is to compete; the team will need to continue to build off of this foundation,” said Rodriguez.
“Our first goal as a team is to give a unified effort every time we step on the court.”
The Lady Lions open the 2015 season on August 21, 2015, against Southwest Assemblies of God in Waxahachie, Texas. For more information or to view the Langston Sports schedules please visit www.langstonsports.com.
NASA Oklahoma EPSCoR awarded $36,000 to Langston professor, Randy Hunt, Ph. D. and the School of Education and Behavioral Science to produce effective, informed, and reflective future STEM scientists capable of independent practice and professional growth in college STEM programs.
The grant entitled, “Investing in STEM Student Diversity through NASA Ames Astrobiology Mentoring Modeling: Chemistry, Mathematical, and Computer Models” is a response to increase student diversity in Astrobiology knowledge for 15 STEM college students. Hunt serves as the faculty mentor and will mentor the Astrobiology students and develop ongoing relationships with its STEM mentors and partners.
“We are grateful for the financial support of STEM research at Langston University and look forward to sharing the results next year,” said Hunt.
Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Among 2,400 teacher preparation programs, Langston University’s elementary program ranks number one among all HBCU’s and in the top ten for its secondary (middle and high school) programs by the National Council on teacher quality. To learn more about the School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, visit http://www.langston.edu/academics/school/education-and-behavioral-sciences/.
The Business without Borders, LLC, Langston University, and Star Spencer High School will offer workshop presentations on the 2014 Farm Bill, gardening tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture home loan and repair assistance, and animal management assistance on Sat., April 18, 2015 at Star Spencer High School (3001 Spencer, Road, Spencer, Oklahoma). Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the workshop starts at 9:30 a.m.
Registration and lunch is free. Please register in advance by telephone or e-mail. To register or for additional information please contact, Dwight N. Guy, dwight.guy@osec.usda.gov, (405) 306-1954.
The Cooperative Extension Program at Langston University provides educational programs to individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability. Issued in furtherance of the Extension Work Act of September 29, 1977 in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
LANGSTON, Okla. – United States Department of Agricultural and Tuskegee University awarded $22,000 to George Luker, Ph.D. and the School of Agriculture and Applied Science for “Swine Outreach Activity”. United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is implementing a national response to reduce, and in some areas eliminate, the risks and damages inflicted by feral swine to property, agriculture, natural resources and human health.
APHIS is serving as the lead federal agency in a cooperative effort with other entities that share a common interest in reducing or eliminating problems caused by feral swine. The overall objective of the program is to minimize damage inflicted by feral swine.
“This funding will help to increase the understanding of how federal swine impacts farmers and ranchers,” said Luker. “It will also provide outreach materials to fanners and ranchers on how to resolve problems generally associated with feral swine.”
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources aims to familiarize students with modern agriculture, encourage personal development and prepare them to successfully address environmental, rural, urban and general community needs. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. To learn more about the School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, visit https://langston.edu/academics/school/agriculture-and-applied-sciences/.
LANGSTON, Okla. – The School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Langston University hosted the Ira D. Hall and Rubye Hibler Hall Endowed Lecture Series on March 10, 2015. Students, faculty, staff and special guests gathered in honor of Langston graduates Rubye and Ira D. Hall, for whom the annual lecture series is named.
The guest speaker was the Honorable Alcee L. Hastings, a United States Representative for District 20 in Florida, who is currently serving his 12th term in Congress. He highly encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities to become campus leaders.
“Leadership is the cornerstone of this country and Langston University plays a fundamental role in shaping our leaders,” Hastings said.
Hastings is a graduate of Fisk University and earned a Juris Doctorate in law from Florida A&M University. He challenged the students to learn a second language, and said it is “critically important for your career survival.”
Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program. Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. To learn more about Langston University, please visit http://www.langston.edu.
LANGSTON, Okla. – The DOD Air Force awarded a $200,000 research grant to Byron Quinn, Ph.D., professor in the university’s Biology department in Arts and Sciences. Quinn received funding for his grant entitled “Biochemical Fatigue Metabolite Instrumentation.”
The grant awarded will allow undergraduate students to gain hands-on training with the requested instrumentation by participating in fatigue research and coursework.
“Students taking this course will take on independent research projects in tissue biomarker detection from the metabolic analysis with the Gas Chromatography in Metabolomics Study,” said Quinn.
“This instrumentation adds significant value to the research and training program at LU.”
Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including 5 master’s degrees and one doctoral program. The School of Arts and Sciences is host to the biology program and currently leads the world in manipulating peanut plant hairs into full new plants without the use of seeds.
Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. To learn more about Langston University, please visit http://www.langston.edu.
