OKLAHOMA CITY – Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University (LU), announced today the appointment of former WNBA player Elaine Powell as the new head coach for the women’s basketball team.
“We are excited about Coach Powell joining the Langston University Athletics Department as she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. She has inherited a program with a longstanding history of excellence and we know from her track record, she will ensure that our legacy is preserved,” said Dr. Smith.
Coach Powell joins LU Athletics having previously served as an assistant coach for women’s basketball programs at Alabama A&M, Ohio University and Grambling State University. She spent nearly a decade playing in the WNBA, where she earned numerous awards and honors. Under former coach and Detroit Pistons player Bill Laimbeer, she was a three-time WNBA champion with the Detroit Shock. Prior to her professional basketball career, she was a student-athlete at Louisiana State University (LSU) where she was a Kodak All-American and finished her career as LSU’s 11th all-time leading scorer with 1,163 points. She was the first player in LSU history to be drafted into the WNBA.
“Elaine Powell is a proven leader whose dedication and commitment to excellence has shown in her work while coaching at numerous NCAA Division 1 programs for more than 8 years. Prior to her collegiate coaching career, she was a student athlete at LSU, so she comes from a championship pedigree, which is what we strive for here at Langston University. She has served those institutions admirably, investing a great deal in the student athletes. We look forward to her bringing that same enthusiasm, devotion and student centric approach to our program,” said Donnita Drain Rogers, Athletic Director for Langston University.
Coach Powell succeeds Cheryl Miller, who had a record of 49-12 and two NAIA Tournament appearances during her two-year stint.
The Lady Lions finished the 2014-15 season with a 29-4 record, and won the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament Championship over Our Lady of the Lake. The Lady Lions finished the 2015-16 season with a final record of 20-8 and received a third straight bid to the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship tournament in Independence, Missouri. Langston received three selections to the Red River All-Conference team; and two students were named to the NAIA Women’s Basketball All-America honorable mention team for their efforts.
“Cheryl Miller has been a tremendous asset to the University’s sports program and we appreciate all of her efforts to strengthen our women’s basketball team. She was a role model both on and off of the court to the players and entire University community. We wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Dr. Smith.
Langston University is a public historically black college enrolling a close-knit community of under 4,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County just 10 miles east of Guthrie and 42 miles from Oklahoma City. Langston offers over 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. To learn more, please visit the Langston University website at http://www.langston.edu.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Five outstanding women leaders will be honored at Langston University’s annual Women in Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, April 21, 2016. The following leaders will be recognized for their remarkable achievements in their various professions: Robyn Sunday Allen, RN, MPH, Chief Executive Officer for the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic; Governor Mary Fallin, Oklahoma’s first female governor; Jenny Love Meyer, Vice President of Communications for Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores; The Honorable Vicki Miles LaGrange, first African American to serve as United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma and Avilla T. Williams, President of INTEGRIS Health Edmond.
In addition to recognizing outstanding women leaders, the event also serves to obtain financial resources and support for the University’s Young Women’s Empowerment Institute (YWEI). The luncheon will offer local leaders the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the YWEI mentoring program and a chance to hear how lives have been changed through participation.
Cheryl Miller, head coach for the Langston University Women’s Basketball team and legendary WNBA star will be the keynote speaker. She will share her experiences as a leader in the world of sports and her role as a mentor every day. The luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Langston University-Oklahoma City campus located at 4205 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For more information, please contact Dana Hope Chism, Director of Development, at dhchism@langston.edu or at (405) 466-6024.
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 is 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 an effort to create a mentoring program that addresses the need to empower young college women to successfully manage the collegiate landscape and graduate ready to engage the global community.
About Langston University
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.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University is proud to announce the head coach of the women’s basketball team, Cheryl Miller, was included among the 30 most influential women in college sports. In February, the Sports Management Degree Guide ranked Miller No. 10 among other legendary coaches including Pat Summitt, Tara VanDerveer, and Muffet McGraw. The ranking was created to recognize prominent female athletes who helped pave the way for women to participate and excel in intercollegiate sports.
Cheryl Miller joined the Langston Lady Lions in 2014 after a celebrated athletic career. As a four-time All-American, she was recruited as a forward to the University of Southern California. Miller scored a history-making 3,018 career points and claimed 1,534 rebounds. She led the Trojans to an impressive 112-20 record and was named MVP in two NCAA championships. Cheryl Miller won the Naismith Award, Broderick Award, and the 1984 Olympic gold medal. She also served as a sideline reporter for Thursday night NBA coverage on TNT.
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer has coached the Langston women’s basketball squad to victory. In her first year, the Lady Lions defeated Our Lady of the Lake for the 2015 Red River Athletic Conference tournament title. This year’s team ended the season with a winning 20-8 record. “Langston University is honored to have such a distinguished coach,” said Langston University President, Dr. Kent J. Smith Jr. “Cheryl Miller has excelled in training our women’s basketball team for success on and off the court. She brings intelligence, discipline, experience, and enthusiasm to our sidelines.”
Langston University is a small, public historically black college enrolling a close-knit community of under 4,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County just 10 miles east of Guthrie and 42 miles from Oklahoma City. Langston offers over 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Student-athletes compete for the Lions in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division. Along with basketball, Langston’s varsity sports include cross-country, football, cheerleading, softball, volleyball, and track and field.
Sports Management Degree Guide offers free, online resources for undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying sports business. The website helps guide readers to building successful careers in the in-demand athletics industry. Students can find mini courses, info graphics, articles, blogs, and FAQs to answer questions about obtaining a quality education in sports management. Read the full article titled “30 Most Influential Women in College Sports” at: http://www.sports-management-degrees.com/30-most-influential-women-in-college-sports/.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Langston University Oklahoma City campus (LU-OKC) participates in the Reach Higher degree completion program. Reach Higher is Oklahoma’s flexible and affordable program that is designed for working adults looking to complete a bachelor’s degree.
LU-OKC offers a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership through an accelerated program. The curriculum consists of skills and theories regarding organizational behavior, ethics, interpersonal skills, management, finance and communication skills.
“This degree prepares students for success in government, nonprofit, corporate and industrial careers. It has been designed to provide the skills needed in Oklahoma’s workforce and will continue to build leaders to drive our economy,” said Alice Strong Simmons, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at Langston University.
Students must have previously earned at least 72 college credit hours from another college and must have also completed general education requirements. It is free to apply and does not require an application fee. The Reach Higher bachelor’s program provides on-campus and online class options, eight-week classes and five enrollment periods per year. The second session for the 2016 spring semester begins March 11, 2016. To learn more about the program and requirements, please visit http://www.langston.edu/okc/adult-students/reach-higher.
Contact LU-OKC today to make an appointment with an advisor to review your college transcripts and determine which course of study is right for you. To arrange a personal visit, please call T’Nisha Law at (405) 530-7500. LU-OKC is located in Oklahoma City at 4205 N. Lincoln Boulevard.
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.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University will host the annual 119th Founders Day Program on Thursday, March 10, 2016. The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the I.W. Young Auditorium. Celebrating 119 years of rich tradition and the development of young leaders, Founders Day observes the vision that led to the establishment of Langston University in 1897. State Representative Mike Shelton will be the keynote speaker for the program.
Shelton is a native of Oklahoma City and a Langston University alumnus. While studying under a former state representative, Shelton became interested in politics. Shelton mentored and worked with several organizations including the Langston University – Oklahoma City campus. As the Community Outreach coordinator for Langston University – Oklahoma City, he launched the first adult scholarship program for the campus. In 2004, Shelton was elected to Oklahoma House District 97 and currently serves as the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader. He is currently the highest-ranking African-American in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives. He previously served as Assistant Minority Floor Leader. Shelton graduated from Langston University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. His professional experience includes working as the district executive director for the Boy Scouts of America; director of community relations for Langston University; and director of community relations for Oklahoma County.
After the program, Langston University student leaders will take part in a ceremonial march to the gravesite of Langston University’s first president, Dr. Inman Page. The event is free and open to the public.
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.
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.
