Category: Press Release

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY RECEIVES $12K IN GRANTS FOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

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by Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University School of Education & Behavioral Sciences has received a $3,000 grant from the NASA Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NASA Oklahoma EPSCoR) and a $9,000 grant from the Oklahoma Teacher Connection.

The NASA Oklahoma EPSCoR grant provides funding for a travel grant to develop STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) education in collaboration with the NASA Ames Research Center. The goal is to gain hands-on knowledge of Astrobiology. Langston University School of Education and Behavioral Sciences pre-service teachers will partner with AMES Research Center scientists to implement a space science curriculum.

“I will have the opportunity to travel with two STEM majors to AMES Research Center,” said Randy Hunt, Ph. D., Professor of the School of Education & Behavioral Sciences.

“The research information gained from the NASA Ames Pre-Service teacher trip will be used to develop space science lesson plans and curriculum for classroom teachers. The students will present their field trip information to the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences and School of Arts and Sciences to faculty and students once returned.”

“Oklahoma Teacher Connection Grant will directly impact the Langston University’s Tulsa campus,” said Ruth R. Jackson, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. “Oklahoma Teacher Connection partners with Langston University to reduce obstacles for paraprofessionals’ education and provided advancement into teaching in the Tulsa Public Schools.”

The program will provide current paraprofessionals and teachers’ assistants in Tulsa Public Schools with year-long small group seminars and individualized tutoring sessions embedded in college preparation experiences focused on academic policies, advising, financial planning, test-taking skills, time management, technological skills, and the Oklahoma Career Development Program for Paraprofessionals to promote recruitment and placement of minority populations in the teaching profession.

Grants were awarded to the following individuals:
Project Director: Randy Hunt, Ph. D.; The School of Education & Behavioral Sciences
Project Director: Lisa Weis, Ph. D.; The School of Education & Behavioral Sciences

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. For more information on the School of Education & Behavioral Sciences at Langston University, visit https://langston.edu/academics/school/education-and-behavioral-sciences/.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY PREPARES FOR HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

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By Kaylie Wehr, Digital Marketing Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla.—Langston University homecoming, Forever A Memorable Experience, will kick off with Rep. Mike Shelton as the grand marshal. Homecoming is Oct. 13-18, 2014, with Shelton leading the annual parade and kicking off festivities on Saturday.

“We are pleased to have representative Shelton as our homecoming grand marshal,” said Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University. “He embodies the quality of leadership that we strive to teach at Langston. Shelton has dedicated his life to serving others and has always been a great supporter of Langston University.”

Shelton is a native of Oklahoma City and a Langston University alumnus. It was by studying under a former state representative that Shelton became interested in politics. Shelton mentored and worked with several organizations, including Langston University’s 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 District 97 and currently serves as the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader.

Homecoming is an anticipated tradition at Langston University. Events are scheduled every day during the week of homecoming, such as the annual Gospel Fest, President’s Scholarship Gala, Greek Step Party and coronation of Mr. and Miss. Langston University. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on October 18, while the football game begins at 2 p.m. against Wayland Baptist University.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, OK. Langston offers over 38 degree programs, including 5 masters degrees and one doctoral program. For more information on Langston University homecoming and to purchase tickets, visit www.langston.edu/homecoming.

LANGSTON GRADUATE HEADS BACK TO ROOTS AS THE NEW DIRECTOR OF BANDS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

Langston University recently named in-demand performer and alumni Lonnie Easter as the new Director of Bands. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the field of music and stays ahead of the curve by choosing songs from the Billboard Top 25 list.

Easter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Langston University, where he graduated magna cum laude from the Edwin P. McCabe Honors Program. He also earned a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Easter recently served as the Director of Bands for Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, restoring a once proud program. The Douglass High School marching band is now known for its outstanding performances at halftime events and performances at the OKC Arts Festival. He served as the Director of Bands for nine years at Millwood Public Schools in Oklahoma City. The most memorable performance was for the Battle of the Bands in 2006. It was Easter’s creative approach that caused News 9 to feature Millwood as its ‘band of the week’ for their winning performance that had the crowd dancing in the stands.

Easter is best known for crafting contemporary and upbeat performances and is now continuing that tradition as he prepares the Langston band for its upcoming performances this fall.