Category: Press Release

LU PARTNERS WITH UCSO TO OFFER NURSING PROGRAM IN ARDMORE

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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

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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

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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 Gordon

MARK G. GORDON NAMED DIRECTOR OF BANDS FOR LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

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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.

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.

2018 LANGSTON UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION ACADEMY

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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 (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.

Women in Leadership Luncheon 2018 flyer

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY WILL HONOR SIX OUTSTANDING WOMEN

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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.

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.

Carlos Robinson

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY APPOINTS A NEW DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, RECRUITMENT AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Carlos Robinson has been appointed as Langston University’s new Director of Admissions, Recruitment and Outreach Programs, effective February 26, 2018.

Mr. Robinson previously served as the Assistant Director of Recruitment at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) and brings with him more than 14 years of higher education experience. He has a strong background in recruitment and outreach.

In his former position, Mr. Robinson was instrumental in the development of OCCC’s initial strategic recruitment plan for the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, which successfully increased the institution’s enrollment and targeted rural student outreach. Currently, Mr. Robinson is heavily involved in the Oklahoma City community by serving on the board of directors for local non-profits and providing mentorship for at-risk youth.

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.

HIP-HOP PIONEER MC LYTE HEADLINES LANGSTON UNIVERSITY’S AWARDS BANQUET

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. –The Langston University community and guests from across Oklahoma gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the MLK Celebration Dinner on January 29, 2018. The night was marked by the powerful keynote presented by world-renowned hip-hop artist, Lana Michelle Moorer, more commonly known as MC Lyte. “Time to get them positive thoughts, up into action, up into action,” Moorer rapped during her keynote speech opener. Her speech challenged the students to live purposefully through growth and leadership. She reflected back and stated that even as a child she knew she wanted to use her influence to inspire others – and on Monday night she did just that.

She advised to never to stop learning and ‘surround yourself with people who believe in you and encourage you to grow.’ She expressed how important it is for young men to become leaders. “A strong man stands up for himself, but a stronger man stands up for others.”

She brought the community to their feet after her thought-provoking speech that themed around the importance of choosing your words wisely and think positively. She charged those in attendance to “use your voice to encourage.” She stressed that “your thoughts become your words, which will always become your reality.”

Moni Otubaga and Eugene Buckman, Jr., were the student hosts for the evening. Students prepared various tribute performances presented throughout the evening, in celebration of a man who forever changed the course of history. The program opened with a powerful performance of the immortal spoken word of Dr. King presented by Langston University student, Berthaddius Bailey. After which a member of the Langston University choir, RonRico Brown performed a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

This gathering also recognizes faculty and staff who have contributed to the community selflessly. The recipients of the 2018 MLK Spirit Award were Dr. Sonia Brown, Mr. Pritchard Moncriffe, and Ms. Chellsy Carter.

Langston University (LU) is a public historically black college 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 just 10 miles east of Guthrie and 42 miles from Oklahoma City. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu

LU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS DEAN TO INTERVIEW FACEBOOK EXECUTIVE TODAY AT THE HOMELAND SECURITY LAW INSTITUTE CONFERENCE

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Media Contact: Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist, (405) 466-6008, cgray@langston.edu

Today at the American Bar Association’s 12th Annual Homeland Security Law Institute Conference in Washington, D.C., Dean Joshua Snavely of the Langston University School of Business will interview Facebook senior executive, Monika Bickert, in a dialogue titled Security vs. Security – A Conversation with Facebook. Ms. Bickert is the Head of Product Policy & Counterterrorism at Facebook, and since 2012 she has served as lead security council, advising the company on matters including child safety and data security.

Dean Snavely and Ms. Bickert will examine industry efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism, as well as Facebook’s relationship and partnership with government and law enforcement. Given recent news and events, they will also discuss the policies for the types of content that can be shared on Facebook and how advertisers and developers can interact with the site. The interview will be covered by C-SPAN and other national media outlets.

Dean Snavely co-chairs the National Homeland Security Law Institute with former Department of Homeland Security general counsels Joe Whitley and Steve Bunnell. The Institute is an annual look at the state of security from infrastructure to immigration, cybersecurity to oversight, as well as the roles of the various federal and state agencies that work for our safety while preserving our constitutional values. This year’s program focuses on cybersecurity and the global relationships necessary to facilitate security, privacy, and commerce around the world.

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’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY SELECTED AS THE TOM JOYNER FOUNDATION OCTOBER SCHOOL OF THE MONTH

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Media Contact: Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist, (405) 466-6008, cgray@langston.edu

Langston University was recently selected as the Tom Joyner Foundation’s October School of the Month. As the School of the Month, the Tom Joyner Foundation (TJF) will assist Langston University to raise funds in October. TJF will solicit gifts from alumni, alumni chapters and others to support the University and 100 percent of funds raised go directly to Langston University. They will also continue their efforts and help raise funds for the University for the remainder of the year.

During October, four outstanding Langston University male students will be selected to receive the $1,500 Hercules Scholarship. To qualify, students must be a full-time student, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, demonstrate leadership skills and performed community service.

“We are extremely pleased to be selected as their October School of the Month,” said Mautra Staley Jones, Langston University’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. “The Tom Joyner Foundation is a proud supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the School of the Month program was designed to raise critical dollars to support HBCUs such as Langston University.”

“This is an excellent opportunity to share Langston University’s storied history on a national platform,” said Jones.

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, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. To learn more, visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.

Give online today at http://www.langston.edu/gift-giving.