Langston University

By Jet Turner

TULSA, Okla. – Langston University held a dedication ceremony for the naming of the Jack Henderson Allied Health Building at the Langston University – Tulsa Campus Aug. 2, 2024, in honor of former Tulsa City Councilman for District 1, Jack Henderson

Jack Henderson served on the Tulsa City Council from 2004-2016 and, as an alumnus of Langston University, is a staunch ally for Langston University and its extension opportunities in Tulsa. 

The original proposal for the Jack Henderson Allied Health Building was submitted in 2015. The expansion was funded through Vision Tulsa. Henderson assisted Langston University in learning about the opportunity and securing the economic development project.

“I don’t do things for people to name buildings after me,” Henderson said. “I was trying to help Langston because Langston deserves it, and the community deserves to have Langston at the highest level it can go.”  

Members of the Langston University Board of Trustees for Urban Campuses were in attendance during the dedication, in addition to Langston University faculty, staff, and community members. 

The Jack Henderson Allied Health Building held its grand opening in March 2023. The state-of-the-art facility includes simulation labs with mannikins powered by artificial intelligence, spacious classrooms, a lecture hall, conference and meeting rooms, and department and administrative office spaces. About 80 students enrolled in nursing and healthcare related programs get to utilize and learn in this facility. 

This project began because of the leadership at LU – Tulsa and the Associate Vice President of the campus at the time, Dr. Bruce McGowan. His work, along with former President Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., brought this dream to life.  

Former Executive Director for LU – Tulsa Dr. Dytisha Davis oversaw the development of the Jack Henderson Allied Health Building from the groundbreaking until the lights turned on for the very first time. 

“After the pandemic, you really see the significant role health care plays in our way of life,” Dr. Davis said. “Our nursing students are in the best position to have what they need to prepare them for the field. I really love that building because it has everything we need to prepare our students for the future and to be the best in the state.” 

Henderson helped keep Langston University involved in and aware of opportunities for expansion and extension through his role as a Tulsa City Councilman.

Langston University President Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson said Henderson’s advocacy on behalf of his alma mater is inspiring, and every alumni and friend of Langston University can assist not just through their monetary donations, but sometimes even more so through their advocacy and relationships.

“You don’t always get to sit under the shade of the trees you plant,” President Jackson said. “But Mr. Henderson, a two-time alumnus of Langston University, gets to see the fruits of his influence each time he drives past this building for years to come.” 

In addition to achieving its goals of enhancing access to education in Tulsa, meeting the needs of the healthcare workforce and reducing health disparities in North Tulsa, the Jack Henderson Allied Health Building is significant because of what it represents for a Historically Black College or University in the Greenwood District in North Tulsa. 

Executive Director of LU-Tulsa and Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs Dr. Sherri Smith-Keys said that this project being funded through Vision Tulsa speaks to the City of Tulsa’s commitment to Langston University.  

“Langston University is a staple within North Tulsa and the Greenwood District,” Dr. Smith-Keys said. “This place being here allows the community to say, ‘this is my building as well.’”