Page 3 – Langston University

Alexis and Cerita Barnett in their regalia

“Better together:” Mother, daughter graduate rehabilitation counseling master’s program

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

by Ellie Melero, Media Relations Specialist

It’s always a special moment to watch a loved one walk across the stage at graduation, but for the Barnett family, this year’s Langston University commencement ceremony was doubly special.

Mother-Daughter duo Cerita and Alexis Barnett both graduated with their master’s degrees in rehabilitation counseling this May, and their family and friends cheered loudly from near and afar as the two walked across the stage together as proud members of the Class of 2024.

“We laughed a lot, we studied a lot,” Alexis said. “We learned how to work as a team to grow.”

Alexis and Cerita didn’t always plan to go to school together.

A 1992 graduate of Langston University, Cerita wanted to work in a public school system, particularly with at risk students, to help provide guidance to young people as they navigate their next steps in life. After earning her bachelor’s in sociology, she intended to earn a master’s degree in pursuit of this goal. But life had other plans for her.

Cerita Barnett walks up to the stage at graduation — Certia Barnett graduated from Langston University in 1992 with her bachelor’s in sociology. Thirty-two years later, she graduated from LU again with her master’s in rehabilitation counseling.

Cerita got married, found a job and had kids. Her family became her priority, but she never gave up the idea of pursuing her master’s.

“I decided, okay, I’ll wait ‘til [the kids] get a little older so that it would be easier for me to actually do a program and do the homework, read the chapters, everything that was required of me,” Cerita said. “So, I was content working as a substitute teacher so that I can help still teach and guide my own children.”

As a substitute teacher in the Tulsa Public School system, Cerita had the opportunity to work with kids like she wanted, and she also had the flexibility to take an active role in her own children’s lives. That included taking an active role in their education.

In the classroom, she always tried to impress upon students the importance of taking their education seriously, and she did the same at home. She would volunteer in her kids’ classrooms, volunteer with their extracurriculars, help them with homework and do whatever she needed to help them succeed in school. And succeed they have.

Alexis graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a double major in psychology and sociology in 2021. Like her mother, Alexis knew she wanted to pursue a master’s degree.

Alexis Barnett walks across the stage at graduation — After graduating with her bachelor’s from the University of Oklahoma, Alexis Barnett encouraged her mother to pursue their master’s degrees together.

“I know that education can open doors,” Alexis said. “So, I had my mind set on [a master’s degree]. I knew that’s something I wanted to challenge myself to do, and I’m glad I did.”

After Alexis graduated from OU, Cerita began to think it might finally be time to return to school herself. Her family, including Alexis, encouraged her. Alexis and Cerita were both interested in counseling, so they began looking to see what programs were available in the Tulsa area.

Cerita, confident in the quality educational experience she would receive at Langston University thanks to her experience as an undergraduate student, began looking into the rehabilitation counseling program at LU-Tulsa. Alexis followed suit and decided to apply, but Cerita was still hesitant about whether she was ready to return to school yet.

“I was able to encourage her to go ahead and apply after I had applied,” Alexis said. “We were able to apply around the same time, and we both got accepted to the Spring ‘22 cohort.”

Cerita smiled and nodded as she remembered how excited their family was when the two announced their decision to go to school together.

“My family was excited for me because they knew at some point, I wanted to go back to school,” Cerita said. “And they thought it was neat, ‘Mama and Alexis is going to school together!’ And actually, at one point, I was not going to tell anybody just in case I changed my mind. But my husband, Harvel…”

“He started telling people,” Alexis laughed. “He was excited.”

With the support of their family–Harvel, Alexandria, Albany and Arnetta–and friends behind them, Cerita and Alexis began their graduate school journey together.

Cerita and Alexis Barnett pose together in their regalia. — Cerita (left) and Alexis helped and supported each other throughout the two-year rehabilitation counseling program and graduated together in May.

Thanks to the way the two-year rehabilitation counseling program is structured, Cerita and Alexis took all their classes together. While some of their classes reinforced things they had learned in their undergraduate courses, others introduced new concepts and encouraged them to look at things from new perspectives. With a built-in study-buddy, the Mother-Daughter duo tackled all their coursework head on.

After 30 years on the other side of the classroom, Cerita had to adjust to being a student again. Thankfully, Alexis was there to help.

Alexis introduced her mother to some new studying techniques, helped her relearn APA Style–which had experienced a few updates since Cerita had last used it–and helped her navigate the technology they needed to use. In return, Cerita helped Alexis talk through and simplify concepts, helped her manage her time efficiently and always provided encouragement when she needed it.

“Our relationship as students helped to reinforce what we were learning in the class,” Alexis said. “We were able to provide one another with output. And when you put two brains together, then you have a strengthened perspective.”

“It’s like old school with new school,” Cerita agreed.

They helped and supported each other through the whole program, taking turns being each other’s shoulder to lean on when needed. After two years of hard work, they graduated this spring.

With her new degree, Cerita still plans to assist people in the counseling area. Alexis would like to give back and help people. Cerita and Alexis both expressed gratitude to God for this joyous, momentous opportunity.

“We are especially grateful that our mother/grandmother Marilyn is alive and celebrating our accomplishment with us,” Alexis said.

“It felt so special to be hooded,” Cerita said. “Our experience will remain in our hearts. I knew it was going to be a challenge to get back into the regimen of studying while wearing different hats. This was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done in my life, but God helped me through.

“What was rewarding for me was, this is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. And now it’s happening, I’m walking in it. It’s a reality. And whatever challenges came, we were able to work with it. Better together.”

Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson (left) and Arkansas Colleges of Health Education Assistant Provost and Director of DEI Christopher Smith sign an education agreement creating the Early Assurance Program.

Langston University signs agreement with Arkansas Colleges of Health Education to create new program providing pathways to degrees in occupational therapy, physical therapy

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Langston University and Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE) signed an education affiliation agreement on Thursday to establish the Early Assurance Program, which will create two pathways for Langston students to attend ACHE to study occupational therapy and physical therapy.

Through the new program, LU students who meet ACHE’s general and program-specific admission requirements can choose to follow one of two paths into either the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OT) program or the Doctor of Physical Therapy (PT) program. The first pathway will guarantee a student’s placement in their program of choice while the second pathway will allow students to bypass ACHE’s initial screening process and receive a guaranteed interview for their program of choice.

“It’s so important to us that we create opportunities for our students and that when they’re here they are getting the content knowledge, the professional competency, and the personal confidence to go out and be able to evaluate options,” said Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson, President of Langston University. “Our mission is rooted in access and opportunity. We believe that this kind of partnership promotes what we were founded to do.

“The students who are here seem to have a drive that is rooted in purpose, so finding careers where they can improve the lives of other people, make the world a better place, it’s just something that I have found to be synonymous with the Langston experience. If you’re fortunate enough to receive some of our students, you’ll get to see that too.”

LU juniors can apply for the Early Assurance Program through the Office of Academic Affairs. If accepted into the program, students must complete all pre-requisite courses for the OT or PT programs and enroll at ACHE within two years.

Students pursuing the guaranteed placement pathway, in addition to meeting all admissions requirements, must also participate in the ACHE Mentoring and Achievement Preparation Program (MAP). This program, established in 2023 by the ACHE School of Occupational Therapy, School of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences Admissions and the Office of Diversity, is designed to educate, encourage, equip and engage diverse students from underrepresented and underserved populations considering careers in occupational therapy or physical therapy.

Students pursuing the guaranteed interview pathway must meet all ACHE admissions requirements for their given program, which can be found on the ACHE website.

“As Dean of the School of Occupational Therapy at Arkansas College of Health Education, I am thrilled for this relationship between Langston University and Arkansas College of Health Education,” Dr. Jennifer Moore said. “I have come to understand more and more in working with Langston the kind of students they have. The student from Langston has a sense of purpose, and a desire to serve their communities and to serve others, and that’s exactly the kind of student we’re looking for, and it fits our mission.

“To see that these two institutions are now collaborating is just going to be added value on both sides and frankly, I am thrilled to think about the caliber of students that Langston is going to give us in our program because it will only strengthen the School of Occupational Therapy. It will strengthen the profession of Occupational Therapy, and it will be of great value to those they serve.”

A group photo of students with white coats on.

Langston University School of Nursing and Health Professions Holds White Coat Ceremonies

Release Provided By Jet Turner

By Ellie Melero

Students in the Langston University School of Nursing and Health Professions participated in white coat ceremonies at the university’s Tulsa and Langston campuses last week, officially completing an honored rite of passage for medical professionals.

The School of Nursing and Health Professions held two white coat ceremonies, one in Tulsa on Tuesday evening and one in Langston on Thursday evening. The students’ families and friends came from all over Oklahoma, the United States, and even from as far as the Bahamas to attend the ceremonies.

“The white coat ceremony is an important rite of passage for these students,” Dr. Teressa Hunter, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, said during Thursday’s ceremony. “They are entering into a profession––this is not a career, it is a profession––and the goal is, in two years, we will all be back here to celebrate their pinning.”

A group of students wearing white coats. — Students from the Langston University – Langston Campus received their white coats Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.

A white coat ceremony is a rite of passage for students entering medical professions, such as nursing. The School of Nursing and Health Professions holds white coat ceremonies when students begin their clinical studies in their junior year. Students recite an oath to acknowledge medicine’s central obligation of caring for patients and are given their white coats. White coat ceremonies are common practice throughout the United States and in 19 countries.

Thirteen students received their white coats at the LU-Tulsa ceremony on Tuesday, and 25 students received their white coats at the Langston campus ceremony on Thursday.

The School of Nursing and Health Professions offers an accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at the Langston and Tulsa campuses as well as the Ardmore Site. Additionally, the School offers an online RN to BSN program. LU’s nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and the nursing program has been accredited since 1987.

The online RN to BSN program is accepting applications for the fall semester through Sept. 30. The Tulsa and Ardmore sites will accept applications for Spring 2025 admission to the BSN program until Oct. 15. For more information, visit langston.edu.

A photo of Daysha Isaac presenting her research

Biology senior earns scientific merit award at national conference

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

by Ellie Melero, Media Relations Specialist

Biology senior Daysha Isaac won a Scientific Merit Award at the National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE) Conference in Washington D.C. this summer.

The 9th Biennial NISBRE Conference, put on by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) from June 16-19, was a showcase of the accomplishments of the NIGMS’s IDeA program. Undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, junior and senior investigators, and staff from IDeA-supported programs came together to share their research. At the conference’s end, various awards were presented, including merit awards, mentorship awards, and entrepreneurship awards.

“I used to be a student who struggled with education and could barely understand the concept, to now being a student who can properly explain a complex topic to a plethora of people,” Isaac said. “So this award means that no matter what obstacles are thrown my way, I am able to grow past them.”

A native of Arlington, Texas, Isaac has been interested in biology and medicine since she was a child. She was born with an umbilical hernia that had to be removed when she was 8, and her time in the hospital gave her an insight into what a life in medicine was like. Since then, she has worked toward her goal of becoming a doctor, and she aspires to be a pediatrician or a neonatal physician.

Isaac poses with her award — Daysha Isaac won a Scientific Merit Award at the National IDeA Symposium of Biomedical Research Excellence (NISBRE) Conference in Washington D.C. this summer.

Isaac came to Langston University looking for a place where she could thrive with individuals who looked like her and had the same aspirations as her, and she has found a supportive community that has helped her grow as a person and a scholar.

“Being an African American in a field that is not as diverse means I have to work extremely hard to spread my name across the room,” Isaac said. “Therefore, when professors see my talent, it makes me grateful for all my hard work. It excites me when others see my potential and are able to help me network. It motivates me when I am able to expand my name across a plethora of audiences.”

Isaac’s foray into research began when she met Dr. Kj Abraham in his Honors Natural Science Biology-I class. She impressed him with her eagerness to learn, and he has been her faculty mentor for the past two years.

As a faculty mentor, Dr. Abraham introduces students like Isaac to biomedical research and helps prepare them for a career in biomedical sciences. He trains them in research techniques, teaches them fundamentals in research and helps them to build technical skills. They are also prepared to work independently on research projects. They are taught how to review research publications, write research abstracts, and make oral presentations.

Dr. Abraham introduced Isaac to the Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) last year, and he said he is proud to see how much she has grown through her participation in the program.

“She was quick to learn and follows instructions very well,” Dr. Abraham said. “She was committed to her task and adapted very well to undergraduate research. Her growth was evident in the way she successfully completed her research internship at KSU and went on to win a poster prize at the Annual K-INBRE Symposium in January.”

Through K-INBRE, Isaac worked with Dr. Jocelyn McDonald at Kansas State University to do research on stalk cell movement in drosophila. She studied ovarioles in fruit fly ovaries and looked at several functions, including cell formation and the movement of stalk cells, and then marked the differences when mutations were added.

“This information allowed us to apply it to birth defects in infants,” Isaac said. “No way are we trying to cure it but gather more information about cell movement to make a connection. Such birth defects we compared it to were spina bifida and microcephaly.”

A photo of Isaac presenting her research — Isaac presented her research on stalk cell movement in drosophila at the NISBRE Conference.

Isaac presented this research at the K-INBRE Symposium in January, where she won an Award of Excellence in Poster Presentations, and was invited to present again at the NISBRE Conference. This time, she gave an oral presentation in addition to the poster presentation.

Isaac said she was nervous for her oral presentation, but she fought through her nerves to deliver an engaging presentation with energy and excitement. She was proud of her performance, and for good reason.

“After I presented, I was complimented many times,” Isaac said. “I was told by a professor that when I was ready to apply to graduate school to contact him, and another professor said he would want me to consider attending their medical school in Maine. I was told I brought the energy to the room, and I presented my research very well. Even with all the compliments, I still was extremely surprised that I won an award.”

Dr. Abraham said Isaac’s presentation was outstanding and that her confidence and knowledge were evident. He was not as surprised as Isaac that she won the Scientific Merit Award.

“This award shows that students from LU can be the best in the country and have proved that they can be top prize winners provided they are mentored and given opportunities,” Dr. Abraham said. “This also means that LU is on the national map in biomedical research.”

Isaac plans to continue being involved in research during her last year at Dear Langston, and she plans to apply for graduate school after graduation. She eventually plans to go to medical school.

Langston University Graduate Shines in Tribal Health Experiential Internship Seminar

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

by Gary Piercy, Program Manager of the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board

OKLAHOMA CITY–Rasheedah Blackwood, a recent healthcare administration graduate at Langston University, made a significant impact during the eight-week Tribal Health Experiential Internship Seminar (THESIS) program. THESIS, a virtual internship, focuses on promoting Tribal public health and is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office of Minority Health and Health Equity through their Lewis Scholars Program.

As one of seven organizations in the Lewis Scholars Program, THESIS operates under the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board in Oklahoma City. Interns delve into Native American culture, resilience, and various aspects of public health, including epidemiology and research. Their intensive eight-week journey culminates in the creation of research posters, which they present at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

Blackwood’s research topic centered around “Addressing the Impact of Limited Sexual Education in the American Indian/Alaska Native Community.” Reflecting on her THESIS experience, she shared how beneficial the program was for her own personal and professional growth in the healthcare field.

“My experience with THESIS was nothing short of amazing,” Blackwood said. “The lessons forming around Native American culture and its history, proper ways to conduct ourselves as individuals in professional settings, and embedding effective research methods for our various topics over Tribal Health were paramount in my development in public health research. Being able to hear stories of individuals from a Native background felt genuine, personable and inviting into their experience.

“The opportunity to receive professional and academic advice from individuals in the field was beneficial; showing a very substantial interest in the development of our professional careers and end products of our projects for THESIS. The most valuable aspect I experienced from the program was the ability to connect with future Public Healthcare Professionals.

“The drive, support, and compassion placed into every conversation during the program was very inspiring, which kept the program engaging. This allowed me to have a voice along other individuals who shared the same passions in facing public health disparities and creating initiatives in the betterment of all individuals. I will forever cherish the opportunity to participate in the THESIS Program. My experience with the amazing individuals I was able to connect with and the passionate presentations on Tribal Health have left a great mark and I am excited to further carry it into my journey with public health.”

For more information about THESIS and the Lewis Scholars Program, visit https://thesis.spthb.org.

RECAP: President Jackson discussed university funding, enrollment, future at Opening Convocation

Release Provided By Jet Turner

By Ellie Melero and Jet Turner

LANGSTON, Okla. –– Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson announced the university received almost $6 million in additional state appropriation funding for the 2024-25 school year during her State of the University address at the Opening Convocation Ceremony on Thursday.

Two and a half million dollars comes from an increase in the state matched funding for agricultural research and extension.

“This money will be used to fund outreach throughout several counties in Oklahoma, expanding our footprint from 19 counties to 28, bringing educational opportunities and resources to many rural farmers who rely on our services,” Dr. Jackson said.

As a public land-grant institution, Langston University receives federal funding to support cooperative agricultural research and extension through the Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. The state is federally mandated to match this funding dollar for dollar. After steadily increasing its funding match over the past few years, Oklahoma has officially reached a 100% funding match for Langston University for the first time, resulting in $2.5 million in additional funding for agricultural programs compared to last year.

The university also received $3.5 million to address deferred maintenance projects. About $2.5 million of this funding will be used to replace the roof at the LU-Oklahoma City campus. The remainder will be used for smaller projects to update infrastructure and address deferred maintenance issues.

During her address, Dr. Jackson also discussed enrollment, retention, fundraising and her presidential priorities.

Langston University experienced a growth of about 2.8% in full-time enrollment compared to the 2023-24 school year. Some of the largest increases came from freshman and graduate enrollment.

Dr. Jackson also spoke about initiatives to improve student retention, such as the introduction of the Lion Success Academy. The Lion Success Academy is a new program which provides an additional layer of support for participating students to aid them through their freshman year.

“Our faculty and staff are diligently exploring new strategies and best practices to enhance student success and ensure that every student thrives throughout their academic journey,” Dr. Jackson said. “Our focus remains not only in welcoming new students, but in supporting all students through to graduation.”

Dr. Jackson also recognized one of the challenges students often face is how to pay for school. Thanks to increased fundraising efforts, the Langston University Foundation provided over $350,000 in student scholarships during the 2023-24 school year.

These fundraising efforts will continue. The next big fundraising event is the President’s Scholarship Gala in October and the Annual Day of Giving in March.

Dr. Jackson also expanded upon her Presidential Priorities during the State of the University Address. Her priorities, affectionately referred to as the Seven P’s, are people, programs, processes, public relations, partnerships, performance and purpose.

People

People refers to Dear Langston’s students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, donors and its community.

Recently, Langston University lost a beloved member of its community in Assistant Coach and Offensive Coordinator Darryl Mason. A memorial was held for Coach Mason on campus Saturday.

“We see the best of humanity in these moments, and I want to remind each of us that a tragedy does not need to occur for that to happen,” Dr. Jackson said.

Dr. Jackson charged the students to look after and take care of one another, and to look after their own mental well-being by talking to friends, employees or utilizing Langston University’s counseling resources.

Faculty and staff were reminded of their commitment to helping students succeed and retaining them within the institution. The retention of students is closely monitored, and Langston University is continuously evaluating its efforts to find strategic solutions to maximize the success of students.

Dr. Jackson highlighted the student achievements of senior Antwuan Jackson, who recently participated in the Democratic National Convention as an at-large delegate for the State of Oklahoma, and Aniyah Robinson, who earned the prestigious Rohden Fellowship and was named a 2024 White House HBCU Scholar.

This priority also extends to the Town of Langston, and its growing relationship with the university. Recently, Langston University hosted the Oklahoma All-Black Towns State Conference with the Oklahoma Conference of Black Mayors. This event provided an opportunity for community members to exchange ideas and learn more about Oklahoma’s Black Towns.

Programs

Programming refers not only to academics and athletics, but also to the student programming provided by the Division of Student Affairs, the Student Government Association, the Student Activities Board and Residential Life and Housing Services. Langston University offers over 60 registered student organizations, and students are always encouraged to create new ones if they see a gap in offerings.

“At Langston University, we believe in the holistic development of our students,” Dr. Jackson said. “Preparing them to work effectively with colleagues and build relationships that will propel them to future success within their chosen careers.”

Dr. Jackson also applauded the academic programs provided at the university’s six schools. All academic programs undergo regular review, both from internal and external sources, to ensure students are well prepared for successful careers in their fields. Dr. Jackson highlighted two programs which specifically prepare students for high-need careers: the online RN-to-BSN program and the Educator Ramp-Up program.

The online RN-to-BSN program launched last year and allows registered nurses to earn their bachelor of science in nursing in 9 to 12 months. Langston University also offers a traditional nursing program in Langston, Tulsa and Ardmore.

The Educator Ramp-Up program is an accelerated Teacher Education program that allows people with non-educational degrees to become teachers. It is a GEERS funded program.

Lastly, Dr. Jackson talked about the Reach Higher program, which allows adult learners who have earned some college credit but have not earned a degree to go back to school for a bachelor’s in organizational leadership. This program is also funded by GEERS.

Processes

With the enrollment cliff caused by decreased birth rates in the early to mid 2000s approaching, Langston University is looking to stay ahead of the curve and is beginning with its processes.

“We cannot continue to do the same work in the same ways and expect to be successful,” Dr. Jackson said. “The truth is our audience has changed, and the way we do business must also change, both in significant ways.”

A new university-wide committee has been created, charged with reviewing, streamlining and modernizing Dear Langston’s current processes, aptly named the Process Improvement Committee.

Public Relations

The purpose of public relations is to tell the university’s story and amplify the voices of students, faculty, staff and alumni. In pursuit of this goal, the Office of Public Relations launched its “We Roar” campaign last year for which it earned a record 18 awards at the Oklahoma Collegiate Public Relations Association’s annual awards competition.

Dr. Jackson encouraged everyone to share their stories with the Public Relations team to continue to amplify the work and accomplishments of the Langston University family.

“Each of us has a responsibility to protect the brand, share the good things that are happening here at Langston University, and help us continue to elevate the work of our colleagues and students,” Dr. Jackson said.

Partnerships

Langston University is continually working to build and nurture partnerships with people, businesses and other universities.

Dr. Jackson announced a recent effort to partner with the University of Louisville to create pathways for Public Health program graduates in graduate school and other professional opportunities.

Dr. Jackson also spoke about the university’s long-standing relationship with CoBank, which continues to grow stronger. The Langston University CoBank Scholars program, announced in March 2023, created an immersive internship for students at the CoBank Headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Michael Hankins was the first student to complete this internship, and he left a positive impression which has continued to help strengthen Langston’s partnership with CoBank.

“We will continue to build relationships with corporate and community partners in an effort to bring dynamic opportunities to our students and enhance their experience at Langston University,” Dr. Jackson said.

Performance

The newest addition to the Presidential Priorities aims to prioritize performance to measure employee engagement and ensure Langston University is maintaining accountability for that engagement.

“As an organization, we are only as good as the collective,” Dr. Jackson said.

Purpose

Each of these priorities contributes to the overarching purpose of Langston University.

“As one of only nineteen 1890 Land-Grant institutions in the country, our mission of educating students and the community through cooperative extension, research, and engagement remains a constant theme of our work,” Dr. Jackson said. “The people, programs, processes, public relations, partnerships, and performance we strive to achieve through these priorities all support the purpose, which is our students and their success.”

Dr. Jackson concluded her State of the University address by challenging each member of the campus community to continue working to make Langston University better for students and the future.

“Let’s keep the state of our university strong,” Dr. Jackson said.

A group photo with Delisa Carter and Gerald Martin

Langston University students gain experience at national HBCU Business Deans Roundtable Summit

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

by the Langston University School of Business

Two students from the Langston University School of Business were chosen to participate in the 21st Annual National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable Summit in Princeton, New Jersey, this past June.

Delisha Carter and Gerald Martin received an all-expenses-paid trip, sponsored by the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable, to attend the Summit. The Summit brought together 45 HBCUs, 42 deans, 90 students, and sponsors, speakers and special guests representing 23 organizations.

“I was pleased and thrilled to be chosen to represent Langston University at the National HBCU Deans and Student Summit,” said Carter, a senior business major. “It was a remarkable, instructive and uplifting experience. Being surrounded by peers and like-minded students who strive for success was truly inspiring.”

The National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable is an organization that provides “a forum for deans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) business schools to address opportunities and challenges associated with enhancing business programs and initiatives,” according to their website. The Summit brings these deans together annually, along with representatives from the business community, to collaborate on strategies for enhancing their students’ educational and professional experiences.

The three-day Summit offered networking opportunities and educational presentations on topics like artificial intelligence, experiential learning and international partnerships. Companies like Deloitte and KPMG presented to both in-person and virtual audiences.

Martin called the Summit a transformative experience.

“This was an experience I’ll never forget,” Martin said. “From the booking agents and travel support team to the wonderful people who organized the event, they showed great hospitality and respect, which made me feel safe and well taken care of.

“This being my first trip representing Langston, it opened so many doors for me. I networked with great students and business professionals who provided valuable tips and information. I represented my Langston University Lions well, and the connections I made will not be forgotten.”

The event also featured a Student Summit, which allowed participants to explore professional development, connect with HBCU alumni, receive entrepreneurial tips, and get a glimpse into the future of the workforce.

Both Carter and Martin agreed the experience was a learning opportunity and a platform for them to broaden their horizons and make connections with other business-minded students.

“I was able to engage and network with business students on an academic, personal, and professional level,” Carter said. “Those relationships and memories will be with me for the rest of my life.”

Sherman Lewis Elected Chair of Langston University Board of Trustees for Urban Campuses

Release Provided By Jet Turner

By Jet Turner

Langston University alumnus Sherman Lewis was elected as Chair of the Langston University Board of Trustees for Urban Campuses during its meeting Friday, Aug. 2, 2024.

Lewis was unanimously elected to the position by a vote of 6-0, with two members of the board absent.

“It was very humbling for me to be elected by the members of the Langston University Board of Trustees to be chairman,” Lewis said. “It speaks to the desire for the board to be more active and productive in providing advice and counsel to the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents and the President of Langston University for the future of the institution and its primary function of providing a premier education for its students.

“Together, we will be successful in working toward the betterment of Langston University.”

Lewis has proven himself a stalwart supporter of Langston University throughout the years. Lewis was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2013 and is the most prolific individual donor in Dear Langston’s history.

In 2022 and for the first time in institutional history, an academic school at Langston University was named in honor of Lewis, establishing the Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.

The Langston University Board of Trustees for the Urban Campuses serves in an advisory capacity to the president, providing insight and guidance concerning its Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses. At the meeting, administrative representatives of Langston University presented reports from their respective areas, including the site administrators from both urban campuses.

Members of the Board of Trustees — Langston University Board of Trustee members during its Aug. 2 meeting.

According to Lewis, the Board of Trustees plans to work closely with the administration on topics such as buildings and facilities, faculty and staff recruitment, and long-range planning.

“Our goal is to make LU a premier HBCU here in Oklahoma and beyond,” Lewis said.

Additionally, Gayle Maxwell and Avilla Williams will remain as the board’s Vice Chair and Secretary, respectively.

Trustees Rita Combs, Dr. Claud Evans, Colonel Stan Evans, Melvin Latham and Darrell Strong were present during Friday’s meeting held at Langston University – Tulsa.

“I’ve come full circle”: Director of Financial Aid Sheila McGill retires

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

by Ellie Melero, Media Relations Specialist

When Sheila McGill agreed to come out of retirement and return to work at her alma mater, she only intended to stay for four months. Thirteen years later, she officially retired… again.

McGill served as the Director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Langston University from 2011-2024, and after delaying her retirement one last time in March, her last day as a university employee was June 27.

“I believe God led me back here,” McGill said. “That was my assignment, but I think my assignment is complete and I feel good. I hope that if I made an imprint, I hope it’s a positive one that, you know, that my heart showed through all the things that we did.”

McGill began her career in financial aid as a student at Dear Langston. Like many, she participated in the Federal Work Study Program to help pay for expenses while in school. She worked in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships on the third floor of Page Hall while she studied criminal justice.

During her time as a student, Dear Langston quickly became a special place to McGill and she was in no hurry to leave. An active member of the campus community, McGill was crowned Miss Langston University in the Fall of 1978. She even participated in the 1978 sit-in protests at the Oklahoma Capitol to save the university when state legislators considered closing the school down.

A photo of Langston University students participating in a sit-in at the Oklahoma State Capitol on March 1, 1978. — Sheila McGill (back row, 3rd from the left) participated in a sit-in at the state Capitol on March 1, 1978. Students were demonstrating to gain more state funding for Langston University. Photo courtesy of The Oklahoman.

When she graduated in December 1978 and the Office of Financial Aid asked her to stay on as a receptionist for the spring semester, she gladly accepted. When a position opened for a financial aid counselor that summer, she decided to apply.

From 1979-84, McGill worked as a financial aid counselor. It wasn’t what she had ever pictured herself doing, but she enjoyed the work, she enjoyed helping students, and she felt she had found her calling.

“I tell students, ‘Do not knock federal work study,’” McGill said. “It can give you some valuable work experience, as well as help you pay your bill.”

As time went on, McGill knew she was ready to grow in her career, even if that meant leaving Dear Langston. Eventually, the position of assistant director of financial aid at Central State College opened. McGill applied, and Central State hired her.

She spent the next two years at Central State, now known as the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), before accepting the position of director of financial aid at Cameron University. Three years later, the director position at UCO opened and a mentor encouraged her to apply.

McGill returned to UCO in 1989 and worked as their director of financial aid for 20 years before retiring at 50.

“When I retired, my plan was to be done with financial aid,” McGill said. “Financial aid was going through some major changes during that time, and I thought, ‘This is a good time to get out’ and I did so.”

Although retired, McGill wasn’t ready to stop working just yet. She worked as a census worker for two years, and she enjoyed getting to know her state better. She had no intentions of returning to work in higher education, but life had other plans for her.

In 2011, a friend asked McGill to be the temporary director of financial aid at Langston University. McGill couldn’t say no.

“One of the things that made me say yes to Langston was being able to come back to where I started,” McGill said. “This is where I started my career, and the opportunity to come back and give back to the place that got me started, that’s one of the things that I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to do.”

A group photo of the members of the Financial Aid Office at the 2023 President's Scholarship Gala — McGill (center) poses with the members of the Financial Aid office at the 18th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala in 2023.

That temporary position became a full-time position, and McGill was Dear Langston’s financial aid guru for 13 years. During that time, she impacted a lot of people, especially students.

Nacasaw Coppage, the assistant director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, said it was well known that if a student came in to ask McGill a financial aid question, they would often walk away with a life lesson, too.

“Her impact is her wealth of knowledge,” Coppage said. “If you are a student, you may come in with this one issue, but she explains it and she produces the knowledge where she surrounds it. So when you walk out of her door, you’re positive of the fact of, ‘OK, I can begin this process now. I know what I’m trying to get to, and I’m going to get to that.’”

Her wisdom and encouragement were not reserved just for students.

Coppage said McGill was a well-rounded leader, asking her team members hard questions and pushing them to get out of their comfort zones and grow. Coppage herself is a testament to the quality of McGill’s mentorship.

Coppage worked under McGill for 10 years, starting as a financial aid counselor and, with McGill’s guidance, working her way up to assistant director. But Coppage isn’t the only one who has benefited from McGill’s leadership.

Coppage’s role as assistant director has taken her out of the office for conferences and other professional development opportunities several times, and she has met many people on these trips who know McGill and can attest to the valuable lessons she’s taught them.

“That’s kind of amazing to me,” Coppage said. “Even though you’ve only been at Langston, UCO and Cameron, your touch is widespread. It is more than just those institutions. You’ve touched people that went on and became directors for other institutions. It’s really amazing to see.”

Over the past 13 years, McGill has helped shape the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships into the well-oiled machine it is today. While sad to see McGill go, Coppage said thanks to McGill’s leadership throughout the years, she knows the Office will continue to provide students with high-quality financial aid service.

McGill said though she won’t be on campus as regularly, she hasn’t gone too far. Her granddaughter is a freshman at Dear Langston this fall, and McGill plans to come back to support her and continue to support her alma mater.

“I want to leave with a huge, ‘Thank you!’” McGill said. “Thank you, Langston, for the opportunity to jumpstart my career. This was not my plan, to go into financial aid and for financial aid become a career. That was God’s plan.

“But to circle around and bring me back to Langston, I believe that was part of His plan as well.”

A group photo from Sheila McGill's retirement party — McGill (center) poses with past and current members of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships during her retirement reception.

Broadcast journalism senior named 2024 White House HBCU Scholar

Release Provided By Ellie Melero

Langston University broadcast journalism senior Aniyah Robinson has been named a 2024 White House HBCU Scholar, the ninth LU student to receive this honor in the program’s 10-year history.

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities announced its 2024 HBCU Scholars on Wednesday, and Robinson was among the 110 undergraduate, graduate and professional students to receive the honor. This year’s cohort was chosen from a competitive pool of over 350 applicants.

“We are very proud of Ms. Robinson for being selected as a 2024 Whitehouse HBCU Scholar!” said Dr. Alonzo Peterson, the Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Her outstanding achievements and dedication have earned her this prestigious honor. The Langston University family is proud of her, and we look forward to seeing her continued success and contributions in the future. Well done!”

Since 2014, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities has recognized exceptional HBCU students who have excelled in academic achievement, civic and campus engagement and entrepreneurial ethos.

Over the past three years, Robinson has been heavily involved in the LU Gazette, LU’s student newspaper; LU Athletics as an intern; and the LU chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, which Robinson helped restart. She is also a 2024 Rhoden Fellow.

“I have been given an amazing opportunity to represent Langston on a national level and showcase the greatness that Langston produces,” Robinson said. “As a black journalist, I understand the responsibility of amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in a media landscape that often lacks representation. Personally, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support from Langston University’s Communications Department. Knowing the responsibility that I have as a journalist to advocate for the needs of our community is the reason I applied for the program.”

HBCU Scholars serve as ambassadors for the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the U.S. Department of Education and their respective academic institutions for the academic year. As an HBCU scholar, Robinson will ensure information, resources and opportunities from the Initiative are distributed to LU’s three campuses.

She will also receive professional development opportunities throughout the year, such as monthly masterclasses hosted by the Initiative and an opportunity to participate in NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition. Robinson will also attend the 2024 HBCU Week National Conference from Sept. 15-19 in Philadelphia.

“Overall, this program is a great way to network with industry professionals and other talented HBCU students,” Robinson said. “With the upcoming election, I hope to utilize my platform to encourage students to utilize their voice by voting. Additionally, as a White House Scholar, I aspire to bring greater recognition to Langston University and exemplify the true meaning of ‘From Langston to the World.’”