Rashedah Blackswood headshot

Langston University Graduate Shines in Tribal Health Experiential Internship Seminar

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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

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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

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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

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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.

headshot of sheila mcgill

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

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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.
Aniyah Robinson professional headshot

Broadcast journalism senior named 2024 White House HBCU Scholar

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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.’”

Remote classes for select courses week of Aug. 5-9

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Dear Langston University Students,

We hope you are excited to start the new academic year. Please be advised that during the first week of classes, from August 5-9, 2024, the following Langston Campus courses will meet remotely:

  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Corrections
  • Government
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Teacher Education

Students enrolled in these classes will receive instructions and links from their professors on their CANVAS detailing how to join the remote sessions.

All other Langston Campus courses will meet in person in their regularly scheduled classrooms.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. We look forward to a great semester!

Sincerely,

Alonzo Peterson, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs

Langston University Holds Naming Dedication Ceremony for Jack Henderson Allied Health Building in Tulsa

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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.

Jack Henderson and President Ruth Ray Jackson hold a trophy.
Former Tulsa City Councilman Jack Henderson was honored on Aug. 2, 2024.

“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.

President Ruth Ray Jackson holding a microphone, speaking.
President Ruth Ray Jackson speaks during the naming dedication ceremony for the Jack Henderson Allied Health Building at LU – Tulsa.

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.’” 

The 2024 OCPRA Awards trophies earned by the Langston University Office of Public Relations

Langston University cleans up at annual OCPRA conference

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Langston University’s Public Relations team walked away with 18 awards at the annual Oklahoma Collegiate Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Awards Ceremony on July 15, including five Grand awards. It was the most awards won by a single institution.

This year’s awards competition received a record total 662 submissions across 37 categories from 31 departments/divisions at 24 institutions, making it the most competitive OCPRA awards competition to date. The competition included teams from Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Central Oklahoma and more.

Langston University’s 18 awards are the most awards the university has won in a single year at OCPRA. Senior Graphic Designer Brandon Clemoens earned nine of the awards.

“It’s crazy to think about, but I remember a time when I would go to this conference and I wouldn’t even leave with an honorable mention,” said Clemoens, the longest-serving member of the team.

This year’s awards haul is reflective of the hard work done by LU’s Public Relations team to roll out the university’s “We Roar” campaign, which launched in October. Aspects of the campaign have included commercials, podcasts, video series, and traditional and digital advertising.

Langston University won awards in graphic design, photography, videography, social media, writing and web design categories. The team won five Grand (1st place) awards, five Excellence (2nd place) awards, five Achievement (3rd place) awards, and three Honorable Mentions. 

Grand Awards
We Roar campaign components
The “We Roar” Campaign won first place in the General Campaign category at the 2024 OCPRA Awards Banquet. Components of the campaign included commercials, podcasts, video series, and traditional and digital advertising.

Campaign (General) – “We Roar” by the Langston University Office of Public Relations

Video Featurette – “We Roar” Commercials by the Langston University Office of Public Relations and 1577 Productions

Holiday Greeting – Black History Month by Brandon Clemoens

Poster Design (Sports) – Another Historic Lions Basketball Season by Brandon Clemoens

Social Media Campaign – “We Roar” Student Video Campaign by Ellie Melero

Excellence Awards
photos of student athletes roaring
Brandon Clemoens “Fear the Roar” Sports Photos won second place in the Series Photography category at the 2024 OCPRA Awards Banquet.

Cover Design – “Fear the Roar” Homecoming Fan Guide by Brandon Clemoens

Stationary & Business Cards – Langston University’s 17th President’s Stationary by Brandon Clemoens

Series Photography – “Fear the Roar” Sports Photos by Brandon Clemoens

Full-Length Feature – Nursing Students Save Man’s Life During Spring Break by Ellie Melero and Jet Turner

Full-Length Feature (Human Interest) – Reece Wright: The Little Lion Who Became the Heart of Lions Basketball by Jet Turner

Achievement Awards

Viewbook – 2024 “We Roar” Viewbook by Brandon Clemoens

Photos of Miss Langston University pageant participants next to versions of the photo where AI was used to create a curtain in the background
“Curtain Drop” by Brandon Clemoens won third place in AI Innovation at the 2024 OCPRA Awards Banquet.

AI Innovation – “Curtain Drop” AI Miss Langston University Pageant Images by Brandon Clemoens

Bright Idea (Alumni/Fundraising) – We Can’t Do It Without You, Lions by Jet Turner

Events/Promotion – “All In” Langston University Homecoming by the Langston University Office of Public Relations

Web Design – Langston University Website by the Langston University Office of Public Relations and the Design Group

Honorable Mentions
Cubism style instruments promoting the 2024 Spring Concert
Brandon Clemoens earned an Honorable Mention for his 2024 Spring Concert poster design.

Poster Design (Culture & Fine Arts) – 2024 Langston University Spring Concert Poster by Brandon Clemoens

Portrait Photography – A Proud Graduate by Brandon Clemoens

Shoe String – Graduation Recap Video by Ellie Melero

“As Oklahoma’s only HBCU, Langston University delivers a high caliber education and an incredible student life experience,” said Director of Public Relations Heleen Sheets. “Our Public Relations Team is so proud to promote our institution and share the people, stories and brand that define us. 

“We were excited to represent Dear Langston at the OCPRA Conference and to have our work recognized among our peers.”

19th Annual President's Scholarship Gala graphic with Johnny Gill in the corner

New Edition’s Johnny Gill to perform at Langston University’s 19th annual President’s Scholarship Gala

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Two-time Grammy award nominee and member of popular R&B group New Edition, Johnny Gill, will perform at Langston University’s 19th annual President’s Scholarship Gala in Oklahoma City on Oct. 18.

The President’s Scholarship Gala is Langston’s premier event of the year. LU’s largest student scholarship fundraiser, the Gala always features performances from talented artists. Past performers have included A’ngela Winbush, Tamia and Charlie Wilson.

Gill entered the professional music world in 1983 at age 16 with his self-titled debut album on Cotillion/Atlantic Records. He went on to work with Stacy Lattisaw on their album “Perfect Combination” and released a second solo album, “Chemistry,” in 1985 before joining New Edition in 1987, following Bobby Brown’s exit from the group.

On his first album with New Edition, “Heart Break,” Gill helped the group find a more mature sound, which resulted in hits like “If It Isn’t Love” and “Can You Stand the Rain.” Gill continued to release solo albums in 1990, 1993 and 1996 for Motown Records before joining forces with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat in 1997 to form L.S.G.

Gill reunited with New Edition in 2004 for “One Love,” and he has continued his work as a solo artist. His most recent album is 2019’s “Game Changer II.”

Gill, with New Edition, received a Grammy nomination in 1989 for “If It Isn’t Love” and a second Grammy nomination in 1991 for his self-titled album. He also won two Soul Train Awards in 1991 and a Soul Track Reader’s Choice Award in 2019.