Tag: 2016

NEW LANGSTON UNIVERSITY STUDY AIMS TO IMPROVE STATE AGENCIES SERVICE TO MINORITY IMMIGRANTS

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LANGSTON, Okla. – The Langston University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (LU-­RRTC) on Research and Capacity Building for Minority Entities released findings that will help state and federal agencies better predict and adapt to changing needs of minority immigrants.

Dr. Corey Moore, professor and chairman of the Langston University’s Department of Rehabilitation Counseling and Disability Studies (DRCDS) led a study comparing two forecast models to judge their accuracy in predicting minority immigration trends. The results provided a superior model that will be used in further studies.

The next step will be to use these findings to guide the future direction of larger studies,” Moore said. “One of which is currently examining vocational rehabilitation agencies’ perspectives capacity to serve minority legal permanent residents and new U.S. Citizens.

The study conducted by Moore and Dr. Ningning Wang, which was recently published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, extracted nine years of case record data from the Rehabilitation Services Administration and then sampled through both forecast models to test performance.

Langston University’s DRCDS administers three different academic serving programs and the LU-­‐‑RRTC. The Department averages an annual student enrollment of about 120 students. The academic units include graduate programs in Rehabilitation Counseling and Visual Rehabilitation Services, (Orientation and Mobility [O&M] and Rehabilitation Teaching) and an undergraduate Rehabilitation Services Program. The Rehabilitation Counseling Program is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) and helps prepare students to become certified rehabilitation counselors.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY STUDENT CHOSEN AS A 2016 HBCU ALL STAR

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities recently named Langston University senior biology major, Nicholas Simon, a 2016 HBCU All-Star.

Simon was among 73 students across 63 HBCUs in 24 states, the District of Columbia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Virgin Islands selected out of 300 applicants. The All-Stars, comprised of undergraduate, graduate and professional students, are being recognized for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.

“I believe that all of my hard work has paid off,” Simon said. “Everything I have done for my school and community has provided the opportunity for me to represent Langston University on a national level.”

Over the next year, Simon will help promote and create outreach opportunities for his fellow students about the value of education. He will also participate in the White House HBCU Week Conference, national and regional events, and webinars with Initiative staff and other professionals on a range of disciplines that support a spirit of engagement and personal and professional development.

“We are proud of Nicholas and the work he has accomplished to receive this prestigious honor and know he will represent the University well at the White House HBCU Conference,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith, president of Langston University.

Nicholas Simon, an honors student from currently serves as president of the campus NAACP chapter and co-chair of the Langston University ambassador program. This past summer he conducted biological research for NASA at the Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California as part of an internship program.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among so many talented scholars. I am excited to have a chance to learn more about other HBCUs and collaborate to help build and grow our institutions,” Simon said.

Langston University is a public historically black college enrolling a close-knit community of under 4,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has two urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. LU was recently recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability, ranking number three among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S., according to AffordableSchools.net. Langston offers over 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY PARTNERS WITH MILLWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University is pleased to announce the recent relocation of its Oklahoma City campus. Langston University’s Oklahoma City campus has moved to a new location that formerly housed the Millwood Arts Academy and summer classes are in session. The partnership between Langston University and Millwood Public Schools will enable both institutions to provide greater outreach and higher education opportunities to citizens in the surrounding communities.

“The campus relocation is a result of the University’s desire to position our LU-OKC campus for future growth and curricular development. In doing so, Langston University is uniquely suited to offer greater opportunities for degree attainment to the residents of OKC and surrounding communities. As an added benefit of the relocation, we were able to double our instructional space and realize significant cost-savings for the University. The new campus location is leased to the University at approximately 60 percent of the previous facility cost,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University.

The move is a culmination of collaborative efforts among President Kent J. Smith, Jr., Alice Strong Simmons, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs for LU-OKC, and Cecelia Robinson Woods, Superintendent of Millwood Public Schools. Both the Oklahoma Board of Regents for the Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges and the Millwood School Board have approved the campus relocation.

“I am eager to partner with Langston University, as they have a long-standing history of producing scholars and outstanding alumni prepared to compete in the global market. This partnership will expose our students to a higher education environment beginning in pre-kindergarten through their senior year of high school, said Cecelia Robinson Woods, Superintendent of Millwood Public Schools.

There are many benefits to this move which include alignment with the University’s strategic goals to provide higher education access to more students, the ability to educate a larger student population and meeting the changing workforce demands in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

“We are very proud of this partnership as there are not many school districts and universities that can boast of this type of collaboration. Through this non-traditional adult learning environment, we can provide convenience and attainability of degree programs to parents and teachers of Millwood Public Schools. Furthermore, the partnership allows us to provide early exposure to higher education for children,” said Alice Strong Simmons, Associate Vice President of the Langston University Oklahoma City campus.

The LU-OKC campus is now located at 6700 N. Martin Luther King Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111.

Langston University is a public historically black college enrolling a close-knit community of under 4,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County just 10 miles east of Guthrie and 42 miles from Oklahoma City. LU was recently recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability, ranking number three among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S., according to AffordableSchools.net. Langston offers over 40 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Visit us online at http://www.langston.edu.
Elaine Powell graphic

ELAINE POWELL, FORMER WNBA PLAYER TO LEAD LU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM AS NEW HEAD COACH

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

OKLAHOMA CITY – Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University (LU), announced today the appointment of former WNBA player Elaine Powell as the new head coach for the women’s basketball team.

“We are excited about Coach Powell joining the Langston University Athletics Department as she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. She has inherited a program with a longstanding history of excellence and we know from her track record, she will ensure that our legacy is preserved,” said Dr. Smith.

Coach Powell joins LU Athletics having previously served as an assistant coach for women’s basketball programs at Alabama A&M, Ohio University and Grambling State University. She spent nearly a decade playing in the WNBA, where she earned numerous awards and honors. Under former coach and Detroit Pistons player Bill Laimbeer, she was a three-time WNBA champion with the Detroit Shock. Prior to her professional basketball career, she was a student-athlete at Louisiana State University (LSU) where she was a Kodak All-American and finished her career as LSU’s 11th all-time leading scorer with 1,163 points. She was the first player in LSU history to be drafted into the WNBA.

“Elaine Powell is a proven leader whose dedication and commitment to excellence has shown in her work while coaching at numerous NCAA Division 1 programs for more than 8 years. Prior to her collegiate coaching career, she was a student athlete at LSU, so she comes from a championship pedigree, which is what we strive for here at Langston University. She has served those institutions admirably, investing a great deal in the student athletes. We look forward to her bringing that same enthusiasm, devotion and student centric approach to our program,” said Donnita Drain Rogers, Athletic Director for Langston University.

Coach Powell succeeds Cheryl Miller, who had a record of 49-12 and two NAIA Tournament appearances during her two-year stint.

The Lady Lions finished the 2014-15 season with a 29-4 record, and won the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament Championship over Our Lady of the Lake. The Lady Lions finished the 2015-16 season with a final record of 20-8 and received a third straight bid to the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship tournament in Independence, Missouri. Langston received three selections to the Red River All-Conference team; and two students were named to the NAIA Women’s Basketball All-America honorable mention team for their efforts.

“Cheryl Miller has been a tremendous asset to the University’s sports program and we appreciate all of her efforts to strengthen our women’s basketball team. She was a role model both on and off of the court to the players and entire University community. We wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Dr. Smith.

Langston University is a public historically black college enrolling a close-knit community of under 4,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County just 10 miles east of Guthrie and 42 miles from Oklahoma City. Langston offers over 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. To learn more, please visit the Langston University website at http://www.langston.edu.

LU TO HONOR STATE’S LEADERS AT WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Five outstanding women leaders will be honored at Langston University’s annual Women in Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, April 21, 2016. The following leaders will be recognized for their remarkable achievements in their various professions: Robyn Sunday Allen, RN, MPH, Chief Executive Officer for the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic; Governor Mary Fallin, Oklahoma’s first female governor; Jenny Love Meyer, Vice President of Communications for Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores; The Honorable Vicki Miles LaGrange, first African American to serve as United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma and Avilla T. Williams, President of INTEGRIS Health Edmond.

In addition to recognizing outstanding women leaders, the event also serves to obtain financial resources and support for the University’s Young Women’s Empowerment Institute (YWEI). The luncheon will offer local leaders the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the YWEI mentoring program and a chance to hear how lives have been changed through participation.

Cheryl Miller, head coach for the Langston University Women’s Basketball team and legendary WNBA star will be the keynote speaker. She will share her experiences as a leader in the world of sports and her role as a mentor every day. The luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Langston University-Oklahoma City campus located at 4205 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For more information, please contact Dana Hope Chism, Director of Development, at dhchism@langston.edu or at (405) 466-6024.

About the Young Women’s Empowerment Institute

YWEI is a mentorship program for freshmen female students attending Langston University. It is designed to prepare them for the next stages of life and career through empowerment, support and connections. YWEI is dedicated to the advancement of young women in the workplace and is committed to leadership, communication and skill development. Initially derived from a partnership between Langston University and the Central Area of The Links, Incorporated, the program was an effort to create a mentoring program that addresses the need to empower young college women to successfully manage the collegiate landscape and graduate ready to engage the global community.

About Langston University

Founded in 1897, Langston University boasts three campuses located in Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The University offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more, please visit the Langston University website at http://www.langston.edu.

Cheryl Miller

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY’S WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH, CHERYL MILLER, NAMED AMONG 30 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN COLLEGE SPORTS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University is proud to announce the head coach of the women’s basketball team, Cheryl Miller, was included among the 30 most influential women in college sports. In February, the Sports Management Degree Guide ranked Miller No. 10 among other legendary coaches including Pat Summitt, Tara VanDerveer, and Muffet McGraw. The ranking was created to recognize prominent female athletes who helped pave the way for women to participate and excel in intercollegiate sports.

Cheryl Miller joined the Langston Lady Lions in 2014 after a celebrated athletic career. As a four-time All-American, she was recruited as a forward to the University of Southern California. Miller scored a history-making 3,018 career points and claimed 1,534 rebounds. She led the Trojans to an impressive 112-20 record and was named MVP in two NCAA championships. Cheryl Miller won the Naismith Award, Broderick Award, and the 1984 Olympic gold medal. She also served as a sideline reporter for Thursday night NBA coverage on TNT.

The Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer has coached the Langston women’s basketball squad to victory. In her first year, the Lady Lions defeated Our Lady of the Lake for the 2015 Red River Athletic Conference tournament title. This year’s team ended the season with a winning 20-8 record. “Langston University is honored to have such a distinguished coach,” said Langston University President, Dr. Kent J. Smith Jr. “Cheryl Miller has excelled in training our women’s basketball team for success on and off the court. She brings intelligence, discipline, experience, and enthusiasm to our sidelines.”

Langston University is a small, public historically black college enrolling a close-knit community of under 4,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County just 10 miles east of Guthrie and 42 miles from Oklahoma City. Langston offers over 40 associate, bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Student-athletes compete for the Lions in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division. Along with basketball, Langston’s varsity sports include cross-country, football, cheerleading, softball, volleyball, and track and field.

Read more about the respected collegiate and WNBA career of Coach Cheryl Miller at the following link: http://www.langston.edu/news/langston-university-names-hall-famer-cheryl-miller-head-women-99s-coach.

Sports Management Degree Guide offers free, online resources for undergraduate and graduate students interested in studying sports business. The website helps guide readers to building successful careers in the in-demand athletics industry. Students can find mini courses, info graphics, articles, blogs, and FAQs to answer questions about obtaining a quality education in sports management. Read the full article titled “30 Most Influential Women in College Sports” at: http://www.sports-management-degrees.com/30-most-influential-women-in-college-sports/.

LU OFFERS REACH HIGHER CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORKING ADULTS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Langston University Oklahoma City campus (LU-OKC) participates in the Reach Higher degree completion program. Reach Higher is Oklahoma’s flexible and affordable program that is designed for working adults looking to complete a bachelor’s degree.

LU-OKC offers a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership through an accelerated program. The curriculum consists of skills and theories regarding organizational behavior, ethics, interpersonal skills, management, finance and communication skills.

“This degree prepares students for success in government, nonprofit, corporate and industrial careers. It has been designed to provide the skills needed in Oklahoma’s workforce and will continue to build leaders to drive our economy,” said Alice Strong Simmons, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at Langston University.

Students must have previously earned at least 72 college credit hours from another college and must have also completed general education requirements. It is free to apply and does not require an application fee. The Reach Higher bachelor’s program provides on-campus and online class options, eight-week classes and five enrollment periods per year. The second session for the 2016 spring semester begins March 11, 2016. To learn more about the program and requirements, please visit http://www.langston.edu/okc/adult-students/reach-higher.

Contact LU-OKC today to make an appointment with an advisor to review your college transcripts and determine which course of study is right for you. To arrange a personal visit, please call T’Nisha Law at (405) 530-7500. LU-OKC is located in Oklahoma City at 4205 N. Lincoln Boulevard.

Founded in 1897, Langston University boasts three campuses located in Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The University offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more, please visit the Langston University website at http://www.langston.edu.

OKLAHOMA STATE REPRESENTATIVE MIKE SHELTON TO SPEAK AT LANGSTON UNIVERSITY’S 119TH FOUNDERS DAY PROGRAM

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University will host the annual 119th Founders Day Program on Thursday, March 10, 2016. The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the I.W. Young Auditorium. Celebrating 119 years of rich tradition and the development of young leaders, Founders Day observes the vision that led to the establishment of Langston University in 1897. State Representative Mike Shelton will be the keynote speaker for the program.

Shelton is a native of Oklahoma City and a Langston University alumnus. While studying under a former state representative, Shelton became interested in politics. Shelton mentored and worked with several organizations including the Langston University – Oklahoma City campus. As the Community Outreach coordinator for Langston University – Oklahoma City, he launched the first adult scholarship program for the campus. In 2004, Shelton was elected to Oklahoma House District 97 and currently serves as the Assistant Democratic Floor Leader. He is currently the highest-ranking African-American in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives. He previously served as Assistant Minority Floor Leader. Shelton graduated from Langston University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. His professional experience includes working as the district executive director for the Boy Scouts of America; director of community relations for Langston University; and director of community relations for Oklahoma County.

After the program, Langston University student leaders will take part in a ceremonial march to the gravesite of Langston University’s first president, Dr. Inman Page. The event is free and open to the public.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Founded in 1897, Langston University boasts three campuses located in Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The University offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more, please visit the Langston University website at http://www.langston.edu.

QUINTON MORGAN

LANGSTON ALUMNUS, QUINTON MORGAN, NAMED NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH FOR THE LANGSTON LIONS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Former Langston University (LU) football player and alumnus, Quinton Morgan, was recently named the permanent head football coach for the Langston Lions football team effective immediately.

In October, he took on the role of interim head coach for the remaining five games of the season and his leadership strongly impacted on the team’s performance. Under his leadership, the team experienced success with no losses (5-0), averaging 43.6 points per game, and outscored their opponents 218 to 65. Although Langston finished No. 2 in conference, they completed the season with a better overall record of 7-3. “Hard work is the company of success,” coach Morgan said.

He is a proven leader in athletics and has served on the LU coaching staff for more than 10 years. In 2011, he assumed the role as interim head coach for the LU softball team. It was under his direction, the team secured a record of 31 wins and advanced to the Red River Athletic Conference postseason tournament for the first time. His leadership steered the women to one of the best seasons in LU softball history.

Upon his appointment as head football coach, he outlined his goals and a strategic plan for recruitment and player management initiatives for the football program.

“He is committed to improving the academic and athletic performance of his players, increasing the athletic program’s graduation rates, and plans to increase visibility in high schools to help boost recruitment and retention numbers,” said Donnita Drain Rogers, LU Athletic Director.

“The Langston Lions plan to come back strong next season, and after watching coach Morgan perform from the sideline, this is truly possible,” said Rogers.

Prior to coaching, he earned a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and recreation in 2005 and a master’s degree in urban education in 2010 from Langston University.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Langston offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more about Langston University, go to http://www.langston.edu or visit the newly updated http://www.langstonsports.com.

JUDGE BERNARD M. JONES TO DELIVER 2016 IRA D. HALL AND RUBYE HIBLER HALL ENDOWED LECTURE SERIES

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. –The Langston University School of Education and Behavioral Sciences announced that United States Magistrate Judge Bernard M. Jones will keynote the 2016 Ira D. Hall and Rubye Hibler Hall Endowed Lecture Series at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. Named in honor of Langston University alumni Ira D. Hall and Rubye Hibler Hall, the annual lecture series exists to commemorate the Halls and their commitment to education.

The Honorable Bernard M. Jones was appointed United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma on July 31, 2015, becoming the first African American in the state of Oklahoma to serve in this capacity. Prior to his appointment to the federal bench, Judge Jones served as a District Judge for Oklahoma’s Seventh Judicial District. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern Methodist University, and obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School. Born and reared in northeast Oklahoma City, Judge Jones is active in the community and currently serves as a Director for the Boy Scouts of America’s Last Frontier Council and as a Trustee of the Ralph Ellison Foundation. The Journal Record, Oklahoma Magazine, and OKC Biz have recognized him as one of Oklahoma’s Achievers Under 40, among other noteworthy achievements.

Initially established by Rubye Hibler Hall in 1989 to honor her husband Ira D. Hall, the series was renamed to honor the contributions of both upon Mrs. Hall’s passing in 2003. Ira D. Hall was principal of several schools, superintendent of Clearview School and assistant director of all black high schools for the Oklahoma Education Department. Rubye Hibler Hall was the first African American appointed to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. She was with the Oklahoma City School District 43 years, beginning in 1932 as a teacher, speech pathologist, psychometrist, diagnostician and consultant.

Langston University is located 12 miles east of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Founded in 1897, Langston University boasts three campuses located in Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The University offers more than 38 degree programs, including five masters degrees and one doctoral program. To learn more, please visit the Langston University website at http://www.langston.edu.