Tag: dr ruth ray jackson

A group photo of Langston University representatives at the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens Veterans Day Program 2024

President Jackson reflects on African American military service, signs new MOU with Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens at Veterans Day Program

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Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson comes from a military family, and she knows first-hand that military service is “a Family Affair.”

As the keynote speaker at the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens’ annual Veterans Day Program on Monday, Dr. Jackson spoke about her own experience as the daughter and wife of veterans, an experience which tied into this year’s chosen theme: “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service – It’s a Family Affair.”

“This year’s theme speaks to the special role of military families,” Dr. Jackson said. “It is not just the soldier, sailor, airman or marine who serves—it is also the parents, siblings, spouses and children who endure separation, uncertainty and sometimes heartbreaking loss. These families teach us what resilience looks like.”

After thanking veterans and their families for their service, Dr. Jackson reflected on the role of African American veterans in the United States. Many African American service members, like the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen, served their country valiantly despite the discrimination they faced. Many Langston University students, faculty, staff and alumni have been among them.

President Jackson and Mr. Stewart Wiliams sign the new MOU between Langston University and Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens.
President Ruth Ray Jackson (left) and Gardens Founder Stewart Williams signed a two-year renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between Langston University and Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens during the Veterans Day Program on Monday.

“Their contributions remind us that the American story is incomplete without acknowledging the courage and sacrifices of African Americans in uniform,” Dr. Jackson said.

After her keynote address, Dr. Jackson and Gardens Founder Stewart Williams signed a two-year renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Langston University and Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens.

The original MOU, signed on Veterans Day 2023, solidified a formal partnership between the institutions to develop services and programs for veterans while opening the door for LU students to participate in volunteer projects and internship opportunities. The new MOU signing extended the collaborative effort to honor and support veterans through 2026.

In addition to the MOU signing, the Veterans Day program included performances from the LU Concert Choir, presentations from community members about their families’ military service, and recognition for Purple Heart recipients Rev. Dr. Douglas C. Robinson from Oklahoma City and Mr. Earnest H. Moore from Langston.

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. 

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.’” 

Photos: Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens’ Memorial Day Celebration 2024

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The Town of Langston-based Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens held its annual Memorial Day Remembrance Program on May 27. The program had an intentional focus on veterans who were/are Prisoners of War and those who remain Missing in Action. The remembrance was also intentionally focused on military personnel who have died in the last several years or months.

Many attended and/or participated in the program, including Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson and other LU faculty and staff members. Please enjoy these photos from this year’s event. All photos were provided by the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens.

A page from the Memorial Day Remembrance program shows pictures of several service members from various branches who have been killed in action in the past decade.
The Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens Memorial Day program had an intentional focus on military personnel who have died in the last several years or months.

 

a group photo with Reverend Hersey Hammons, Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson, MaeOma Williams, Connie Johnson and Stewart Williams
Veterans Memorial Gardens Founders Stewart (far right) and MaeOma (center) Williams, Master of Ceremony Rev. Hersey Hammons (far left), and former Oklahoma Senator Connie Johnson (center right) welcome Langston University’s newly appointed 17th President Ruth Ray Jackson to Memorial Day at the Gardens.

 

A photo of President Ruth Ray Jackson embracing former Oklahoma Senator Connie Johnson.
Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson (left) greets former Oklahoma Senator Connie Johnson.

 

A photo of Stewart and MaeOma Williams speaking.
Stewart (left) and MaeOma Williams are the Founders and Developers of the Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens. The Gardens put on a Memorial Day Remembrance Program every year.

 

A photo of the missing service member's table from the Memorial Day ceremony
The Missing Service Member’s Table is a military tradition to always set a place for Prisoners of War and those who are Missing In Action.

 

The Tinker Air Force Color Guard presents the flag of the United States.
The Tinker Air Force Base Color Guard presented the colors at the Memorial Day Remembrance Program.

 

Clara Allen presents an original poem.
Clara Allen, a Langston University counselor, presented an original poem titled “As We Remember.”

 

Vicki Friedemann plays "Taps" on her bugle.
Retired U.S. Air National Guard Bugler Vicki Friedemann played “Taps” at the ceremony.

 

Two Air Force veterans greet each other
Two Air Force veterans greet each other during the community picnic that followed the Memorial Day Remembrance Program.

 

Rev. Everett Mack, Sr., Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson, MaeOma Williams, and Rev. Hersey Hammons pose together for a photo.
New Hope Baptist Church pastor Rev. Everett Mack, Sr., Langston University President Ruth Ray Jackson, Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens Co-Founder MaeOma Williams, and master of ceremonies Rev. Hersey Hammons pose together for a photo during the community picnic that followed the Remembrance Program.
President Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson

A Special Message from President Ruth Ray Jackson, Ph.D.

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Dear University Community,

I am honored to greet you today as the 17th president of Langston University. This marks a very important day in my life and for that of my family. My husband John, our daughter Leah, and I are thrilled to continue our service to this great institution.

After spending my entire career in education and having been raised by educators, this presidency represents much more than the culmination of a professional pathway. I am the product of a Historically Black institution and have a deep appreciation of the work we do and the students we serve. I am so grateful to the distinguished leaders who came before me in this role; those who led our institution and positioned Langston University for a bright future. I am incredibly humbled to continue the work of those sixteen individuals and so many others who care deeply for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community for their support throughout my tenure as interim president and now upon my appointment. I also extend my thanks to the presidential search committee for their significant contributions to the search process, and to the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents for placing their confidence in my vision to lead Langston University.

I am thrilled to participate in the 124th Commencement with our graduates, their families, our faculty, and staff this weekend. Commencement is my favorite day of the year. It is fitting that presiding over this most special of ceremonies is among my first official duties as president. I hope you will join us on Saturday, May 4, for the celebration!

During my term as interim president, I introduced my presidential priorities to guide us through a transitional year. These priorities include people, programs, processes, partnerships, and public relations all rooted in our purpose. I am excited to continue this work into my tenure as president.

People – We will cultivate a culture allowing for the continual recruitment of bright students and talented employees who understand and support our mission.

Programs – We will invest in the right academic programs leading to career attainment for our students, support dynamic co-curricular experiences aimed at leadership development, expand our online presence with academic and certificate programs, and offer professional development opportunities for all employees.

Processes – We will modernize and streamline our administrative functions, support student success through excellent customer service, and implement effective and routine training for employees.

Partnerships – We will build strong relationships with academic and community partners throughout the state of Oklahoma and beyond as we continue to build strategic relationships with corporate, philanthropic, advocacy, and shared services organizations.

Public Relations – We will continue to elevate our brand visibility and reputation by sharing our accomplishments and by leveraging our individual influence and networks as members of our university community to highlight and share the good news that happens on our campuses.

Purpose – We will remain true to our mission of access and opportunity for all people, serve as a model for student success, and build upon our momentum to foster innovation and research globally.

I invite all of you to join me for a come-and-go reception today, Wednesday, May 1, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Building on the Langston Campus. There will be no formal program for the reception, as my hope is that it will serve as a time for our university community to celebrate the conclusion of the academic year. This reception will also serve as an opportunity for me to express my gratitude for your continued support of Dear Langston.

Our work together begins now. I am excited to listen and engage with you to continue the success of Dear Langston far into the future.

I very much look forward to serving our institution with purpose, together.

Sincerely,

Ruth Ray Jackson, Ph.D.
President

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson headshot and the seal of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson Appointed Langston University’s 17th President

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LANGSTON, Okla.The Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents announced the appointment of Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as the seventeenth President of Langston University. Dr. Jackson’s selection follows an extensive eight-month national search that attracted several qualified candidates.

“Dr. Jackson’s appointment underscores her exceptional leadership and vision for our institution. During her tenure as Interim President, Dr. Jackson maintained continuity and stability and managed to build momentum. Her unwavering commitment to Langston’s mission and her ability to navigate critical transitions have been commendable. We are confident that under her guidance, Langston University will excel,” commented Board Chair Joe Hall.

Dr. Jackson served as Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to assuming the role of Interim President in July 2023. Prior to advancing to the Vice Presidency, she also served as the university’s Associate Vice President for Student Success. Dr. Jackson’s association with Langston University began in 2014 as Dean and Professor for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Before joining Langston University, she spent 11 years at Louisiana State University in Shreveport as a faculty member, graduate program director, and department chair. Before transitioning to higher education, Dr. Jackson worked as a high school English teacher, assistant principal, and principal in public education.

“I am honored to lead Langston University into its next chapter,” commented Dr. Jackson in response to her appointment. “I love this university and believe in its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Our mission must be focused on empowering students, celebrating student success, and contributing to the betterment of Oklahoma and beyond. Together, we will build upon Langston’s legacy and create a future where excellence knows no bounds.”

“As a proud graduate of Langston University, I wholeheartedly applaud the selection of Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as our next President. Her admiration for our beloved institution and the excellent job she did as interim President have been truly remarkable. Dr. Jackson’s leadership embodies the spirit of Langston, and I am confident that she will continue to elevate our university to new heights,” commented Sherman Lewis, a distinguished Langston University alumnus and member of the Langston University Presidential Search Committee.

“Our search for a new president attracted an impressive pool of candidates, which is a testament to Langston University’s potential and the importance of its mission. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson on her selection as the next President of Langston University. We appreciate the support of the members of the search committee and the Langston University community as Dr. Jackson leads the university to new heights,” commented A&M Regent Billy Taylor, who chaired the Presidential Search Committee.

About Langston University: Founded in 1897, Langston University is a beacon of educational opportunity, social justice, and community impact. As Oklahoma’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Langston continues to shape the lives of generations of students.

LU students, faculty pose with Dr Ruth Ray Jackson on the tennis courts

PRESIDENT JACKSON, LUAHPERD USE PICKLEBALL TO HELP STUDENTS DESTRESS BEFORE MIDTERMS

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by Ellie Melero, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Students running around, laughing and having fun while their university’s president teaches them how to play pickleball is probably not what you’d expect to see on a college campus gearing up for midterms, but that’s what awaited any who made their way to the university tennis courts on Friday afternoon.

Langston University’s Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (LUAHPERD) and the ROARS Peer Educators held a “Cruising Into Midterms” event on Friday, which featured bike riding, pickup basketball and Pickleball with the President. The event was open to all students, and many took a break from studying to come hang out with their friends and decompress as they prepared for midterms.

“One of the priorities of the year is programming,” said Interim President Ruth Ray Jackson. “So, I’m very excited to see the HPER clubs adding programming to support good health and destressing for our students as they prepare for midterm exams.”

President Jackson encouraged everyone who came to pick up a paddle and hit the court, and many students were more than happy to learn a new sport from their president. Others preferred to ride bikes with their friends, and some just wanted to relax in the fresh air. Everyone who came was happy for a chance to get out of their rooms and stretch their legs before the grind of midterms fully began.

Kyara Swanson, a senior physical education major, said she thought the event was a fun way to relax, clear her mind and shake off some nerves as she prepared for her upcoming exams.

“Just simply riding the bikes or doing anything physical, it helps with your mental health,” Swanson said. “It helps you just clear your mind sometimes. You know, you’re in college and sometimes you just need a break.”

Giving students a break was the entire idea behind Cruising Into Midterms.

Dr. Desmond Delk, the chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and one of the faculty advisors for LUAHPERD, said the goal of the event was to remind people to take care of their mental and physical health because doing so will help them succeed in their classes.

“We’re prioritizing mental health, we’re prioritizing physical activity, and we’re encouraging collaboration between our faculty, staff and students,” Dr. Delk said. “I really commend the students on organizing everything, promoting the activity and really just coming out and enjoying themselves.”

The event lasted two hours, and President Jackson was there the whole time, playing pickleball and getting to know the students. Laughs could be heard on and off the court, and many students were happy for an opportunity to spend time with their president and their peers.

“I have had a blast sharing my love of pickleball with our Langston University students,” President Jackson said. “I’m excited that there’s great interest, and perhaps in the future we can add this as part of our recreational programming.”

Dr Ruth Ray Jackson speaks at the 2023 Opening Convocation

RECAP: PRESIDENT JACKSON OUTLINES PLAN FOR LANGSTON UNIVERSITY DURING OPENING CONVOCATION

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by Ellie Melero and Jet Turner

Langston, Okla. – Interim President Ruth Ray Jackson spoke about her goals for Langston University and her plans to achieve them over the next year during the Formal Opening Convocation Ceremony at I.W. Young Auditorium on Thursday.

“As we embark on this year of transition and prepare for a new chapter in the history of our institution, let’s embrace each opportunity to recommit to our institutional vision statement,” President Jackson said. “‘To foster an environment which cultivates leaders, innovators and engaged citizens who meet the challenges of local, national and global communities.’”

The Opening Convocation marked the formal opening of the university for the 2023-24 academic year. President Jackson, who assumed office on July 6 after President Kent J. Smith, Jr.’s, retirement, took the opportunity to address the Langston community and discuss her Presidential Priorities, or Five P’s, for the university during her interim presidency.

The Five P’s are People, Programs, Processes, Public Relations and Purpose.

PEOPLE

People refers to the Langston community: students, future students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and friends. President Jackson spoke about the need to take care of all members of the Langston family and the ways in which the university is doing so.

“We are committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for our students to learn and live,” President Jackson said. “For our employees, we will cultivate a campus culture that allows us to recruit and retain talented people who, first and foremost, understand and support our mission.”

Student retention and graduation rates have increased, and graduate student enrollment has increased by 43%. Campus housing is at capacity, and Langston has taken occupancy of its new Oklahoma City campus on Kelley Avenue.

Additionally, the university has welcomed nearly 40 new faculty and staff since May, and university employees recently received a 3% raise, partially facilitated by funding from the State Regents and Oklahoma legislature.

PROGRAMS

Programs refers not only to the various associates, bachelors, masters and doctoral programs offered at Langston University, but also the various cocurricular and extracurricular activities which help to enrich the lives of Langston students.

Langston’s academic programs are continually evaluated and updated as needed to ensure students receive quality education which fully prepares them for competitive fields and industries. In addition to program updates, Langston is also working to increase its online graduate and certificate program offerings.

President Jackson also announced that Langston will soon offer a Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security, which means four of Langston’s six academic schools will offer at least one graduate degree program.

PROCESSES

The third P, Processes, refers to President Jackson’s goal to update, optimize and streamline as many of the necessary processes and procedures of the university as possible. Many procedures and platforms are currently under review to determine how best to accomplish this goal.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

“There is an African proverb that says, ‘Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero,’” President Jackson said. “We must tell our story.”

President Jackson encouraged students, faculty, staff and alumni to not only share their stories with the university’s Public Relations team, but also with their own networks of friends and families.

PURPOSE

President Jackson’s final P is Purpose. As one of only 102 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and one of only 19 Historically Black Land Grant Institutions in the United States, Langston University has a higher calling than simply teaching students.

Langston provides affordable access to all students, regardless of background, to career oriented higher education, and it empowers them to make lasting impacts in the world through critical teaching and research.

“Since our founding in 1897, we have provided a nurturing environment for our students, especially those most at risk for not completing college,” President Jackson said. “We play a critical role in fostering upward mobility and helping diverse students achieve their educational, professional and personal aspirations.”

President Jackson ended her remarks by reading Langston University’s Mission Statement, which aligns with the Five P’s:

Grounded in its rich traditions as a historically Black college and university, and a land-grant institution, Langston University offers quality post-secondary education to diverse populations through academics, research, community engagement, extension, and co-curricular experiences that lead to professional competence and degree completion.

“This is what we were founded to do,” President Jackson said. “This is what we have done for 126 years. This is what we will continue to do this year and for many more to come.”

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson headshot

OKLAHOMA A & M BOARD OF REGENTS APPOINTS DR. RUTH RAY JACKSON INTERIM PRESIDENT OF LANGSTON UNIVERSITY

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LANGSTON, Okla. – The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural & Mechanical Colleges has appointed Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as interim president of Langston University, beginning July 6, 2023. Dr. Jackson will serve until a nationwide search for President Smith’s successor is completed and the University’s seventeenth president assumes office.

“We appreciate Dr. Jackson’s willingness to step forward to lead Langston University through this upcoming transition,” said Jarold Callahan, Chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. “Her knowledge and dedication to Langston ensure we will maintain operational and program continuity. With capable interim leadership in place, we can devote our time and energies to conducting a comprehensive search to find the right person to lead this critical University moving forward.”

Dr. Jackson has been with the Langston University since 2014 and currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. She has held other leadership positions at the University including Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

“Dr. Jackson has more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education and an appreciation of Langston University’s role in the state, region, and nation,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., who announced plans to retire after 11 years as Langston University’s president. “I appreciate her willingness to serve and have full confidence in her ability to lead the University through this transition.”

Before joining Langston University, Dr. Jackson spent 11 years at Louisiana State University in Shreveport, where she served as tenured faculty, graduate program director, and department chair. Before transitioning to higher education, she spent over a decade in public education as a high school English teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

Dr. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Southern University and A&M College. She earned a Ph.D. in education and human resource studies from Colorado State University.

“I appreciate the confidence of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents in asking me to serve Langston University during this transitional period,” said Jackson. “I look forward to collaborating with the campus community to ensure continuity and remain focused on our mission.”