Tag: president

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson is inaugurated as the 17th President of Langston University by Chancellor Sean Burrage, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson Formally Invested as 17th President of Langston University

Release Provided By Jet Turner

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson embodied her chosen inauguration week theme, “Rooted in Pride, Rising with Purpose,” as she reflected on the great legacy of Langston University and committed herself to leading the university forward during her Investiture Ceremony on Friday afternoon.

“This day is more than an investiture,” Dr. Jackson said. “It is a reflection of our collective journey and shared purpose.”

The ceremony symbolized the president’s acceptance of the responsibilities and authority of the office, and it marked the official installment of Dr. Jackson as the 17th President of Langston University. It featured a grand processional in academic regalia by LU faculty and guests from visiting institutions, performances from both the LU Concert Band and LU Concert Choir, and congratulatory remarks from community members, elected officials and members of the higher education community.

Dr. Dana Williams, dean of the Graduate School and a professor of African American literature at Howard University, gave the keynote address.

The focal point of the ceremony was when Dr. Jackson took the oath of office and formally assumed the mantle of President of Langston University.

“The symbols of office for the President of Langston University serve as tangible representations of the authority, responsibility and service entrusted to this distinguished role,” said Dr. Alonzo Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “These symbols connect the legacy of Langston University to its future and reaffirm the enduring principles of leadership and scholarship.”

Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson speaks at her inauguration. — Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson gives remarks after accepting the Chain of Office and Presidential Mace.

Dr. Jackson accepted the Presidential Chain of Office and Presidential Mace. In accepting these items and taking the oath of office, she promised to uphold and preserve the mission and values of Langston University, to serve with integrity, and to lead with a commitment to academic excellence, student success and innovative research.

She reflected on the legacy and accomplishments of those who came before her, from the townspeople of Langston who raised the money to buy the land and open Langston University to more recent figures like Ada Sipuel Fisher and Clara Luper. Dr. Jackson acknowledged that as a Historically Black College or University, Dear Langston is not just a place where people learn but where they are also equipped to lead. She promised to be a tireless advocate for Langston University and other HBCUs, and she reiterated that her vision for her presidency includes continuous progress and strategic positioning for Langston University’s future.

The Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents appointed Dr. Jackson as president in April 2024 after she served as interim president for a year following the retirement of Dr. Kent Smith, 16th President of Langston University. Dr. Jackson had previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President for Student Success, and Dean and professor for the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Jackson is the second woman to hold the title of President of Langston University.

“I accept this charge of leadership with deep gratitude and an unshakable resolve,” Dr. Jackson said. “Together, we will rise, we will lead, and we will ensure that Langston University’s legacy endures for generations to come.”

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

Release Provided By Welcome

Dear University Community,

I am honored to greet you today as the 17^th 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 124^th 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 Appointed Langston University’s 17th President

Release Provided By Welcome

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.