Tag: 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

Release Provided By

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.

A photo of Dr. Clyde Montgomery receiving his award for being inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame

Retired Langston University academic leader, professor inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame

Release Provided By

Dr. Clyde Montgomery, Jr., a retired Langston University professor and academic leader, was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the University of Central Oklahoma on Monday evening.

Dr. Montgomery was one of 11 inductees honored at the 30th annual Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame Banquet.

A dedicated servant to Dear Langston, Dr. Montgomery held many titles at the university over his 47-year tenure before he retired as the Vice President of Academic Affairs in 2019. His academic leadership had a significant impact in the STEM fields, created several important partnerships, secured accreditations and initiated programs that focused on professional development.

President Ruth Ray Jackson, Dr. Clyde Montgomery, Jr., and Dr. Alonzo Peterson pose for a photo.
President Ruth Ray Jackson (left) said Dr. Clyde Montgomery, Jr., (center) was committed to academic excellence and institutional advancement during his time at LU. Dr. Jackson succeeded Dr. Montgomery in his role as Vice President for Academic Affairs when he retired in 2019, and Dr. Alonzo Peterson (right) now serves in the position.

“Over the course of 47 years of distinguished service to Langston University, Dr. Montgomery has made an enduring impact on the institution,” said Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson, President of Langston University. “Throughout his tenure and regardless of his position, he exemplified an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student achievement and institutional advancement. Dr. Montgomery served as a role model to numerous students, faculty, and staff. His dedication to developing future leaders in higher education is truly exceptional, and I am personally grateful for the invaluable professional guidance he has extended to me.”

Under Dr. Montgomery’s leadership, Langston University secured more than $6 million for state and national grant-funded projects, which led to an increase in LU students who pursued graduate degrees in chemistry and biology among other positive outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Montgomery helped forge partnerships with various institutions that greatly benefitted both Langston University students and Oklahoma high school students, such as his collaboration with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to create a Math and Science Academy.

Dr. Montgomery, in an endeavor that ultimately saved the university thousands of dollars, pioneered the university’s implementation of technology throughout campus. He also instituted several professional development programs for faculty and instructors.

Dr. Montgomery accomplished all this while also serving in the United States Army and Army Reserves for 30 years.

President Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson

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

Release Provided By

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

Release Provided By

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.