by Ellie Melero

91福利鈥檚 annual Commencement Ceremony is a joyous event filled with many meaningful traditions, and one of the most prized of these is the tradition of the School Flag Bearers. As the graduates process onto the field at the beginning of the ceremony, each academic school is led by their dean and one of their peers who carries the school flag. These coveted positions are awarded to the graduates with the highest grade point averages from each school. It is a recognition of their hard work and stellar academic performances throughout their time at Dear Langston. Meet the School Flag Bearers for the Class of 2026.

Jake Landes

Doctor of Physical Therapy, School of Physical Therapy

Jake Landes has always believed in helping others. He grew up in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, and his small town upbringing taught him the importance of community and service. So when he graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2023 with his B.S. in General Studies, after earning his associate鈥檚 in biomedical sciences from Northern Oklahoma College in 2020, it made sense to choose a career that was all about helping people.

鈥淚 chose physical therapy because I wanted to have the ability to have a direct impact on people鈥檚 quality of life,鈥� Landes said. 鈥淧hysical therapy combines science and critical thinking, allowing me to use my mind to solve complex problems and my hands as tools to help restore function, movement and independence.鈥�

With this goal in mind, 91福利 seemed like the perfect fit for Landes. The smaller class sizes appealed to him, and the program鈥檚 affordability made it feasible to pursue his dream of being a physical therapist. Additionally, the university鈥檚 values aligned with his own.

鈥淚 decided to attend 91福利 School of Physical Therapy because of their focus on servant leadership, and the opportunity to be a part of a program that values clinical excellence and serving the underserved,鈥� Landes said.

Landes excelled right from the beginning. His first year, his classmates elected him Class President. In this role, he advocated on behalf of his classmates and organized community service projects. In class, his professors mentored him. They guided him as he developed his clinical reasoning and professionalism, and they instilled confidence in him.

Landes built strong relationships with his classmates. They had class outings, both class-related and just for fun, and they attended the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in Houston together where they had the opportunity to network, learn and grow professionally. He said some of his favorite memories from the program were the late-night study sessions he hosted with his friends, as well as tailgating during Homecoming.

After graduation, Landes plans to work as a travel physical therapist to continue developing his clinical skills in different settings and communities. Eventually, he plans to transition into an outpatient clinic with the hopes of owning his own clinic one day.

鈥�91福利 School of Physical Therapy has prepared me academically, clinically and professionally,鈥� Landes said. 鈥淭his program pushed me to develop strong clinical reasoning, confidence in patient care, and leadership skills that I will continue to develop into my career. Being selected as Flag Bearer represents not only my journey, but the support of my family, classmates, faculty and everyone who helped me along the way.鈥�

Ereca Camero

M.S. Rehabilitation Counseling, Graduate Programs

After graduating with her bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from Cameron University in 2021, Ereca Camero found her way into the field of tribal vocational rehabilitation services. In this line of work, she supports individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges in achieving their vocational goals. In 2024, she decided it was time to take the next step forward in her career.

That fall, she enrolled in 91福利鈥檚 Rehabilitation Counseling master鈥檚 program.

鈥淚 chose Rehabilitation Counseling because I am passionate about helping individuals overcome mental health challenges, disabilities and vocational barriers,鈥� Camero said. 鈥淚 wanted to develop the skills needed to support clients in achieving independence, stability and meaningful employment opportunities. And I chose 91福利 because of its strong reputation for supporting diverse student populations and its commitment to academic excellence and community impact.鈥�

Camero thrived at LU. Throughout her master鈥檚 program, she learned about applied counseling concepts through case studies and clinical practice scenarios which strengthened her understanding of client needs and evidence-based counseling approaches. The program鈥檚 faculty became her mentors, providing guidance, encouragement and valuable professional insight throughout her academic journey.

As she continued to perform well in her classes, Camero was invited to join Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International (CSI). The invitation was a recognition of her academic excellence and professional potential in the field of counseling, and she became a proud member of the Lambda Upsilon Chapter at 91福利.

After graduation, Camero plans to continue working in tribal vocational rehabilitation services while expanding her professional experience in counseling and advocacy.

鈥�91福利 has thoroughly prepared me for my next steps by providing both academic knowledge and practical application in rehabilitation counseling,鈥� Camero said. 鈥淭he program has strengthened my confidence and readiness to continue to work in the field. Some of my favorite memories (from the program) include engaging in meaningful class discussions, collaborating with classmates on assignments and case studies, and growing both personally and professionally throughout the program. The relationships built with peers and faculty made the experience especially memorable.鈥�

Kobe Law

B.B.A. Management, School of Business

An Oklahoma City native, Kobe Law came to 91福利 in Fall 2022 as a student athlete. He was a basketball player with interests in business and finance, and he knew 91福利 was the perfect place for him to grow as an athlete and a young entrepreneur.

鈥淚 decided to attend 91福利 because it offered a strong Black atmosphere, a supportive campus community and meaningful opportunities for leadership development,鈥� Law said. 鈥淚 began my journey at LU as a collegiate athlete on the basketball team through an athletic scholarship, which made Langston the right fit for both my academic and personal goals.鈥�

Law majored in Business Administration鈥揗anagement with a minor in finance. He chose those programs because he knew management would help him understand leadership and operations while finance would strengthen his ability to make strategic decisions and build long-term value.

During his time at LU, Law participated in several student organizations which he said helped him grow as a leader, communicator and more well-rounded person in professional settings. This included becoming the Co鈥慒ounder and Director of Operations of the 91福利 Collegiate Chapter of DECA, the Public Relations Chair for Gents, a member of Delta Mu Delta, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a member of the Langston Chamber of Commerce and a student leader in the School of Business.

Law also participated in research as part of the Langston Community Plaza Feasibility Study, which aimed to integrate technology, business innovation and entertainment to create a vibrant community hub for families, entrepreneurs, students, visitors and professionals. Law presented his research in a pitch competition and won first place, receiving a $3,000 award and a three鈥慸ay trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the 2025 HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit.

鈥淢y feasibility study evaluated the project鈥檚 potential by analyzing market demand, technical requirements, financial sustainability and operational feasibility,鈥� Law said. “Through this project, I gained skills in first鈥慼and and second鈥慼and research, forecasting, project management and professional presentation.鈥�

Law鈥檚 professors supported and encouraged him throughout his time at LU, and he considers Dean Daryl Green, Michael Hamilton and Dr. Charles Mambula to be his biggest mentors. After graduation, Law plans to become a project manager and pursue his MBA and a PMP License. Eventually, he wants to become a business consultant.

鈥淟angston prepared me through rigorous coursework, mentorship and leadership experiences that strengthened my professionalism, discipline and strategic thinking,鈥� Law said. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud to represent LU and excited to carry what I鈥檝e learned here into the next chapter of my life.鈥�

Delisha Carter

B.S. Agribusiness, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

As a student at Landry Walker High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, Delisha Carter started her college search with the intent of studying accounting and finance. As she researched schools, LU stood out to her because it was Oklahoma鈥檚 only HBCU. Further research into the history of the institution, its campus life and its academic reputation convinced her to apply, and she was accepted with scholarships. She enrolled in Fall 2022, and Dear Langston quickly became a place she was happy to call home.

Carter got involved on campus right away. She has been a member of the Manners Club since 2022, serving as Vice President for the 2025鈥�26 term. She has also served as the Public Relations Officer for the ABAC Club since 2024. Since Fall 2023, Carter has worked as a Resident Assistant, and she received the RA of the Year award, a Leadership Advocate Award and recognition for maintaining a 3.5 GPA within University Housing departments.

鈥淪ome of my favorite highlights at Langston have been the relationships I built with my friends, who have continuously motivated and supported me,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淚 also cherish the opportunities I鈥檝e had to attend conferences and represent the university, as well as moments where I was able to lead and grow as a student leader.鈥�

Carter made sure to take advantage of networking opportunities throughout her time in school, and she eventually met LU alumna Jateya Jackson. Jackson introduced Carter to the wide range of opportunities within the agriculture field, and Carter decided to change her major to Agribusiness with a minor in accounting.

鈥淪ince making that decision, I have not looked back,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淚 have grown to truly appreciate how diverse and impactful the field of agriculture is.鈥�

After graduation, Carter plans to pursue a career in the corporate sector while working toward becoming a successful businesswoman. Her long-term goal is to own a real estate firm. Thanks to her professors, mentors and her advisor, Dr. Nyairo Newton, Carter is confident she鈥檚 prepared for what comes next.

鈥�(91福利) has shaped me into the woman I am today and has instilled in me the drive to continue striving for excellence,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淚 am thankful for the experiences, growth and opportunities that Langston has provided me. The long nights and early mornings have all led to this moment, and I am proud to carry the legacy forward.鈥�

Samiya Robinson

B.A. English and B.B.A Finance, School of Arts and Sciences

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Samiya Robinson has always been familiar with 91福利 because it鈥檚 her great aunt鈥檚 alma mater. She understood the unique cultural and historical significance LU holds as Oklahoma鈥檚 HBCU, so she decided to apply and was accepted into the Edwin P. McCabe Honors Program. She came to LU in Fall 2021.

Though she originally chose LU because of her McCabe Honors scholarship, she soon fell in love with Dear Langston, and she is proud to be part of the same legacy as her great aunt.

Planning to pursue a career in business, Robinson chose to double major in English and Finance. She chose Finance because she hoped to develop her analytical and strategic thinking skills, and she chose English because she saw the growth and transformation the department has experienced in recent years and wanted to be part of it.

鈥淭he English Department pushed me to expand beyond technical skills and really develop my voice, especially in terms of creative expression and rhetoric,鈥� Robinson said. 鈥淭ogether, these programs have allowed me to think both analytically and critically, blending business strategy with creativity and communication in a way that I believe is essential for leadership.”

Robinson also worked to become a leader outside the classroom. She joined the Iota Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., in Spring 2022, and she said the sorority has been central to her leadership development and college experience. She has served as her chapter鈥檚 Vice President, President and Parliamentarian. She has also served as both a National Pan Hellenic Council and chapter delegate.

Beyond Greek life, Robinson worked in the LU Writing Center as a tutor and she served as the Community and Public Relations Chair for the School of Business. She is a Overnight Assistant for Residential Life and Housing Services. She is also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the National Council of Negro Women, the School of Business Student Advisory Board, Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, and Delta Mu Delta International Business Honor Society.

After graduation, Robinson will head to Minnesota as part of the 2026 NBA x HBCU Fellowship. She will spend the summer working in Community Engagement with the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves organizations.

鈥淢y experience here has shaped me in ways that go far beyond academics,鈥� Robinson said. 鈥淢ore than anything, Langston has taught me growth both personally and socially. The 22-year-old I am today exists because my 17-year-old self made the decision to step outside of her comfort zone and choose a school just four hours from home as a place to grow into who I am.鈥�

Kaitlyn Mitchell

B.S. Nursing, School of Nursing and Health Professions

Kaitlyn Mitchell first discovered her passion for nursing as a student at Perry High School in Perry, Oklahoma. Her mother is a registered nurse, so she grew up with a lot of exposure to the field. When she got to high school, she decided she wanted to learn more. She took classes and became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and she continued working as a CNA until she graduated.

鈥淚 started working as a CNA in high school and fell in love with it,鈥� Mitchell said. 鈥淚 wanted to be able to do more for people, so I decided to become a nurse.鈥�

Once Mitchell realized this was her calling, she started looking into nursing programs in Oklahoma. Her mother鈥檚 coworkers highly recommended 91福利, and it didn鈥檛 take Mitchell long to understand why.

She enrolled at LU in Fall 2022, and her professors made it clear early on that it would take a lot of hard work and dedication to earn her BSN. Mitchell was more than up for the challenge. She studied hard for her classes and made the most of her time in clinicals, and she excelled.

Outside of nursing, Mitchell was a member of the Edwin P. McCabe Honors Program, and she was also a member of the 91福利 Quiz Bowl Team. She made friends and had fun, but school was her priority.

鈥淕etting into the nursing program was a highlight (of my time at LU),鈥� Mitchell said. 鈥淏ut also, I think nursing pinning and graduation will be my favorite memories since it highlights all my hard work paying off.鈥�

After graduation, Mitchell plans to spend her first year focusing on being a newly graduated registered nurse and gaining experience. Later, she plans to continue her education to eventually become a nurse practitioner.

鈥淚 honestly feel like Dr. Hunter has done a good job preparing me for what comes next,鈥� Mitchell said. 鈥淏ut I am absolutely glad it is over, and I made it to this point.鈥�

Brooklyn Noiel

B.A. Psychology and B.S. Corrections, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Originally from Oklahoma City, Brooklyn Noiel has always been a stellar student. She graduated in the top 10% of her class from Moore High School in 2022 before enrolling as a quad major鈥揹ouble bachelors in corrections and psychology and double associates in criminal justice and general studies鈥揳t 91福利 that fall.

Noiel knew she wanted to be a lawyer, and she knew 91福利 was the perfect place for her to earn her bachelor鈥檚 degree and prepare for law school.

鈥淚 decided to attend 91福利 because it offers a strong sense of community, academic excellence and opportunities for personal growth,鈥� Noiel said. 鈥淎ttending 91福利 allows me to grow academically, professionally and personally while being part of a legacy of excellence.鈥�

From the beginning, Noiel was drawn to the supportive environment at LU. As Oklahoma鈥檚 HBCU, 91福利 celebrates culture, develops leaders and empowers students to reach their highest potential. That鈥檚 exactly what Noiel wanted.

That supportive atmosphere helped Noiel excel in and out of the classroom.

She was an LU Ambassador, serving terms as the Historian and the Chief of Staff; a Resident Assistant; a member of Legal Lions, where she served as Treasurer; a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, where she served as the Recording Secretary; and a member of the Scholar鈥檚 Club, where she was Secretary and Miss Scholars鈥� Club. She was also part of LU鈥檚 student chapters of the National Council of Negro Women and the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. She sang in LU’s Concert Choir, serving as the Wardrobe Lead and President, and she participated in the Student Government Association Senate, where she served as an Associate Justice to the Chief Justice,

After graduation, Noiel will intern at MedPro Group as their Inclusion and Engagement Intern in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In addition to her internship, Noiel plans to study for the LSAT with hopes of attending law school in Fall 2027.

鈥淚 truly feel that 91福利 has prepared me for what comes next,鈥� Noiel said. 鈥淢y time here has given me not only a strong academic foundation, but also the confidence, leadership skills and resilience needed to pursue my future goals. Through the support of faculty, staff and fellow students, I have grown personally and professionally, and I feel ready to take the next step toward law school and my career aspirations.鈥�

The post Leading the Pride: Class of 2026 School Flag Bearers Share Their Stories appeared first on 91福利.

As she stepped into the Pollinator Sanctuary, Andria took a moment to assess her surroundings.

She stood in the middle of a circular path lined with bushes and flowers. Butterflies, bees and other flying insects flitted between the plants, buzzing contentedly and paying her no mind. Her eyes followed the route of a bumblebee as it circled a purple flower to her right and flew over her head, bringing her gaze up to admire the bright blue sky that shone through the crisscrossing wooden beams enclosing her and the insects inside a giant ring.

She returned her eyes to the front and saw six pedestals in front of her. Each held a flower and was labeled with a different pollinator. She stepped forward, reached out, and plucked a bright red and orange marigold from its pedestal. Immediately, a honeybee came and landed on the flower, allowing her to get a good, close look at it. She brought the flower eye-level, and a voice began speaking in her ear, telling her about the daily habits of honeybees.

鈥淯sually, if I saw it in real life, I would get scared,鈥� Andria said. 鈥淚f I saw a bee, I would run. But since I knew it wasn鈥檛 real, I was kind of investigating it, seeing what was on the bug and stuff.鈥�

Observing different bees, butterflies and moths up close on the flowers was one of several activities Andria did through the Pollinator Sanctuary Virtual Reality Experience at 91福利 on Thursday.

A rising junior at Stillwater High School, Andria is a camper at LU鈥檚 2026 Math and Science Academy. The annual summer camp brings students from all over Oklahoma and surrounding states to the Langston Campus for two weeks to learn about STEM careers, life in college and strategies for taking the ACT. Activities like the Pollinator Sanctuary give the students opportunities to learn about STEM and agriculture in new and exciting ways, which is why Shar Carter is trying to make it more accessible.

Carter is an extension educator with LU鈥檚 Cooperative Outreach and Extension Programs (CEOP). She worked with Aaru Entertainment, a virtual reality company based in Tulsa, to bring the Pollinator Sanctuary to Langston for the Math and Science Academy. For two years, she has worked with Aaru to put on similar events around Tulsa with some of the other educational labs they offer, such as a virtual reality space simulation. This summer, she wants to do more.

鈥淲e can take them to places, whether that鈥檚 botanical gardens or museums, that they might never see in their lifetime,鈥� Carter said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 just so many applications that we can do, and what Dr. (Welsey) Whitaker, Dr. (Alonzo) Peterson and President (Ruth Ray) Jackson have allowed me to do is engage with other departments and adapt it to what they want to do.鈥�

For the Math and Science Academy, Carter wanted it to showcase one of the many intersections of STEM and agriculture.

By donning the VR headset, students were transported from LU鈥檚 Multipurpose Gymnasium into a state-of-the-art insect sanctuary and observatory to learn about pollination, the insects that pollinate, and how that process plays into everyday life. They looked at bugs and flowers up close, walked through a grocery store with empty shelves where all the food requiring pollination should have been, and learned about pollinator conservation.

For many of the students, this was their first experience with virtual reality, and they were impressed.

鈥淚 was excited because I always wanted to try VR,鈥� Andria said. 鈥淎t first, it wasn鈥檛 like how I expected it to be, but it was still fun. It was cool looking around and seeing random things flying around. I think it鈥檚 a fun way to learn, especially since it鈥檚 kind of like a video game, and most people like video games.鈥�

The experience stuck with the students as more than just a fun activity. Many said they learned things about bees they hadn鈥檛 known before, and the impact of seeing the empty grocery store shelves is something many said will stay with them.

Aaiyah, a rising junior at Wiley East High School in Dallas, said the experience was eye-opening.

鈥淚t鈥檚 showing you how all the pollinators are gonna be gone, and how we鈥檙e not really gonna have any food,鈥� Aaiyah said. 鈥淟ike, in year 2080, we鈥檙e really only gonna have bread and wine. It was just really sad because we need to work on it.鈥�

Despite the somber feeling she had when she took off the headset, Aaiyah was still impressed by the VR experience.

鈥淵ou see things, like articles and stuff like that,鈥� Aaiyah said. 鈥淏ut this was like, you actually got to engage with it. To see the future and back and the difference, and to actually take it in.鈥�

Carter and Aaru will host the next virtual reality STEM education lab on the Langston Campus on June 25 as part of the Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences鈥� HERC Field Day. Carter is working to schedule more around Oklahoma throughout the summer.

The post LU Cooperative Extension and Outreach hosts virtual reality STEM education labs appeared first on 91福利.

On April 1, the world watched excitedly as astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen launched into space as part of the Artemis II Mission鈥揘ASA鈥檚 first crewed lunar flyby since 1972. For 10 days, people eagerly awaited updates as the Artemis II crew orbited the moon and traveled the greatest distance from Earth humans have ever achieved. On April 10, the crew reentered the Earth鈥檚 orbit and splashed down off the coast of San Diego.

The first person to greet them was 91福利 alumnus Laddy Aldridge.

Aldridge is a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, and he serves as the Independent Duty Corpsman for Explosive Ordinance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 1. He was one of four Navy Sailors selected for the Navy Dive Medical Recovery Team for the Artemis II Mission, serving as a first-contact medical provider inside the Orion capsule. But long before that, he was just a boy from Oklahoma.

鈥淭o be a part of this mission is truly an honor,鈥� Aldridge said. 鈥淚 am humbled to have been just a small part in it.鈥�

Aldridge grew up in Cushing, Oklahoma, and he found his passion for medicine at a young age. His father, a former U.S. Coast Guardsman, had a long medical history and was at the doctor鈥檚 often. Sometimes Aldridge accompanied him, and he was inspired to pursue a medical career after seeing the many interactions between his dad and Dr. Ike Hubbard.

After that, he talked to his high school career counselor. She suggested he apply to 91福利鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program because the school鈥檚 licensure exam pass rate was better than that of the University of Oklahoma. Additionally, LU was more affordable and closer to his family. So, in the fall of 2005, Dear Langston became Aldridge鈥檚 new home.

For the next two years, Aldridge worked over 40 hours a week while balancing a full course load each semester and commuting from Cushing. It was hard, but he was determined. His professors were helpful and supportive, and one of his chemistry professors was particularly influential in his decision to enlist in the Navy.

鈥淪he never hesitated to ask if I was grasping the concepts in class at the end of every session,鈥� Aldridge said. 鈥淢aking small talk one day, I mentioned my father鈥檚 military background and said something like, 鈥業 would join if I was not currently enrolled.鈥� She supported the thought and also immediately offered to help search for more scholarships if I was struggling financially. I will always remember how supportive she was of me no matter what direction I wanted to go in life.鈥�

In 2007, Aldridge decided to pause his studies and join the Navy as an enlisted Hospital Corpsman. His naval career has taken him places he never imagined. Over the past 19 years, he鈥檚 had the opportunity to work with wonderful people, learn from next-level leaders, and gain skills and viewpoints that he said will forever shape his life.

In 2017, NASA announced the Artemis Program, a moon exploration program made up of several missions of increasing complexity with the end goal of establishing a permanent lunar base on the moon.

When the Artemis II Mission was announced, Aldridge was excited to be named to its Navy Dive Medical Recovery Team. His initial excitement was quickly followed by nervousness and then eagerness to learn more about space medicine and physiology. Then the training began.

鈥淥ver the past few years, our team took several trips to NASA鈥檚 Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory located in Houston, Texas,鈥� Aldridge said. 鈥淭hese helped familiarize the team with the procedures and gear utilized in the mission. Along with those trips, we conducted several underway trips on various U.S. Navy ships where we would practice the mission with a training capsule in the open ocean.鈥�

The Team鈥檚 years of training paid off. When the Orion capsule landed in the Pacific Ocean, they went straight to work.

Once they opened the capsule, Aldridge was the first person to make contact with the astronauts. He entered the capsule and began conducting initial medical exams for the crew. The Navy Dive Medical Team provided care as needed and then assisted the astronauts out of the capsule and onto a raft set up by Navy divers. They then prepared the astronauts for a helicopter airlift to the USS John P. Murtha for further medical evaluations.

Reflecting on the mission afterward, Aldridge was honored to participate. Growing up in Oklahoma, he never would have imagined he would one day work with NASA to care for astronauts returning from a lunar mission. He knows he wouldn鈥檛 have had the opportunity without the support of people throughout his life, from Cushing and Langston to his many naval duty stations.

鈥淟U prepared me not only academically for life after college but also for life in general!鈥� Alrdidge said. 鈥淭o 91福利, my first home after high school, thank you for helping me build the foundation of who I am as a person and a student. Even though I never completed my initial goal of a degree from LU, I will always be a Lion at heart.鈥�

The post 91福利 Alumnus serves on Artemis II Naval Recovery Mission appeared first on 91福利.

by Jet Turner

The kids scream in delight, sweat still dripping off their brows and smiles still on their faces as Danielle Jones unlocks her front door.

Her home鈥檚 cool AC hits them in a wave, saving them from the July sun. For Jones, summer break means days in the park and time outside with her children. Being a teacher, answering her emails 鈥� all thoughts in the back of her mind.

DING!

Until that email notification went off.

Usually, Jones would鈥檝e ignored that email, especially after an exhausting day at the park. But she knew it was about time to see if she had received the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Award.

She pulled out her phone and clicked on the notification.

____________________________________________________________________

Jones always knew she wanted to be a teacher.

鈥淚 love 鈥楳atilda,鈥� and I always wanted to be like Miss Honey,鈥� Jones said.

She was always around children. Even from a young age, she would volunteer with her church鈥檚 nursery or vacation bible school. In middle school, Jones took a career test that suggested she should pursue teaching. That all but confirmed what path she wanted to take.

Jones attended Oklahoma State University after graduating from Guthrie High School, and she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She spent some time in different career fields before returning to education.

A friend of Jones鈥� had just finished her master鈥檚 degree in urban education at 91福利 when Jones began teaching again. Her friend kept telling her how great the urban education program was at LU and encouraged her to apply.

鈥淚 had been teaching for a couple of years at that point, and I was like, 鈥楢 master鈥檚 wouldn鈥檛 hurt,’ you know?鈥� Jones said.

Jones was accepted into the urban education program on the 91福利 鈥� Oklahoma City campus and began attending classes during the Fall 2017 semester.

She loved her time in the program, in large part because of the HBCU culture 91福利 offers across all its campuses.

鈥淚t was really important at that time in life,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淚 think people think that once you become an adult, you have it all figured out, and you just don’t. I’m still learning. For me, I was still trying to figure out my identity as a Black woman and where I’m supposed to be, and how do I pour into children, Black and brown children, who look like me, and address stereotypes and biases? Just because we’re Black don’t mean we know each other’s story. The program allowed me to lean on people and hear their perspectives.

“If you want that type of culture, you can’t destroy that type of culture. You have to continue to embrace it and pour into it. I tell other students, 鈥業f you want a family, if you want to be a name and not a number, if you want people who want to see you succeed and will push you and will hold you to a higher standard, Langston (University) is the place for you.鈥欌��

Jones graduated with her master’s degree in urban education in 2019, and soon afterward began working at Putnam City North High School. Before then, she had never heard of Fulbright.

A fellow teacher had applied to the Fulbright program many times before finally being accepted. They constantly tried to convince Jones to apply for the program, telling her, 鈥淲hen that application comes out, you need to apply.鈥�

鈥淏ut I鈥檓 a mom,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淗ow鈥檚 this going to work?鈥�

鈥淵ou know what? I鈥檓 not going to stress about it. What God has for me is for me. I鈥檓 just putting myself out there, and I鈥檒l pray that it works out.鈥�

The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program is a yearlong professional learning opportunity and short-term exchange for elementary, middle and high school educators from the United States to develop skills to prepare students for a competitive global economy. The program equips educators to bring an international perspective to their schools through targeted training, experience abroad and global collaboration, according to its website.

Participants in the program will travel abroad for two to three weeks to immerse themselves in another country鈥檚 culture and education system and create a global education guide that serves as a resource in their local community to share the skills, experiences and resources they have developed throughout the program, among other activities.

Jones applied to the program in February 2025. Then, the long wait began.

鈥淚 remember going to church, and our pastor had us do these cards with your prayer list,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淚 had that on my prayer list. I just wanted to give it to God and not even worry about it because I was starting to get anxious about it, especially because it takes so long to find out.”

_______________________________________________________________________

…the white light of her email app brightened her smile as Jones read the email.

She was accepted into the Fulbright program for the 2025-2026 year.

鈥淭hey picked me, this little girl from Guthrie, Oklahoma,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 believe it.鈥�

It wasn鈥檛 until several months later that Jones learned she was the only recipient from Oklahoma selected to participate in the program for this award cycle.

Jones knows she鈥檚 not only representing the state of Oklahoma, but representing Black educators, 91福利 alumni and so many others who helped her along the way.

鈥淚 was raised by a single father, and I鈥檝e reconnected with my mom,鈥� Jones said. 鈥淚’ve had a lot of mentors and teachers who always poured into me. Everything I do is to try to honor their legacy and the sacrifices they made for me.

鈥淚 feel like I did this for all of us. We鈥檙e all in the Fulbright program now.鈥�

The post From Guthrie to Global: LU Alumna Earns Spot in Fulbright Program appeared first on 91福利.

by Ellie Melero

When Ayana Spriggs Talley first entered the tech industry, everything was changing.

A teenager in the 鈥�90s, Talley was part of the first generation to grow up with consumer access to the internet. She experienced first-hand how it changed everyday life, and seeing its massive impact made her want to learn more.

She got her chance at Oklahoma State University鈥檚 College of Business Administration.

Talley enrolled at the College of Business Administration, now known as the Spears School of Business, with the intention of following in her mother鈥檚 footsteps to become a businesswoman. A conversation with an advisor opened her eyes to new possibilities.

鈥淚 wanted to work in business because that’s what I saw my mom doing,鈥� Talley said. 鈥淪he was a professional, and so she went to the office every day. She dressed in a suit. And I thought that’s the type of career that I wanted. So, I went to college wanting to have a business degree. I spoke with my academic advisor to explore what I was interested in, and she said, 鈥楬ey, we have this somewhat new degree: MIS.鈥欌��

Management Information Systems (MIS) combined business and computer science, and it was exactly the type of program Talley was looking for.

The program allowed her to pursue both of her interests, and she thought it was exciting to go to school at a time when the tech industry was experiencing so much growth. The program prepared her well to enter that rapidly growing workforce, and she accepted a position as a technology consultant at Accenture Consulting when she graduated in 2000.

鈥淲e had the, you know, the start of technology just really growing all over the United States, all over the world,鈥� Talley said. 鈥淪o, it was a really great time to be in that field. There were lots of job opportunities, lots of internship opportunities. So, it was thriving and booming and evolving, and I was excited to be a part of it.鈥�

Accenture Consulting was one of the Big 5 consulting firms, and they sent Talley all over the country to implement technology projects for major corporations. The job offered her exposure to a variety of companies and business models for six to nine months at a time, and it helped her cultivate her love for travel.

Talley’s time at Accenture helped her grow in her field and as a professional, but she eventually decided it was time to come back home.

鈥淚 fell in love,鈥� Talley said. 鈥淢y husband鈥揵oyfriend at the time鈥搘as in Oklahoma, and so was family. So, love and family brought me back to Oklahoma.鈥�

Talley moved back and found a job in the oil and gas industry. She spent the next decade and a half working at companies like Devon Energy and OG&E. During that time, she honed her expertise and proved her abilities, rising through the ranks.

As a Black woman in a male-dominated industry, it was challenging at times. On several occasions, she couldn鈥檛 help but notice she was not only the sole woman but also the sole person of color in meetings or on teams. She never let that deter her. Her hard work earned her leadership positions, and she used those opportunities to support her fellow women in the workplace.

Breanna Hites, a customer success manager at Microsoft, worked with Talley at Devon Energy, and she remembers how important that support was to her. Talley not only made work fun, but she also made it a safe space for Hites to be herself. Talley was welcoming from the start when Hites started at Devon Energy, and she said Talley always had the mindset of 鈥渢he more the merrier鈥� when it came to women in leadership positions.

鈥淪he was always a big advocate with me,鈥� Hites said. 鈥淪he was always someone I could lean on and count on to be a supporter in a place where we were some of the few women on leadership in the IT department.鈥�

Talley has always been driven to try to open the doors of opportunity for others because she knows she wouldn鈥檛 have experienced her own success without the help of her mentors. This desire to help others isn鈥檛 limited to the workplace.

As she and her husband, Henry, began to find success in their careers, they decided they wanted to give back to their community. As graduates of Star Spencer High School in Spencer, Oklahoma, they were familiar with the needs of their hometown. Together, they founded the Talley Community Service Foundation.

The initiative started when Henry, a barber and salon owner, began receiving calls from mothers who couldn鈥檛 afford haircuts for their kids at the beginning of the school year. He offered to cut their hair for free, and it slowly turned into an annual back-to-school event with free haircuts and school supplies.

They began to work with other organizations, and the event grew into a community resource fair. They decided to formalize their service initiative into the Talley Community Service Foundation, which allowed them to receive more donations and apply for grants to expand their work. Now, they host several events each year, such as coat drives and food giveaways, and offer scholarships to students from Spencer.

鈥淲hatever we can do for our community, we try to do,鈥� Talley said. 鈥淓specially to make sure those students are ready to go back to school, and that they have the tools that they need to succeed.鈥�

In 2023, Talley decided she was ready for something new.

Growing up in Oklahoma, Talley has always been familiar with 91福利. Her friends and family who attended LU left the school with fond memories, so when the role of director of Information Technology Services (ITS) opened, Talley decided to apply. In October 2023, Talley officially joined the LU family as the Executive Director of ITS and Computer Technology Integration.

鈥淚 really enjoy working here,鈥� Talley said. 鈥淚 am on board and aligned with the mission of the university, and I just think about my role as bridging the gap so that, you know, students, faculty and staff won’t have any technology limitations to be able to do the really great work that they do. So, I want to be able to smooth that out so that technology is not something that limits or causes issues, but elevates and supports all of the wonderful work we’re doing here.鈥�

In her role, Talley has the opportunity to work with departments across LU鈥檚 three campuses. Her teams provide critical support to the LU community, ensuring students have access to needed class materials, faculty have the tools needed for research, and much more.

She also has the opportunity to support and inspire the future of women in STEM, especially Black women interested in computer science and technology, by being an example of success for LU students. She doesn鈥檛 limit herself to just LU students, though.

Talley is an advisory board member for Oklahoma Women in Technology (OKWIT), which is an organization dedicated to supporting women in the tech field throughout Oklahoma. The goal is to encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers and to support women in the industry as they pursue leadership roles. It鈥檚 a mission Talley takes to heart.

鈥淭hrough the years, I have always had mentors and people that supported and encouraged me, and I feel like I owe it to others to do the same,鈥� Talley said. 鈥淧eople have opened doors for me that I could not have even imagined, and I’ve been able to do things in my career that I never expected to do. So, I want to be able to do the same for others.鈥�

Hites is on the OKWIT advisory board with Talley, and she can see how passionate Talley is about the work they do. At Devon Energy, Talley was a champion of finding ways to make diversity work, and she continues that work at OKWIT.

In light of her professional accomplishments and tremendous community impact, the Spears School of Business honored Talley this spring by inducting her into its MSIS Cloud of Honor, an honor reserved for professional leaders who are longtime graduates of OSU鈥檚 information systems programs. She will also receive the Women of Color Expo Impact Woman of the Year Award in April.

These awards are well earned, and Talley said she feels grateful to receive them.

鈥淚鈥檓 surprised and honored that others would consider what I have done to be worthy of such an honor,鈥� Talley said. 鈥淚 spent a lot of time at OSU, and it’s very dear and close to my heart. So, I’m excited and just honored that they would consider me and allow me to be a part of this. And the women that have received Women of Color Expo awards in the past have been amazing, and so, I鈥檓 just honored.鈥�

The post Paving the Way: Ayana Talley recognized for her leadership in Oklahoma鈥檚 technology industry and beyond appeared first on 91福利.

Lewis is a proud alumnus and long-time supporter of LU. He has served the university for more than fifty years in various capacities, including as the current chair of the 91福利 Board of Trustees for the Urban Campuses and a member of the LU Foundation Board. He was a trailblazer in the field of conservation, a successful entrepreneur, and he is the most prolific individual donor in the university鈥檚 history

鈥�91福利 is proud of the work Mr. Sherman Lewis has done for Oklahoma and the agriculture industry, and we are grateful for all the ways in which he gives back to his alma mater,鈥� Dr. Jackson said. 鈥淥ver the years, his generous donations have helped countless LU students pursue their degrees while also enhancing the student experience. He is the single largest donor in the university鈥檚 history, but he also gives his time through his work on the Board of Trustees for Urban Campuses, the LU Foundation Board and his participation in various events throughout the year.鈥�

Lewis grew up on a farm near Beggs, Oklahoma, and earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in agricultural economics with a minor in mathematics from LU in1964. After graduation, he spent two years in the military before joining the USDA Soil Conservation Service, now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), in 1967.

He was quickly recognized for his outstanding service, and in 1971, Lewis became the first Black District Conservationist in Oklahoma, serving as the District Conservationist for Rogers County. He continued to rise through the ranks, and he eventually became Director of the Conservation Planning Division in Washington, D.C. In 1997, he retired as Deputy Administrator for Management and Strategic Planning for NRCS.

Lewis returned to 91福利 as the Director for the Center for Outreach Programs, where he focused on recruiting students, providing technical assistance to producers and minority-owned businesses, and developing partnerships with federal and state agencies to secure scholarships, internships and career opportunities for students.

After eight years at LU, Lewis decided to venture into the private sector. He and his family started several businesses in Houston, Texas, including quick service restaurants, construction project management, real estate, wholesale and retail gas distribution and a Mexican restaurant.

Lewis was awarded the Heart of the Lion Award in 2014 and received the 1890 Career Exemplar Award from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities in 2015. In 2022, he and his family established the Sherman and Berniece Lewis Endowment, which was the largest single donation in university history. Shortly after, the university renamed the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences to the Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. In 2025, he received the first ever 91福利 Presidential Award of Excellence.

For more information about 91福利’s commencement ceremony, please visit langston.edu/commencement.

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91福利 rose 8 points in the rankings from 2025 to be named the tenth best program in the United States. Previously tied with Winston-Salem University, LU now sits as the highest ranked Historically Black College or University (HBCU) on the list.

鈥淲e are incredibly proud to see our Rehabilitation Counseling program break into the Top 10 nationally,鈥� said Dr. Corey Moore, the founding director of the program. 鈥淲hile the ranking is a high honor, the true reward is watching our graduates enter the workforce fully equipped to lead, and seeing our research translate into better outcomes for the communities we serve.鈥�

91福利 was ranked above programs from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Northern Illinois University, University at Buffalo-SUNY and others.

This accomplishment comes as the program celebrates its 25th anniversary, and LU President Ruth Ray Jackson recently honored Dr. Moore with a Distinguished Service Award for his leadership as the founding chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Services.

91福利鈥檚 rehabilitation counseling master鈥檚 program is available in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Students benefit from small class settings that allow for more one-on-one interaction with the program鈥檚 distinguished faculty, and they have opportunities to participate in ground-breaking research at the department鈥檚 two federally funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers. Many of the students receive scholarships funded by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services/U.S. Department of Education, and all students participate in hands-on internships.

鈥淲e will use this momentum to further enhance the academic preparation of the next generation of rehabilitation and mental health professionals and to continue translating our high-impact solutions-oriented research initiatives funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research/Administration for Community Living,鈥� Dr. Moore said.

For more information about the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, please visit .

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Vincent came to 91福利 as the Associate Head Coach of the men鈥檚 basketball team under Chris Wright in 2022, helping lead the greatest single season turnaround in college basketball history. Their remarkable success included two Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) regular season and tournament championships, two NAIA national tournament appearances, a runner-up finish in the 2023-2024 season, and an overall record of 66-5.

After two years in the role, Vincent was selected as the Head Women鈥檚 Basketball Coach in 2024.

鈥淲e recognized Coach Vincent鈥檚 leadership potential while serving as the associate head coach on the men鈥檚 side of our basketball program for two seasons, and that continued when he began to serve as our women鈥檚 head coach,鈥� 91福利 Athletic Director Donnita Drain-Rogers said. 鈥淐oach Vincent鈥檚 passion for the sport of women鈥檚 basketball, recruiting expertise and the ability to quickly develop a winning culture are just a few reasons why he stood out when we were looking to fill our head women鈥檚 position in Spring 2024.

鈥淗is basketball IQ, recruiting expertise and leadership skills have been on full display these past two seasons leading the Lady Lions. He鈥檚 left his mark on the Lady Lions program in his short time here. We wish him well in all his future endeavors, and I鈥檓 looking forward to seeing him continue to blossom for years to come.鈥�

In his two years leading the , Vincent tallied a 55-9 overall record. He led the Lady Lions to back-to-back Sooner Athletic Conference regular season titles, one SAC tournament championship and two berths into the NAIA Women鈥檚 Basketball National Tournament.

During the 2024-2025 season, the Lady Lions advanced to the NAIA National Tournament Round of 16 and tied the program record for most wins in a season with 31. The Lady Lions finished with the No. 1 defense in the country and No. 2 in overall efficiency.

“Words cannot fully express the love and passion I have for 91福利,鈥� Vincent said. 鈥淭he past four years have been nothing short of historic and memorable, but even more importantly, life changing.

鈥淚 am forever grateful for the opportunity to propel this program to an even greater place, not only winning four conference championships, tournament championships, and national championship appearances, but touching the lives of players, colleagues and alumni. The impact that has on 91福利 surpasses any wins or losses.鈥�

Vincent鈥檚 player accomplishments include two Defensive Players of the Year, two Newcomers of the Year, and one Sixth Woman of the Year. Additionally, he鈥檚 had three players named First Team All-SAC, two players named Second Team All-SAC, one player named Third Team All-SAC and two players named Honorable Mention All-SAC.

91福利 wishes Coach Vincent and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.

鈥淐oach Vincent will be deeply missed,鈥� President Ruth Ray Jackson said. 鈥淗is dedication to 91福利 basketball鈥撯�搊n both the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 sides鈥撯�揾elped elevate these programs to an elite level. His service and mentorship extended far beyond the basketball court, leaving a lasting impact on the entire 91福利 community. We wish him all the best at Purdue Northwest and continued success in all his future endeavors.鈥�

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“Coach Wright’s impact on 91福利 basketball has become legendary in just a few short years,鈥� said 91福利 Athletic Director Donnita Drain-Rogers. 鈥淭he program, culture and championship level of play he created set the standard for small college hoops. I look forward to watching his impact on NCAA Division I basketball and celebrating his future success.鈥�

In his four years at 91福利, Wright has amassed a record of 121-21, bringing a winning culture back to LU men鈥檚 basketball. His teams have made the NAIA National Championship Tournament each year, finishing in the Round of 16 in 2023 and 2025 and as the National Runner-Up in 2024 and 2026.

Wright鈥檚 time at 91福利 has been highlighted with many historic moments. After inheriting a program that went 1-27 in the 2021-22 season, Wright engineered the single greatest turnaround in the history of college basketball when he took over the program in 2022. The Lions finished that season at 31-3 overall and climbed to No. 3 in the national polls. The program became the first ever HBCU to win the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season crown along with capturing the SAC Conference Tournament Championship.

His teams went on to win the SAC regular season title in 2022 and 2023, and SAC tournament championship in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

During his time at LU, Wright鈥檚 players conference accomplishments include 2 Players of the Year, 3 Newcomers of the Year, 2 Defensive Players of the Year, in addition to 6 players on the All SAC First Team, 3 players on the ALL SAC Second Team, 4 players on the All SAC Third Team, 6 All SAC Defense players and 1 All SAC Freshman. Nationally, five of his players achieved NAIA All-American status.

Most recently, during the , the 91福利 Lions achieved a 29-8 overall record, finishing as the runners-up in both the SAC regular season and conference tournaments and earning the Lions the 4 seed in the Liston quadrant of the NAIA Men鈥檚 Basketball National Championship Tournament. They battled through five other teams before eventually falling to Freed-Hardeman University in the national championship game 76-71.

“Over the past four years so many people have poured their blood, sweat and tears into transforming 91福利 basketball into what it is now, one of the most successful programs at any level of college basketball,鈥� Wright said. 鈥淚 am beyond thankful to all of you that have played a role in this incredible transformation. Leaving LU has proven to be the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life. To say that I love this place is a vast understatement.

鈥淎lly, Reece and I are forever grateful for our time here. You have touched our hearts and have forever changed our lives. This is not a goodbye, but a, 鈥楽ee you later.鈥� L鈥檚 up.鈥�

The program boasted a 3.14 team GPA in the Fall 2025 semester and was named a recipient of the NABC鈥檚 Academic Excellence Award. For his efforts in 2022-23, Wright was named the John Hudson SAC Coach of the Year, the NAIA National Coach of the Year by Hoopdirt.com and the Jack Bennett Man of the Year, which exemplifies winning with integrity.

91福利 wishes Coach Wright and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.

鈥淐oach Wright鈥檚 influence elevated not only men鈥檚 basketball at 91福利, but the institution as a whole,鈥� President Ruth Ray Jackson said. 鈥淭he expertise and passion he brings to the game is matched only by his care for our players and for their success beyond the court. I am proud of the four incredible seasons led by Coach Wright and his staff, and we wish him continued success at Alabama State.鈥�

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by Jet Turner

For many years, Dr. Ryan Johnson and the 91福利 Department of Chemistry have worked diligently to create service-learning and confidence-building programs in STEM fields for high school students.

Dr. Johnson鈥檚 goal has always been to expand this work statewide, but he鈥檚 learned an important lesson during his endeavors.

鈥淓xternally funded programs are powerful but temporary,鈥� Dr. Johnson said. 鈥淲hen grants end, students lose access to support.鈥�

That鈥檚 why the Chemistry Department has shifted its focus to sustainability by embedding this work directly into 91福利鈥檚 curriculum, building permanent pipelines that connect LU students to Oklahoma communities.

The Thomas E. English Chemistry Leadership Initiative is a curriculum-embedded service learning program named after 91福利鈥檚 12th president, who emphasized education for community engagement and service.

91福利 General Chemistry I students develop and deliver interactive chemistry demonstrations to local high school students, positioning themselves as experts and leaders. During the Fall 2025 semester, more than 25 LU students presented demonstrations at Frederick A. Douglass High School in Oklahoma City on Nov. 11 and 18.

For some of LU鈥檚 chemistry students, this was the first time they felt confident calling themselves 鈥渟cientists.鈥� That change in mindset doesn鈥檛 just help students pass chemistry; it shapes their entire STEM journey and career trajectory, according to Dr. Johnson.

General Chemistry I students designed demonstrations on topics like acids and bases, chemical reactions and states of matter. They practiced extensively, then taught 40-minute sessions to Douglass High School chemistry classes.

“This opportunity was encouraging for me because I got a glimpse of how well I can do in the education field as an instructor,鈥� said Oliviya Greenhoward, a General Chemistry I student last semester. 鈥淚 was so surprised, appreciative of and humbled by the experience.”

The department of chemistry is expanding the Thomas E. English Chemistry Leadership Initiative this semester and has submitted a research proposal to determine whether this type of teaching experience helps students build confidence in STEM fields.

鈥淭he goal is to create a replicable model that can scale across Oklahoma and beyond,鈥� Dr. Johnson said. 鈥淎 sustainable approach to STEM pipeline development that doesn’t depend on external funding cycles.鈥�

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