Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson

09/04/2026

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our newest employees into the Pride! Following our formal Opening Convocation Ceremony, we gathered for a New Employee Reception that gave our newest colleagues a chance to experience the many facets of Dear Langston. The day included lunch in The Den of the Student Success Center, a tour of campus that featured our Agricultural Extension research labs and farms, and a closing reception in the SSC Private Dining Room.

I believe it's important for our employees to have opportunities to step outside their offices and see the incredible work happening across our campus. Our employees are some of LU's best ambassadors, and the more they know about the people, programs and opportunities that make this university special, the better they can share the Langston University story with others. I'm so pleased we were able to give our newest employees a taste of all that Dear Langston has to offer, including a little fresh honey! I'm looking forward to getting to know each of them better and to seeing all that we will accomplish together as we continue advancing Langston University's mission.

09/02/2026

Last fall, Langston University had the privilege of hosting Robert F. Smith in conversation with Mayor Monroe Nichols and Ken Levit at our LU-Tulsa Campus. The energy, insight and engagement from our students and community made a lasting impression. Months after that visit, I received a call offering Langston University 1,000 copies of Robert F. Smith's book, "Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."

Last Wednesday, we began distributing complementary copies to students, particularly our freshmen. Through this gift, students will explore Dr. King's vision of the Beloved Commnicty while strengthening the leadership skills needed to serve and transform their communities. This initiative extends far beyond the pages of a book. Throughout the academic year, Langston University will host conversations, programs and learning experiences that encourage students to reflect on and apply the principles of Lead Boldly in meaningful ways. Together, we are creating a shared learning experience that advances our mission of Education for Service.

We are deeply grateful to Robert F. Smith, Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, Kevin Johnson and the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB2) for making this opportunity possible. Their investment in HBCUs and future leaders will have a lasting impact on our students and our university community.

08/31/2026

On Friday, Langston University hosted our first Monthly Employee Birthday Celebration! It was such a pleasure to celebrate our colleagues with August birthdays, share a little cake and get to know one another beyond our day-to-day work.

I'm excited to continue this new tradition and, most importantly, to celebrate our Dear Langston family. Our people are what make LU special, and i'm grateful for every opportunity to build community together. Happy Birthday to all of our August birthdays! May this next year be filled with joy, blessings and wonderful moments! 🎂

08/07/2026

Congratulations to the most recent graduates of Langston University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program!

Your success is a testament to your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. I extend my sincere appreciation to Dean Elicia Pollard, our dedicated faculty, and staff for their leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support of our students.

The Langston University family celebrates with you and looks forward to the impact you will make in your profession and communities.

MAJOR CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
🔶🔹🥼🔸🔷
FOR 100% LICENSURE EXAM PASSAGE!!!!

We are the LIONS!🦁

08/03/2026

We hope everyone has had a good summer, but we're so excited to have our students back for a new school year! We encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities Dear Langston has to offer, from over 60 student organizations to ground-breaking research. With your help, we're sure this will be the best semester yet. To our new students, Welcome to the Lion Pride! To our returning students, Welcome Back! And to everyone, Welcome Home!

08/03/2026

What a great way to start a new year!

I’m grateful to The Oklahoman for sharing the story of Coach Crystal Robinson. Although we welcomed her to Langston University earlier this summer, it’s wonderful to see others learning what we already know—that she is an exceptional leader with an incredible story and a genuine passion for mentoring young women.

Coach Robinson brings a championship mindset, a heart for students, and a deep love for the game. I have no doubt she will make a lasting impact on our Lady Lions and on our entire campus community.

As we welcome students back to Dear Langston, I can’t think of a better reminder of the outstanding people who have chosen to invest their talents here. The future is bright, and I’m excited for all that’s ahead.

Congratulations again, Coach! We’re proud to have you as part of the Langston University family.

Crystal Robinson went from Oklahoma high school legend to small-college phenom to WNBA standout. Now, she hopes to take Langston to the next level. See link below ⬇️

📸 DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN

08/01/2026

It’s a busy and exciting time here at Langston University!

Last weekend, we welcomed our newest Lions and their families during Freshman Move-In. As much as I enjoyed meeting our incoming students and their loved ones, it’s been even more rewarding this week watching our newest Lions begin finding their way around campus while our returning students help them feel at home. There is something truly special about seeing the Lion family in action. It has been an honor to welcome each of you, and I look forward to getting to know you throughout the year.

Our outstanding faculty have also been hard at work preparing for the start of the semester. During our Fall Faculty Institute, held Monday through Wednesday, we celebrated the many accomplishments of our faculty while collaborating on new ways to make this academic year an exceptional one for our students. Thank you to Dr. Alonzo Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, for his leadership and to everyone who contributed to a successful Faculty Institute by sharing their expertise, ideas, and commitment to excellence.

This weekend, we’re excited to welcome our returning students back to campus. Then on Monday, a new semester begins!

There is something special about the beginning of a new academic year. I’m grateful to be part of this incredible community, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together. Let’s make this our best year yet. Ls Up!

06/27/2026

I recently had the opportunity to join leaders from America’s public and land-grant universities for important conversations about the future of higher education through the APLU Council of Presidents Summer Meeting.

A meaningful part of that experience was connecting with my colleagues from the nation’s 19 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities through the 1890 Universities Foundation Council of Presidents. As members of the broader land-grant community, 1890 institutions share a commitment to access, research, innovation, and service, while also bringing a unique perspective as HBCUs with a historic mission of expanding opportunity and transforming communities.

It was especially meaningful to be among leaders of institutions that have shaped my own journey, including the chancellor and president of my alma maters, Southern University and A&M College and Colorado State University.

A highlight was meeting Dr. Austin Lane, Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a proud Langston University alumnus. It is always inspiring to see Langston Lions leading and making an impact across the nation.

I left Washington reminded of the power of the land-grant mission and the important role our 1890 institutions play in advancing access, opportunity, and service today and for years to come.

06/19/2026

Today, we pause to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth, a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of equality. On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, news of freedom finally reached Galveston, Texas, when Union troops announced that enslaved African Americans were free.

As we reflect on this profound moment in our nation’s history, we honor the courage of those who came before us and remember that freedom is a responsibility. It is up to each of us to protect, preserve, and advance it for generations to come.

At Langston University, we remain committed to educating, empowering, and preparing future leaders who will carry forward the work of building a more just future and a stronger America for all.

“You cannot take your freedoms for granted. Just like generations who have come before you, you have to do your part to preserve and protect those freedoms.” - Michelle Obama

commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865, and the official end of slavery in the United States. Today, we celebrate Freedom Day!

Our offices will be closed across all campuses in observance of the holiday.

04/21/2026

Today I was honored to have the opportunity to address the Oklahoma House Floor and the Oklahoma Senate Floor during our Second Annual LU Day at the Capitol. I got to share directly with our state legislators the incredible impact that Langston University––Oklahoma’s HBCU––has in the state of Oklahoma and in the world. From preparing Oklahoma’s workforce to producing high level research, LU lives out the land-grant mission every day.
Thank you to the more than 150 LU students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the institution who joined us at the State Capitol today to advocate on behalf of Dear Langston. I am encouraged by the conversations we had today that will continue to keep LU’s presence strong in Oklahoma.