Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson

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.

04/14/2026

Langston University proudly builds strategic partnerships in support of our students. We were happy to welcome back our partners from the Oklahoma City Thunder organization to campus today for continued conversations around engagement with our students, employees and alumni. We were joined today by Kat Wiley, Vice President of People and Culture, and Paulina Panduro, Recruiter, to discuss exciting opportunities for our Langston students. We are so appreciative of their support!

03/30/2026

I had the opportunity to help open the Biennial 1890 Research Symposium in New Orleans. Langston was well represented with 104 students, faculty, researchers, and staff registered and participating.

This is my second time attending, and I truly enjoy it every time. There is something special about watching our students present their research with confidence and purpose. It speaks volumes about the commitment of the faculty mentors who support them every step of the way.

Congratulations to everyone who helped make this such a great event, including our own Langston University Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences Dean Wesley Whittaker for his leadership and service as Chair of

03/30/2026

I had the opportunity to help open the Biennial 1890 Research Symposium in New Orleans, joining President Ericke Cage, representatives from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities 1890 Council of Presidents, and Dr. Felecia Nave, President and CEO of 1890Foundation.

Langston was well represented with more than 100 students, faculty, researchers, and staff registered and participating.

This is my second time attending, and I truly enjoy it every time. There is something special about watching our students present their research with confidence and purpose. It speaks volumes about the commitment of the faculty mentors who support them every step of the way.

Congratulations to everyone who helped make this such a great event, including our own Langston University Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences Dean Wesley Whittaker for his leadership and service as Chair of the Association of 1890 Research Directors.

03/24/2026

Thank you to our very own, Dr. Marc J. Spears, senior NBA writer for ESPN's Andscape, for this wonderful feature!

Be sure to watch tonight at 7:00 (CDT) on the Urban Edge Network.

You can also support the men’s basketball program by donating at https://www.mygiving.net/donate/Langston-University
Select "Athletics" and designate your donation "Men's Basketball."

Go, Lions!

Langston is aiming to become the first HBCU since 2005 to win a college men's basketball national championship in tonight's NAIA title game.

03/17/2026

Partnerships matter. The right ones create real opportunity for our students, our community, and our state.

I was excited to welcome Sharina Perry and the Utopia Plastix team to Langston University, along with partners from JMSH Consulting and Rotunda Land & Development Group. We also appreciated the engagement from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, including Secretary Deborah Moorad.

It was a great day of conversation, connection, and possibility. From touring campus to sitting down with university and community leadership, we explored what it could look like to build something meaningful together right here in Oklahoma.

What stands out most is that Langston University is being recognized as a research partner by a global leader in innovation. That says a great deal about the work happening on our campus.

We are committed to partnerships that lead to real outcomes, expanded opportunity, and long-term impact. This is an exciting step forward, and we are just getting started.

03/13/2026

Every day students benefit from opportunities supported by donors. Join me in supporting LU Day of Giving! https://www.mygiving.net/campaign/DayOfGiving2026

03/08/2026

I had the pleasure of attending the Public Program held during the joint regional conferences of the Midwestern Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Southwestern Region of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Congratulations to Mrs. Anika Wilson Starling and Dr. Rodney Welch for their vision, collaboration, and thoughtful ex*****on in bringing this historic gathering to life.

The evening brought together women and men in service to celebrate and honor community leaders and organizations across Oklahoma who are making a meaningful difference in their communities. It was also a wonderful celebration of the rich and diverse culture of Oklahoma.

As a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., it was especially meaningful to witness this historic collaboration and the spirit of service and fellowship on full display. As president of Langston University, I know the commitment and support of both organizations which generously support Langston University and HBCUs throughout their respective regions.

During the program, the Langston University Concert Choir represented our university so beautifully, performing the national anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and a special selection ahead of the keynote address. Moments like this remind us how deeply Oklahoma’s HBCU contributes to the cultural and civic life of our state.

The room was filled with Langston University students, alumni, employees, and retirees who are members of both organizations, alongside brothers and sisters from across the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine). It was also wonderful to reconnect with friends and colleagues from across ten states who gathered for this historic occasion. This year’s combined regional experience brought more than 2,000 participants to Oklahoma City and generated significant economic impact for the area.

The dedication of these organizations to service, leadership, and community reminds us that when we work together, the impact extends far beyond the room. The impact strengthens communities and shapes a brighter future for our country.

03/04/2026

There are only a few days left to purchase tickets to our inaugural Founders Week Celebration Gala! I hope you see you in Tulsa on Saturday, March 14. Can’t make it? You can also donate through the link below.

https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0013c00001oozCYAAY/events/vevt:580a4c0b-ad1a-4112-8fa1-f3c468dd4160/home/story

03/02/2026

I’m honored to be recognized in the inaugural class of Women to KNOW in Oklahoma. The gala was a powerful reminder of the strength, vision, and resolve of women leading across Oklahoma. It was a privilege to stand among 52 extraordinary leaders whose work is shaping business, public service, and the nonprofit sector.

As president of Langston University, I remain committed to expanding access, advancing academic excellence, and cultivating an institution that creates opportunity for generations. To be counted among women who are driving measurable impact in our state is both humbling and motivating.

Oklahoma is stronger because of this leadership.