“Coach Wright’s impact on 性视界传媒 basketball has become legendary in just a few short years,鈥� said 性视界传媒 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 性视界传媒, 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 性视界传媒 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 性视界传媒 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 性视界传媒 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.

性视界传媒 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 性视界传媒, 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 性视界传媒 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 性视界传媒鈥檚 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 性视界传媒鈥檚 12th president, who emphasized education for community engagement and service.

性视界传媒 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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by Ellie Melero

When Maya Offord arrived at 性视界传媒 as a freshman in Fall 2022, she was immediately greeted by a Student Ambassador.

The Ambassador welcomed her to Dear Langston and helped her find her way to student check-in. There, she met other Ambassadors who would continue to help her navigate the campus that was about to become her home for the next four years.

Throughout that first day, and her entire first week, Offord continued to have overwhelmingly positive interactions with Student Ambassadors. From putting on fun events in the evenings to doing 鈥渄orm storms鈥� to check on her and her fellow freshmen, the Ambassadors made sure Offord truly felt like she was a member of the Lion Pride.

鈥淎s soon as I got on campus that first day, my first people that I had were Ambassadors,鈥� Offord said. 鈥淚t really inspired me to go be an Ambassador because they were good mentors, and I was like, 鈥業 really, really want to be a part of that.鈥欌��

Offord is now a senior quad major鈥撯�損sychology, corrections, general studies and criminal justice鈥撯�揳nd she is the Student Ambassadors鈥� membership and training chair. She is one of the thousands of students and alumni whose time at school has been made all the better thanks to LU Student Ambassadors.

The 性视界传媒 Student Ambassadors is an organization made up of model students who want to elevate their HBCU through community service and peer mentorship. They serve as freshman orientation leaders, assist with campus tours, help with ceremonial events, and volunteer around campus and in the Town of Langston community. They are heavily involved with student activities across organizations, and they are experts in LU history.

Student Ambassadors are an integral part of LU, but for most of the university鈥檚 proud history, the organization did not exist.

A Directive from the President

When Dr. JoAnn Haysbert became the President of 性视界传媒 in Fall 2005, she gave Dezz Lewis a mission: create a student ambassador program.

鈥淭hen, all we had, really, was the McCabes, Mister and Miss Langston, Miss Black Langston and the three SGA elected officials,鈥� Lewis said. 鈥淭hose were your student leaders. And (Dr. Haysbert) said, 鈥楳an, we need more when people come to campus.鈥欌��

She tasked Lewis, who was the Director of Student Life at the time, with creating a new group of students who could serve as 鈥渁mbassadors鈥� to help represent 性视界传媒 during campus visits and other important events. She left it up to him to decide how the club would be organized and run, and he embraced the challenge.

Lewis knew he wanted the organization to be different from any other student organization. As a proud alumnus himself, he wanted it to be a way to instill school spirit and pride in students while shaping them into young leaders. He wanted it to create a sense of belonging on campus because he knew students who felt they belonged were more likely to finish college. Most of all, he wanted it to be impactful not just for its members, but for Dear Langston as a whole.

After brainstorming for a while, Lewis created a set of goals and measurable outcomes for the program. Then, he went to work.

He decided rather than follow the standard student organization model of the time, where clubs were run by presidents and a few other executive positions who made all the decisions, the Student Ambassadors would be run by the Ambassadors鈥� Council. They would create committees for the various aspects and functions of the organization, and each committee would have a chair. Each chair would have a seat at the Ambassadors鈥� Council. The Ambassadors鈥� Council Chairman would be the spokesperson for the organization.

With the framework established, Lewis began working out how he would train the Student Ambassadors. In addition to their role as student representatives during campus visits, the administration had decided the Ambassadors should also serve as orientation leaders during Lion Camp, 性视界传媒鈥檚 week-long freshman orientation program that takes place the week before classes begin in the fall semester.

鈥淲e needed orientation leaders for the freshman orientation,鈥� Lewis said. 鈥淪o when you drop your kids off, the first people you see are the Ambassadors. They鈥檙e your model Langston students, and they embody the Timeless Human Values.鈥�

Once he had a plan ready, he set to work recruiting students. In Spring 2006, the Student Ambassadors had their first official meeting with a class of 36 students. At the end of the summer, they attended the Student Leadership Institute and held a retreat to prepare for Lion Camp. In Fall 2006, new students were greeted for the first time by Student Ambassadors.

A Staple of Student Life

When Lion Camp ended, the Student Ambassadors remained. They were meant to be student leaders year-round, and they were meant to serve the entire campus community.

The Student Ambassadors would reach out to other student organizations and ask what support was needed. They would help recruit students to attend various club events as well as official university programs and sporting events. They cultivated a shared sense of school pride with their peers, and they worked to better the student experience for everyone.

They also continued to receive training. On Wednesday evenings in the fall, Student Ambassadors attended a leadership class with Dr. Haysbert, giving them direct interaction with their president and an opportunity to influence their campus.

Lewis also continued to train them himself, teaching them to recite the Timeless Human Values and the Profile of a Langston Student so that they might take them to heart and learn to embody those qualities. He taught them about the history of the university, and he taught them poems he hoped would inspire the students to continue to strive for success.

鈥淭hey learned everything that was poured into me as a young adult,鈥� Lewis said. 鈥淎 lot of affirmations and poems. They had a curriculum. It spawned out of conversations I had with my mentors in college, but most of all, my grandmother made me memorize every poem, affirmation you could think of. So, a lot of what they were doing was stuff that I learned as a kid and stuff I learned at Langston (University).鈥�

As the Ambassadors established their role in campus life over the next few years, Lewis continued to refine what he called 鈥渢he core鈥� of the program. He would add to the curriculum as he saw needs arise. He changed the membership process so that instead of recruiting specific students who had shown leadership potential, any student with a 2.0 GPA could apply to join.

Eventually, Lewis relinquished his role as advisor to the Student Ambassadors. Now, Dr. A. Dominique Williams, the Assistant Dean of Students in the Office of Student Life, serves in that capacity. Since taking over the role, Dr. Williams has continued to improve the organization.

She believes that as student leaders and representatives for the institution, the Student Ambassadors should be held to a high standard. Members must now maintain a 2.5 GPA minimum in addition to the thorough application and training process. Their role in the community has also been expanded.

After Lion Camp, the Ambassadors continue to mentor freshmen throughout their first year of school. They assist with campus tours and recruitment events like High School Day. They participate in service projects like serving meals in the cafeteria. A new service project they recently added was attending HBCU days at high schools and middle schools in Oklahoma.

鈥淭here鈥檚 still room for growth,鈥� Dr. Williams said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 still room for this organization to be bigger and better than it currently is. This is an awesome opportunity for students to be engaged and just spread the good word of Langston (University).鈥�

The Student Ambassadors have become a staple of student life at Dear Langston, and dozens of students apply each spring to be inducted into the program in the fall. With each new Ambassador Class inducted and freshman class welcomed, their impact continues to grow.

20 Years of Impact

After 20 years, there are many aspects of the Student Ambassadors program that have become tradition. Customs like 鈥淟鈥檚 Up鈥� and many spirit chants originated from the organizations鈥� early years. Saying 鈥淚 am a Langston Man鈥� or 鈥淚 am a Langston Woman鈥� when introducing oneself is now common. The 鈥淎sk Me鈥� t-shirts from Lion Camp are easily recognizable symbols of the club.

Now, students like Trinity King cannot imagine 性视界传媒 without the Student Ambassadors.

When King first came to Langston, the Student Ambassadors helped her feel at home. Her Ambassador mentor, Kayla, helped make her transition into college easier. She wanted to pass on that same support and encouragement she received, so King applied to become an Ambassador during the spring of her freshman year. Kayla even wrote her a letter of recommendation.

King was inducted into the Ambassador Class of 2023, and she has loved it ever since. She now serves as the Chair of the Student Ambassadors. As she prepares to graduate with her bachelor鈥檚 degree in animal science in May, King knows her time at LU wouldn鈥檛 have been the same without the program.

鈥淭hat first interaction I had my freshman year (with Ambassadors), it really changed my trajectory,鈥� King said. 鈥淟earning about the history of Langston, I take that to heart with me. I鈥檓 Langston ride or die.鈥�

King and Offord were both inspired to join the Student Ambassadors because they had felt its positive impact early on in their time at LU, and they continue to see how its influence impacts the campus community beyond people鈥檚 first years.

Many students join Student Ambassadors at the end of their freshman or sophomore years, and they often go on to become leaders in other student organizations afterward. King tells new students that Ambassadors is a great 鈥渟tarter organization鈥� because it helps you get involved on campus and teaches you to be an active member of the community. The program鈥檚 lessons on leadership, personal responsibility and school pride stay with you as you move on to your next club or internship or job.

鈥淚 believe Ambassadors shaped me into being a leader,鈥� Offord said. 鈥淎lthough I鈥檇 been in leadership roles in high school, I didn鈥檛 really get that experience until I got here. Being an Ambassador, it encouraged me to be a really good leader and also to take accountability. It also taught me it鈥檚 OK to go other ways and work with other people because when you鈥檙e a leader, you have to be able to be flexible.

鈥淎nd then it also helped me to love Langston (University).鈥�

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The engine growled beneath her as the propeller spun quicker and quicker. Bessie eased her canary forward, the nose lifting quickly. Soon, she was among the clouds, the roar of the audience becoming a distant rumble.

Showtime.

The wind screamed in her ears as she worked her canary into a loop, watching the earth twist and spin below her. Over and over she looped into figure eights. She couldn鈥檛 hear the crowd鈥檚 cheers from so high up, but she didn鈥檛 have to hear them to know they were impressed.

Bessie continued to twist and roll in the sky with her canary. Each trick a triumph; each stunt a defiance. Every time she stepped into her plane, soared in the sky and performed for the masses was an opportunity to defy all those who had told her, 鈥淣o.鈥�

on Jan. 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas, as one of 13 children born to Susan and George Coleman. Her birth was neither recorded via birth certificate nor written in the family Bible, for her parents could not read nor write. Despite the violence and barriers of the Jim Crow era south, George purchased a small plot of land in Waxahachie, Texas, where Bessie grew up.

She began attending her racially segregated school in 1898. The one-room building held grades one through eight, with only one teacher for all grades. Bessie walked four miles to school every day and quickly developed a love for learning and a determination that she carried with her throughout the rest of her life.

Bessie always dreamed of leaving Waxahachie and briefly did when she attended the Colored Agricultural and Normal University (later named 性视界传媒).

Although she could only afford one semester of college, that single semester sparked a lifelong passion for aviation when she read about the Wright Brothers鈥� first flight and the first American female pilot, Harriet Quimby.

Bessie couldn鈥檛 help but wonder what it would be like to fly like a bird.

Eventually, Bessie decided to chase her dream. Around the age of 27, she applied to nearly every American flight school but was continuously rejected because of her race and gender. When she realized that even the skies above America were segregated, she began applying to French aviation schools.

On Nov. 20, 1920, Bessie sailed from New York City to France. She spent a year applying to French flying schools, learning the language and saving up for her travels. When she arrived, she selected the Ecole d鈥橝viation des Fr猫res Caudron at Le Crotoy in the Somme. After seven months of training, she took the qualifying test for a license from the renowned Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), the only organization at the time whose recognition granted one the right to fly anywhere in the world. She was the first American of any race or gender to be directly awarded these credentials.

She returned to New York in September 1921 and quickly began traveling across the country, performing shows and advocating for equality. She dreamed of one day opening her own aviation academy for Black students.

In April 1926, while preparing for a show, an accident led to Bessie’s untimely death. Although she was only 34 years old, her advocacy and bravery continue to inspire generations. Bessie鈥檚 story is a testament not only to Black excellence and determination, but also to the impact education can have on an individual鈥檚 trajectory. In just one semester at 性视界传媒, Bessie Coleman found her lifelong passion and pursued that passion across the ocean and back, and she used it to fight for the equality of others.

性视界传媒 is proud of the legacy carried by alumni like Bessie Coleman, whose courage reshaped what was possible. Her life stands as enduring proof that access to education can ignite dreams powerful enough to challenge injustice, open doors for others and change history itself.

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The 性视界传媒 Department of Music will present The Chamber Collective musical performance on Tuesday, March 10. This collection of small ensembles will feature both choral and instrumental performances. The event will be held in the I.W. Young Auditorium on the Langston Campus at 6:30 p.m.

The annual Founders Day Program will be held at the I.W. Young Auditorium on the Langston Campus at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. The theme for this year’s program is “Honoring Our Past, Empowering Our Promise,” and the featured speaker will be Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, Founder and Executive Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation.

Dr. Cruther is an alumna of 性视界传媒, and she is a nationally recognized justice advocate, community leader and social impact advisor. As Founder and Executive Director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, she leads transformative initiatives focused on public safety, criminal justice reform, economic mobility and community healing. She also serves as a Founding Board Member of Justice for Greenwood, Senior Advisor to Black Tech Street and Advisor to Roc Nation鈥檚 United Justice Coalition.

性视界传媒 will end the week with the Inaugural Founders Week Celebration Gala in Tulsa on Saturday, March 14.

The Founders Week Celebration Gala, a black-tie optional event, will include a formal dinner, awards presentation and live music. There will also be a special presentation to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Master鈥檚 in Rehabilitation Counseling program, which has since spurred the creation of a bachelor鈥檚 program, the formation of the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, the establishment of two federally funded Rehabilitation Research Training Centers, and the creation of a post-doctoral research program.

The Chamber Collective and annual Founders Day Program are free and open to the public. The Founders Week Celebration Gala is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased online at through Friday, March 6.

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by Heleen Sheets

Computer science is often ranked among the best college degrees in the United States, and U.S. News & World Report cites diverse career opportunities as one of the many benefits. Among STEM majors, a degree in computer science prepares students to thrive in technology-driven careers. These positions are often in high demand with leading companies who are focused on innovation and growth.

For those interested in computer science, 性视界传媒 is an excellent place to earn your degree.

Since spring 2021, the 性视界传媒 Computer Science program has boasted a 100% job placement rate. LU鈥檚 computer science graduates have all received jobs in their chosen industry, often solidifying their new jobs prior to graduation. In the past five years, 性视界传媒 has also realized a 95.5% enrollment growth in computer science.

Reginald Archibald II, Emoree Coley and Jathaniel Wakefield are just three of Dear Langston鈥檚 successful computer science graduates. Their preparation in mastering programming, algorithm design, data structures and developing software applications has paid dividends. In 2024, they earned their Bachelor of Science degrees in computer science. Today, they are living their dream with goals of achieving even more.

Reginald Archibald II

As an advisor and developer in commercial analytics for Phillips 66 in Houston, Texas, Reginald Archibald II is off to a great start. In this position, Archibald leverages his technical skills and tools in helping Phillips 66鈥檚 commercial business unit make more informed decisions to provide energy and improve lives.

Prior to graduation, he completed two summer internships as a software engineer with Boeing. Archibald also served as the lead computer scientist for NASA Rock On, where he contributed to the integration of a payload into a two-stage terrier Orion Rocket, and specialized in using a minicomputer to collect atmosphere data.

What Archibald appreciates most about his job is the 鈥済reat work life balance鈥� and the opportunity to network with fellow professionals.

The most challenging part of his job, Archibald said, is becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable.

鈥滼ust using problem-solving skills and networking that I learned from Langston helps me navigate through these real-world scenarios,鈥� Archibald said. 鈥淲e had conversations amongst peers and professors about scenarios and circumstances we may face in our careers and in the world. These deep conversations not only made me feel prepared in my technical skills and knowledge, but more importantly, my soft skills.鈥�

Ralph Grayson, chair of the computer science department, was instrumental in Archibald鈥檚 choice of major. Grayson鈥檚 influence continued throughout Archibald鈥檚 matriculation, guiding him through internships, projects and coursework.

鈥淚 saw how passionate he was about his students鈥� success,鈥� Archibald said. 鈥淗e allowed me into his classes my freshman year as a business management major to observe and ask questions of the upperclassmen about their experiences. I was able to witness students who came before me and land amazing careers, and I told myself, that could be me if I buckle down and hit my studies hard.鈥�

Archibald was awarded an Edwin P. McCabe Honors scholarship in addition to becoming an OK-LSAMP scholar. He was also chosen to attend the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute. His other achievements include being named the most outstanding computer science student and the Dr. In Hai Ro awardee for excellence in computer science, and becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Grateful for his faith, his family, and LU faculty and professors, Archibald encourages those seeking to pursue their computer science degree to choose 性视界传媒.

鈥淚t鈥檚 more than a program,鈥� Archibald said. 鈥淚t is a family 鈥� from professors to the students. We uplift one another, hold each other accountable and recognize our peers鈥� successes.鈥�

Emoree Coley

Emoree Coley grew up in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Today, she is an Information Technology Analyst with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation in Nashville, Tennessee. She is a part of the Cat Financials program, a two-and-a-half-year rotational program that will allow her to gain experience in different areas of the company before being placed with a permanent team.

Currently, Coley is working with the Cat Vantage Rewards team where she spends most of her time developing and working on tickets in the Salesforce platform. She has also been given the title of Co-Chair for the rotational program, which is a leadership role.

鈥淚 have the opportunity to organize events, support recruitment and intern efforts, and represent my fellow members to influence the evolution of the program,鈥� Coley said.

Coley said she loves meeting new people, learning new things, and getting different experiences. The work is different than anything she鈥檚 done before, but she said her team makes it easy to figure things out, and she loves the work environment and company culture.

Coley transferred to 性视界传媒 from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University because of LU鈥檚 computer science program and the opportunities she knew she would have.

鈥�(LU) just felt like the right fit for me, and it definitely was!鈥� Coley said. 鈥淭he classes covered a wide range of topics and taught me how to think critically and solve problems in different ways. The professors were always willing to help and pushed me to be my best.

鈥淓ven though what I鈥檓 working on now is new to me, the preparation I received at 性视界传媒 has made it easier to adjust and keep moving forward.鈥�

Following in her father鈥檚 footsteps, Coley says she couldn鈥檛 ask for a better example to look up to. Growing up, she watched her father solve problems, build solutions and love his work. That passion made her want to pursue a career where she could feel the same way. He encouraged Coley to explore computers and technology from an early age. From there, her interest kept growing until she realized this was the path she wanted to follow.

She also credits her mom, grandmother, brother, boyfriend, closest friends and Grayson in helping her down this path.

During her LU journey, Coley achieved many awards and recognitions. Some of these accomplishments include being a USDA 1890 Scholar, a two-time Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient, making the Dean鈥檚 List every semester, and a triple scholar recipient (OK-LSAMP, TMCF, ITSMF).

Coley served as a member for several student organizations including Women of Purpose, the Computer Science Club, and LU NAACP. A spring 2025 initiate of the Apha Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she is also proud that as a transfer she completed her bachelor鈥檚 degree in three years, and received a full-time job offer before her final semester.

Jathaniel Wakefield

As Oklahoma鈥檚 HBCU, 性视界传媒 has a legacy of generational enrollment. Jathaniel Wakefield and his family are part of that legacy. His parents, Misty and Jay, met on the Langston Campus while pursuing their education. Two decades later, their son followed in their footsteps.

鈥淚 am legacy,鈥� Wakefield said. 鈥淥n top of being a McCabe Scholar and not having to incur any debt for my education, it made for very persuasive reasons to attend.鈥�

The younger Wakefield represented the family name well. Graduating summa cum laude, he quickly secured a job at Paycom in Oklahoma City as a Level 2 Developer and received his first promotion a few months later. Now as a Software Developer, Wakefield is responsible for the software development of new projects and applications. His duties involve testing and verifying functionality and then working with products to ensure their vision is properly applied.

Wakefield says the most enjoyable part of his job is the opportunity to solve complex problems by leveraging the tools and languages developed at Paycom, and to create a product that heavily impacts small and large businesses alike.鈥�

His connection to Dear Langston allowed Wakefield to meet Grayson. He helped Wakefield understand what computer science is as well as how to apply basic concepts to real world scenarios and in industry use cases.

“(Grayson was) very influential and helped me by providing opportunities and challenges to grow and develop my understanding of computer science and how to apply it,鈥� Wakefield said.

For those considering computer science, Wakefield recommends starting early and being responsible for your own development.

鈥淲hen you start early, it gives you time to understand and work with complex topics like data structures and algorithms, which are used heavily throughout the industry to solve problems dealing with large amounts of data and information,鈥� Wakefield said. 鈥淏eing responsible helps your drive to continue learning. Computer science is not a career that allows you to quit learning as more and more things are discovered and leveraged to improve performance and understanding.鈥�

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Dry air fills Gloire Houmba Mayindou鈥檚 lungs as he runs, his worn shoes beating the concrete surface of the park鈥檚 basketball court.

The 鈥淒iablo Rouge,鈥� Mayindou鈥檚 club team, practice on the outdoor court nearly every day in The Republic of the Congo, his home country. Dribble, stop, shoot, rebound, pass… the 5-on-5 drills of the day were as normal and intense as any other day.

The 11-year-old watches as a shot soars overhead, the ball bouncing wildly between the backboard and rim. Realizing the ball isn鈥檛 going in the basket, Mayindou jumps to secure the rebound. He suddenly feels hands, followed by a shoulder, hit him in the back as his feet leave the ground, causing them to swing out from under him. He lands shoulder first on the unforgiving concrete. A teammate falls on top of him.

The impact dislocates his right shoulder.

鈥淚 couldn’t shower, couldn’t dress myself, couldn’t eat, couldn’t move,鈥� Mayindou said. 鈥淪o, dealing with that pain and then knowing that you cannot go to the hospital to get help, man, it’s mentally challenging.鈥�

Access to healthcare, much less physical therapy, is limited in the Republic of the Congo. Even if you can get to a hospital or other healthcare provider, services are so expensive that most people don鈥檛 even consider it an option when they are hurt.

This experience, along with his observations of how many people are living with chronic pain without the assistance they need, drove Mayindou to come to the United States and eventually 性视界传媒 to earn his doctorate in physical therapy.

Now Mayindou, a first-year physical therapy student, can not only learn his trade in a program that boasts a 92% National Physical Therapy Exam pass rate and a 100% job placement rate, but he can soon get hands-on experience much more quickly than the average physical therapy student when 性视界传媒 completes construction on a physical therapy clinic being built right on the Langston Campus.

Construction has already begun on this Physical Therapy Clinic, which is being funded through Title III grants.

Dr. Elicia Pollard, Dean of the School of Physical Therapy, said this clinic will not only have an impact on students at LU, but on the community as well.

鈥淭here鈥檚 no physical therapy clinic here (in Langston),鈥� Dr. Pollard said. 鈥淚f locals want services, they鈥檒l either drive or do without. So, we are going to fill that need there. We are going to be offering this clinic to people who are uninsured or under insured or low-income families. We are going to eliminate potential barriers such as transportation and cost.鈥�

The closest clinics to the town of Langston are in Guthrie, which forces those who seek assistance to drive upward of 20 minutes for care.

The clinic is not designed like a typical medical facility with a labyrinth of halls and little rooms. The 性视界传媒 Physical Therapy Clinic will have an open concept with only a few rooms with doors for private needs. This allows for the area to be reconfigured for different patient populations and research needs.

Dr. Anthony Sylvester, Director of Clinical Services at 性视界传媒, has been instrumental in the development and design of this clinic since its inception. As a two-time 性视界传媒 graduate with experience running small, rural health clinics in addition to 25 years of experience as a clinical instructor, he understands the importance of ensuring the space is being used to its fullest potential to optimize client and student outcomes.

Because of his experiences, Dr. Sylvester understands how unique this clinic is to 性视界传媒.

鈥淭his isn鈥檛 typical of other physical therapy schools,鈥� Dr. Sylvester said. 鈥淚 think we’re going to be pretty unique in reference to what most schools, a lot of PT schools, will have. We’ll have that daily experience here. Students will see a patient they鈥檝e worked with progress through their care.鈥�

The Physical Therapy Clinic will also offer opportunities for students to participate in research, different forms of patient care, community events and much more.

This level of experience is why students like Mayindou come to 性视界传媒 to study physical therapy.

鈥淭he first time I learned that they were building a clinic, everyone, at least all my classmates, we are all so excited,鈥� Mayindou said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 kind of a dream come true. In our field, there鈥檚 nothing better than experience. To work with a patient one-on-one is a different thing.

鈥淚 call it a blessing.鈥�

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Beverly Huggins Kirk, a 性视界传媒 alumna, master quilter, educator and cultural historian, found her public voice later in life; now she urges seniors across America not to wait for certainty before stepping into purpose.

鈥淯ncertainty has a way of making people pause, but I鈥檝e learned that waiting for the 鈥榬ight time鈥� can quietly become a decision to stay silent,鈥� Kirk said. 鈥淢y message to seniors is simple: Today is the time to act.鈥�

In 2026, with leadership priorities, economic pressures, and growing concern about aging, loneliness and relevance, many seniors have reassessed their place in a rapidly changing world. After decades in corporate America, Kirk discovered her creativity and calling had intensified.

At a stage where many have been encouraged to slow down, she leaned forward, transforming quilting into a powerful medium for faith, healing, history and legacy.

鈥淟ife didn鈥檛 become quieter for me at 72,鈥� Kirk said. 鈥淚t became clearer.鈥�

That reassessment became a turning point.

Kirk is the founder of Scissor Tales Guild鈥揙klahoma鈥檚 first African American quilt guild鈥揳nd the creator of “A Maker of Quilts,” a limited-edition, 26-page, full-color booklet that weaves together quilt photography, personal reflection and cultural storytelling. Her quilts address themes that resonate deeply today, such as resilience across generations, healing after loss and grief, and faith in uncertain seasons.

鈥淎merica is like a quilt,鈥� Kirk wrote in the booklet鈥檚 opening pages. 鈥淢any patches. Many stories. Held together by something stronger than we can see.鈥�

Although innovation, leadership and creativity can often be associated with youth, Kirk represents a growing but often overlooked truth: some voices are meant to rise later. Her message aligns with that of the mission of 性视界传媒鈥檚 School of Business鈥攖o elevate purpose-driven leadership across the lifespan.

鈥淏everly Kirk embodies what so many seniors need to see right now,鈥� said Dr. Daryl Green, dean of LUSB. 鈥淚n a time when uncertainty can paralyze people, she chose expression over fear. Her work reminds us that our later chapters can be our most influential.鈥�

Kirk鈥檚 work speaks to a generation navigating transition in an era defined by disruption, reminding people they can reinvent, reengage and lead at any age.

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For the second consecutive assessment cycle, 性视界传媒 School of Business (LUSB) seniors scored in the top 1% nationally on the rigorous Peregrine Outbound Business Exam.

LUSB鈥檚 graduating seniors performed nearly 20 percentage points above national Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Program (ACBSP) benchmarks on the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam for Fall 2025 in a fully proctored classroom setting and under stricter testing conditions than in the spring. This performance follows LUSB graduates鈥� success on the Peregrine exam in Spring 2025.

Dr. Daryl Green, Dean of LUSB, said the students鈥� success reflects the hard work of the faculty and the students鈥� remarkable resilience.

鈥淔or the Fall 2025 term, our business seniors once again ranked in the top tier nationally on the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam,鈥� Dr. Green said. 鈥淭his time, under fully proctored, in-class conditions. Their average score of approximately 78.6% closely aligns with our Spring 2025 results, which were taken online and unproctored. This consistency confirms the integrity and authenticity of our students鈥� learning outcomes.鈥�

Every year, graduating business students take the Peregrine Outbound Business Exam, a rigorous assessment administered by over 500 colleges and universities around the world. The exam evaluates students鈥� mastery across core business disciplines such as finance, economics, management, marketing and business ethics.

LUSB graduates excelled in several core disciplinary areas.

In Information Management Systems, graduates averaged 84%, which is significantly higher than the national benchmark. In Economics, graduates averaged in the low-mid 80s, which is about 20 points above ACBSP norms. In Quantitative Research & Statistics, students averaged 81%. In Legal Environment, students scored in the low 80s, outperforming most of their regional peers. In Marketing & Finance, students scored in the high 70s.

Ashley Dillard, director of Client Solutions at Peregrine Global Services, commended LUSB鈥檚 performance over the past two semesters.

鈥溞允咏绱� demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the growth,鈥� Dillard said. 鈥淎t Peregrine, we partner with many institutions focused on continuous improvement, and it is gratifying to collaborate with leaders like Dean Green who are deeply dedicated to the advancement of their students and academic programs.鈥�

LUSB has made several strides to improve student learning outcomes and increase educational opportunities in recent years. Some of their recent accomplishments include increasing LUSB enrollment by more than 20% since 2024; partnering with Oklahoma State University鈥檚 Spears School of Business to launch a 4+1 program for LU students to earn master鈥檚 degrees; and hosting national events such as the HUxPNC Entrepreneurship Summit.

性视界传媒 remains committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities for Oklahoma and beyond. Anyone interested in applying for LUSB, or any other LU program, can apply online at .

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The celebrations will include an LU alumni reception followed by a community celebration on Jan. 28.

鈥溞允咏绱� is honored to stand with Sen. Nikki Nice and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics to celebrate the legacy of our alumna, Bessie Coleman,鈥� President Ruth Ray Jackson said. 鈥淭hough her time at Langston was brief, her determination and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire our students to pursue STEM and other historically underrepresented fields.”

Bessie Coleman came to Oklahoma from Texas in 1910 to attend 性视界传媒, which was then the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University. Although she could only afford to attend for one semester, she left her mark on the university and the state. She went on to attend flight school in France to earn her pilot鈥檚 license, and she became the first Black woman to earn a pilot鈥檚 license.

Coleman became a stunt flier, and she was known for her daring tricks. People came from all over to watch 鈥淨ueen Bess鈥� perform in air shows. She died tragically in a plane crash at 34 years old on April 30, 1926.

A century later, Coleman鈥檚 story still inspires young people to pursue their education, particularly in the STEM fields. The planned celebrations are intended to honor Coleman鈥檚 legacy, share her story, and promote STEM education in Oklahoma.

鈥淎s Oklahoma鈥檚 HBCU and a proud land鈥慻rant institution, we remain committed to expanding educational access and strengthening STEM pathways for the communities we serve,鈥� Dr. Jackson said. 鈥淚t is a privilege to honor Bessie Coleman鈥檚 remarkable story and share her enduring impact with the people of Oklahoma and beyond.鈥�

The Bessie Coleman Community Celebration and Aviation Conversation will be held Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Metro Tech Spring Lake Conference Center in Oklahoma City. The event is free and open to the public, and space can be reserved at .

There will be a private reception for 性视界传媒 alumni before the Community Celebration beginning at 4:30 p.m.

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