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Langston University

Langston, OK

publicHBCUgraduate

Quick Facts

Education For Service

1897
Founded
Public land-grant historically black university
Type
1,743
Total Students
$49M
Endowment
(2019)
$7K
Tuition (In-State)
$14K
Tuition (Out-State)
$11K
Avg Net Price
18%
Graduation Rate
6-year
59%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Ruth Ray Jackson

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Langston University

Langston University: A pioneering HBCU dedicated to 'Education For Service' since 1897.

Step into the proud legacy of Langston University, a distinguished public land-grant Historically Black University (HBCU) founded in 1897. With its enduring motto, "Education For Service," Langston has been a cornerstone of educational opportunity, fostering leaders and innovators who contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond. From its very inception, Langston has been dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience, evolving from the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University into the vibrant institution it is today.

Langston University's history is deeply intertwined with the pursuit of civil rights and educational equity. Established in response to the Second Morrill Act of 1890, it ensured that African Americans in Oklahoma had access to land-grant college education. Renamed in 1941 to honor civil rights icon John Mercer Langston, the university has been home to influential figures like the acclaimed poet Melvin B. Tolson. Notably, Langston played a direct role in challenging segregation, establishing a law school in 1948 following the landmark Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher case, a testament to its unwavering commitment to justice.

Academically, Langston is forward-thinking and responsive to societal needs. The recent dedication of the state-of-the-art Jack Henderson Allied Health Facility in 2024 highlights its strong commitment to healthcare education, housing the thriving School of Nursing and Health Professions. This facility represents a significant investment in preparing students for critical roles in the medical field, equipped with modern resources and expert faculty. Students at Langston are part of a supportive community dedicated to their success, evidenced by the university's initiative to forgive $4.65 million in student debt for those impacted by the pandemic.

Under the leadership of its 17th president, Ruth Ray Jackson, Langston University continues to build on its rich heritage while embracing future challenges and opportunities. With a vibrant student body of 1,873, Langston offers an engaging and inclusive environment where students can pursue their passions, develop their talents, and prepare for impactful careers. Joining the Langston family means becoming part of a tradition of resilience, service, and excellence.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1897 as a public land-grant Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
  • Motto: "Education For Service," reflecting a deep commitment to community and societal contribution.
  • Serves a vibrant student body of 1,873, fostering a close-knit and supportive learning environment.
  • Forgave $4.65 million in student debt for those enrolled between Spring 2020 and Summer 2021, demonstrating student support.
  • Home to the new 17,000-square-foot Jack Henderson Allied Health Facility, dedicated in 2024, housing the School of Nursing and Health Professions.
  • Named in honor of John Mercer Langston, a pioneering civil rights leader and first African-American Congressman from Virginia.
  • Played a pivotal historical role in the fight for equal access to legal education in the United States.

Timeline

1890
The Second Morrill Act passed, requiring states to provide higher education for African Americans or alternative institutions.
1897
Founded as the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University.
1941
Renamed Langston University in honor of civil rights pioneer John Mercer Langston.
1947
Acclaimed poet and educator Melvin B. Tolson began his tenure at Langston.
1948
A law school was established at Langston in response to the landmark Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher case, challenging segregation in legal education.
2021
Announced the forgiveness of $4.65 million in student debt using COVID-19 relief funds for eligible students.
2023
A new allied health facility opened on the Tulsa campus in March; Kent J. Smith Jr. retired; Ruth Ray Jackson appointed interim president in July.
2024
The Jack Henderson Allied Health Facility was dedicated in August; Ruth Ray Jackson was appointed the institution's 17th president in April.
2025
The investiture ceremony for President Ruth Ray Jackson is scheduled for March 14.
🏛️
129 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Langston University

⚖️

Law school

Established in 1948 in response to the landmark Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher civil rights case, a pivotal moment in the fight for equal legal education.

💉

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Housed in the modern Jack Henderson Allied Health Facility, offering advanced programs in vital healthcare fields.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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