LANGSTON, Okla. — Langston University has begun developing a new long-term strategic plan as Oklahoma’s only historically Black university prepares for administrative changes and an upcoming accreditation review.
President Ruth Ray Jackson announced the planning process during the university’s Opening Convocation Ceremony. Her annual State of the University address focused on leadership, service and Langston’s role in expanding educational opportunities.
The university’s current strategic plan expires in 2027. Jackson said faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners will have opportunities to help shape its replacement.
“As Oklahoma’s HBCU and the state’s second-largest land-grant institution, we occupy a unique and important place in higher education,” Jackson said. “These distinctions are not simply a source of pride; they are a responsibility.”
Jackson said Langston’s mission requires the institution to create knowledge, strengthen communities and prepare students for leadership and service.
Langston University adds three vice presidents
The planning process will include a realignment of the university’s administrative divisions, according to Jackson. She said the changes will clarify responsibilities and direct resources toward student success and institutional effectiveness.
Langston recently hired three vice presidents, including one who will oversee a newly created division.
Diana Lasswell began serving as vice president for institutional advancement on Aug. 10. She will also serve as executive director of the Langston University Foundation and lead the university’s development and alumni affairs offices.
Lindsey Hunter became Langston’s inaugural vice president for strategic enrollment management on Sept. 8. Her division oversees admissions, recruitment, outreach, financial aid and scholarships.
Dr. R. Mark Rasor is scheduled to begin serving as vice president for fiscal and administrative affairs on Sept. 9. His responsibilities include university finances, human resources, facilities, capital projects and Title IX and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
The university previously announced the appointments Aug. 31 and provided additional information about each administrator’s responsibilities and professional background. Langston University confirmed the appointments and starting dates.
“We must ensure that our structure supports our strategy, that responsibilities are clearly assigned, and that our resources are focused where they can have the greatest impact,” Jackson said.
Accreditation review approaches
Langston is also preparing for an upcoming site visit from the Higher Learning Commission, the institution’s accrediting organization. Jackson described the review as a standard part of maintaining accreditation and said several university constituencies will participate.
Accreditation evaluates an institution’s academic programs, governance, finances and ability to fulfill its public mission. Langston currently lists itself as accredited by the commission. The Higher Learning Commission explains that it evaluates an institution’s entire operation, while Langston identifies the commission as its institutional accreditor.
The university did not include the dates of the site visit or details about how students and community members may participate.
‘Lead Boldly’ initiative reaches all three campuses
Jackson also introduced “Lead Boldly,” an initiative based on Robert F. Smith’s book, “Lead Boldly: Seven Principles from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” The book explores how Dr. King’s vision of the “Beloved Community” can be realized through seven principles: purpose, courage, vision, innovation, agility, partnership and accountability.
Smith visited Langston’s Tulsa campus in October 2025, where students had the opportunity to hear him speak and ask him questions. Over the summer, the university received a donation of 1,000 copies of the book and has begun distributing them free to students across its Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses. Langston plans to hold several Lead Boldly events throughout the school year to incorporate the book’s themes into student programming.
Students will explore King’s vision of the Beloved Community and its connection to leadership, service and responsibility, Jackson said.
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Academic and research highlights
During the address, Jackson also highlighted several accomplishments across the university.
Langston reported that its 2026 physical therapy graduates achieved a 100% licensing-exam passage rate and full job placement.
The university’s rehabilitation counseling master’s program rose to No. 10 nationally in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, the highest-ranked HBCU program in that category, according to Langston’s April announcement.
The School of Nursing and Health Professions secured an Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Grant of more than $100,000, which the university said will expand its efforts to address substance misuse, promote prevention and improve health outcomes in communities across the state.
The Department of Social Sciences launched its inaugural Ambassador for Justice program, connecting students with justice-system leaders and leadership-development experiences aimed at preparing them to be changemakers in their communities.
Jackson also said Langston researchers developed a payload scheduled to launch aboard SpaceX’s CRS-35 resupply mission to the International Space Station in October. Because spaceflight schedules can change, the university’s participation and final launch date should be confirmed closer to the mission.
“May we continue to learn deeply, lead boldly and serve faithfully,” Jackson said. “And may we continue working together to create an even stronger future for Dear Langston.”
