Answering God’s Calling: A Journey of Faith and Leadership at Langston University
June 2, 2024
After seven successful years at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), I felt God’s calling to serve in a new capacity. Many people do not understand my passion and drive for service. As a man from Shreveport, Louisiana, with humble beginnings, I was not supposed to be where I am today. With 27 years in federal service managing nuclear and non-nuclear projects and nearly 20 years in higher education, my journey began as an adjunct professor at Knoxville College, where I volunteered my time.
I am not driven by wealth or fame; my mission is to make a difference in the world. Like Nehemiah in the Bible, I am passionate about helping the Black and other underserved communities. I want to bring hope and solutions. Langston School of Business has provided me with a beautiful opportunity to make an impact.
In my first year as Dean of Langston School of Business, I was blessed to work with eight dedicated faculty members, two administrators, and a host of adjuncts. We made significant strides in various areas:
Accomplishments
- Retention Scholarships:
- Provided over $16,000 in scholarships to assist 14 students with financial needs, a first for Langston University.
- Community Engagement:
- Reestablished the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, which has been inactive since 2018, and initiated 19 senior students.
- Innovative Programs:
- Initiated new minors in personal finance entrepreneurship and small business.
- Started discussions on an accelerated MBA program and micro-credentials in digital marketing, supply chain management, and entrepreneurial studies.
- Faculty Achievements:
- Recognized Dr. Michael Hamilton and Dr. Charles Mambula for participating in the “Teaching with Cases” seminar at Harvard Business School.
- Numerous faculty publications and community activities.
- Student Success:
- Celebrated the achievements of students like Tayren James, who received a $2,000 scholarship, and Deonna Owens, who was awarded the “Dr. In Hai Ro Award.”
- Strategic Actions:
- Implemented comprehensive faculty training for CANVAS LMS.
- Developed an adjunct faculty pool and enhanced onboarding processes.
THE NEHEMIAH STRATEGY
My dean strategy is inspired by Nehemiah, who said, “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4). I am driven by this quote from Erma Bombeck: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’”
Langston School of Business is building a stronger coalition for the future, filling the gap left by the absence of a full-time dean. I want to use everything God has given me to create a better future for our community. The past year has been a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and the belief that the impossible is possible.
We will continue to ignite transformational growth, foster entrepreneurial mindsets, and spark social change. I am honored to serve and look forward to even more outstanding achievements in the future.
