Amid March Madness, a time of emotional competition and communal celebration, the value of family stands as my cornerstone as a person and in my new role as the Dean of the Business School at Langston University. Our youngest son, Demetrius, visited us this month after a Kansas business trip. My beloved wife Estraletta, who is 33 years old, our daughter Sharlita Green Olaleye, and our spirited granddaughter Zeal welcomed home to Oklahoma City. Sadly, our eldest son Mario was back in Tennessee working and missing our mini-family reunion. Each child brings unique brilliance and warmth to our gathering, from Demetrius’ academic and athletic prowess to Sharlita’s creative and advocacy spirit and Zeal’s youthful vitality that keeps us all on our toes. Mario brings a sharp wit and a resilient mindset to any task.
To me, family is the nucleus of success—not just the achievements we garner in our careers but also the life we build and the legacies we leave behind. I bring this belief to my leadership at Langston, emphasizing academic excellence and the importance of unity, support, and joy in our collective journey.
My family visited the business school and my office. Amidst the excitement, I was reminded of the powerful symbol of the lion, dominating the walls of our business school—a reminder of the strength, courage, and leadership we embody and aspire to instill in our students. We laughed and took our family photos.
As the Langston men’s basketball team took to the court for their first tournament game, my family and I joined in the electric atmosphere. However, the significant component of this game experience was the vibrant sounds of the Marching Band Pride. It was a moment of pure joy, a testament to Langston’s vibrant community spirit.
I share this story to recount a memorable family gathering and call us to cherish and prioritize our loved ones. Success, in its truest form, encompasses our professional achievements and the warmth, support, and love we cultivate within our families. As we strive for excellence, let us also foster a legacy of love, community, and humanity.
To my family, thank you for being my greatest joy and profound inspiration. And to our Langston community and beyond, remember that our most significant achievements lie in the accolades we earn, the love we share, and the lives we uplift. Together, we are more robust, and together, we can create a legacy that transcends time.
#Family #Leadership #Legacy #LangstonUniversity #MarchMadness
