Category: NuLeadership

Last week, I enjoyed attending the Oklahoma City Chamber Forum for August, where I reconnected with Dr. James Collard, Director of Economic Development for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN). My history with Dr. Collard and the CPN goes back to my time at Oklahoma Baptist University, where we fostered a meaningful relationship with the tribe. Dr. Collard generously hosted two of my business classes, providing our students with an invaluable opportunity to visit CPN operations and learn about the unique status and independence of Native American tribes within the United States.

These experiences were eye-opening for our students, offering them a deeper understanding of the CPN’s cultural and economic contributions and the importance of tribal sovereignty. The kindness and hospitality of CPN executives like Ms. Linda Capps, who holds the second-highest elected position in the Tribal government, have blessed Oklahoma and inspired all who meet her.

During our visit, we learned about the impressive Iron Horse Industrial Park, a 700-acre rail-anchored industrial park developed under Dr. Collard’s leadership. Strategically located just 35 minutes east of Oklahoma City, the park offers direct access to rail and the U.S. highway system. It is an ideal destination for foreign direct investment and a hub for import-export activities.

I hope we can build a similar relationship between Langston University and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, creating opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and experience diverse cultures and business practices firsthand. It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with leaders like Dr. Collard, who significantly impact their communities and beyond.

Here’s to building more bridges and fostering relationships that enhance our students’ learning experiences and broaden their horizons.

I am excited to announce that I am co-teaching BA 2603 – Introduction to Business with Professor Brian Francis, our new part-time professor at Langston Business School. Professor Francis brings a wealth of experience as a global business manager and educator, which is invaluable in today’s international environment.

Our students must develop global literacy, and Professor Francis has embraced this challenge from day one. He starts each class by teaching students an international word of greeting, fostering an appreciation for different cultures. While some may overlook the importance of understanding global perspectives, Professor Francis’s approach reminds us how crucial it is in our interconnected world.

Beyond his global insights, Professor Francis is kind and genuinely concerned about our students’ success. I’ve seen him go the extra mile to meet with students and address their concerns, embodying Langston’s mission to support underserved students and those seeking quality education. His empathy and dedication make a significant difference, particularly for students facing challenges.

We are thrilled to have Professor Francis on our team for his first semester, and I’m confident he will positively impact our students and the broader Langston community. Please join me in welcoming him to our business school family!

I am thrilled to introduce our new part-time professor, Brittani Hunter, to the Langston Business School family! Brittani joins us with a wealth of experience as a business owner and NBA agent, bringing fresh energy and real-world insights that our students crave.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Brittani over the spring semester and was immediately impressed by her dynamic personality, sense of humor, and inspirational approach to teaching. Her commitment to excellence is evident—not only is she diligent in her teaching obligations, but she is also eager to learn and open to coaching and mentorship.

Recently, I had the chance to observe her class and was indeed encouraged by her potential and the positive impact she will have on our students. Brittani’s unique blend of industry experience and passion for education makes her an incredible addition to our team. We are excited to see the enthusiasm and innovation she brings to our marketing program!

Please join me in welcoming Brittani Hunter to our business school family. We are so fortunate to have her on board, and we look forward to a bright future together!

Today, I want to shine a spotlight on one of our most dedicated faculty members, 

Dr. Hassan Ahmed, our exceptional accounting professor. Dr. Ahmed stands out not just for his expertise in accounting but for his unparalleled commitment to our students’ success. Unlike many faculty members who take a well-deserved break during the summer, Dr. Ahmed works tirelessly year-round, often helping students on his days off. His dedication goes beyond the classroom—he’s the only faculty member who will either pull me out of the office to greet his students or bring them directly to see me.

This level of care and concern for our students is rare and a testament to the high-touch approach that distinguishes our business school. Dr. Ahmed embodies the spirit of going above and beyond, demonstrating that true dedication is not about compensation but a genuine commitment to making a difference in students’ lives.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Ahmed on our team, and we sincerely appreciate his unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment. This passion and commitment set our business school apart and helped our students thrive.

Thank you, Dr. Ahmed, for all you do!

I am beyond excited to share an incredible experience that two of our outstanding Langston University students, Delisa Carter and Gerald Martin, recently had at the 21st Annual National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable. In partnership with Educational Testing Services (ETS), this prestigious event was an all-expenses-paid opportunity that brought together over 90 students, 42 deans, and numerous professionals from 45 HBCUs nationwide.

Delisa Carter, a senior business major, beautifully expressed the transformative impact of the summit, noting how the experience was instructive and uplifting. She connected with peers and professionals, building relationships supporting her personal and professional growth. Gerald Martin, representing Langston University for the first time, shared how this event opened many doors for him, providing invaluable networking opportunities and insights into the business world.

I am incredibly proud of Delisa and Gerald for gracefully and professionally representing our Langston Lions. Their experiences at the summit underscore the importance of providing our students with opportunities beyond the classroom. This event enriched their academic journey and prepared them for their future careers by offering real-world insights and connections.

As the Dean of the School of Business, I aim to ensure that all our students have access to such valuable experiences. By investing in these opportunities, we are shaping the next generation of well-equipped leaders to excel in any professional environment they choose.

Opportunities like the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable are critical in preparing our students for future challenges, and I look forward to seeing more of our students thrive in similar settings. Congratulations to Delisa and Gerald for making us proud, and thank you for embodying the spirit of excellence that defines Langston University!

I am incredibly proud to share that this summer, two distinguished faculty members, Dr. Michael Hamilton and Dr. Charles Mambula, had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the “Teaching with Cases” seminar at Harvard Business School. This prestigious program, held from July 31 to August 2, 2024, is part of Harvard’s initiative to foster enduring partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

At Langston, we recognize that investing in our faculty is crucial for advancing our mission and enhancing the learning experiences of our students. By equipping our educators with innovative teaching methods and professional development opportunities, we prepare them to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Mambula’s participation in this seminar is significant for our university and the broader HBCU community. Their dedication to excellence in teaching and mentoring is now further enriched by the world-class training they received at Harvard. This experience is a personal milestone for them and a victory for Langston University, as they bring back invaluable insights that will benefit our students, colleagues, and the entire institution.

Our goal is to empower our faculty so they can empower our students. I am confident that the knowledge and skills Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Mambula have gained will enhance our business school’s curriculum and inspire transformative change.

Let’s continue to support and celebrate the accomplishments of our faculty as they lead us into a bright future!

Reflecting on my journey as the Dean of the Langston School of Business, I am deeply grateful for the progress we made last spring. It was a semester filled with accomplishments for our business school, thanks to the unwavering support of the administration, faculty, staff, and students who trusted me and embraced my vision. 

Yet, the summer brought its own set of challenges. We faced hurdles in increasing enrollment, building new programs, and establishing stronger connections with business partners to expand employment opportunities for our students. Additionally, there is a pressing need to reconnect with our alumni, who are integral to our school’s legacy.

Despite these challenges, I remain excited about this fall semester’s possibilities. I trust in God’s guidance and believe deeply in the power of faith to navigate these times. Psalm 139:7-12 reminds us of God’s constant presence and support, illustrating that God’s hand is always there to guide us no matter where we go. In contrast, Psalm 127:1 speaks directly to the heart of leadership and our efforts here at Langston: “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” This verse is a powerful reminder that all our efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, are fruitless without God’s blessing and guidance.

As leaders, we must remember that our roles are not about personal power or prestige, which can often lead to corruption. Instead, I am here to serve humbly, recognizing that my position is part of a greater calling. The Nehemiah Strategy I have adopted for rebuilding our business school is rooted in this understanding: that God directs our steps and that true success comes from aligning our work with His will.

We must embody this spirit of service in our interactions with our students. It’s not enough to tell them they matter; we must show them through actions. As I step onto campus daily, I am reminded that being Dean is more than a job or a career; it’s a calling to serve with faith and dedication. I am here to make a difference, guided by a belief in something more significant than myself.

As we begin this new semester, I invite you all to join me in building a community of faith, kindness, and perseverance. Let us work together, trusting in God’s plan and committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of our students.

Today, I had the distinct honor of attending Dr. Major L. Jemison’s pastoral anniversary at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Dr. Jemison is not just a pastor; he is a legendary leader whose impact extends far beyond the walls of our church. His legacy is perseverance, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his calling.
I first met Dr. Jemison in 2016 when my wife and I searched for a new church home. We visited over 16 churches, carefully considering each one. The decision came down to St. John and another smaller congregation. I was concerned about St. John’s size, fearing that we might get lost in such a large community. But during my first visit, something happened that would solidify our choice.

As I looked around the church, trying to get a sense of the place, Pastor Jemison introduced himself and personally gave me a tour. This simple yet profound gesture left a lasting impression on me. Here was a man leading one of the largest congregations in the city, yet he took the time to welcome visitors and make them feel at home. It clearly demonstrated his hands-on leadership style, which I have come to admire deeply.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Jemison on various events. His leadership is not just about giving directives but actively participating in the church’s life. He leads by example, and his commitment to St. John is unwavering. As he approaches his 70th birthday in October, I am in awe of his ability to lead with such energy and passion, even after decades of service.

Dr. Jemison’s leadership extends beyond St. John’s. As a past president of the Progressive Baptist Convention, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the broader Baptist community. His influence is felt far and wide, and his legacy is perseverance and staying the course.

I often reflect on my journey and wonder if I will ever have the opportunity to lead one organization for 40 years, as Dr. Jemison has done. His commitment and resilience are qualities that I strive to emulate in my leadership role as Dean of the Langston School of Business. He has set a powerful example for all who seek to lead with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to our calling.
As I celebrate this milestone with Dr. Jemison and the St. John community, I am reminded of a person’s profound impact when they dedicate their life to serving others. Dr. Jemison’s leadership is a beacon of hope and inspiration, and I am grateful to be part of a community that benefits from his wisdom and guidance. Here’s to many more years of impactful leadership and the continued legacy of a man who embodies what it means to lead with purpose.

This August, I had the incredible opportunity to connect with over 300 incoming students at Lion Camp—a pivotal event designed to help new students transition smoothly into college life at Langston University. The energy at Lion Camp was contagious, and it was an honor to be part of this journey as we welcomed the next generation of Lions into our community.

Teaming up with VP Heath Burge, a dynamic speaker who passionately discussed the critical role of academic advisement, we held three engaging sessions at 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm. Heath set the stage, and I emphasized the importance of building meaningful relationships with professors. 

In today’s fast-paced world, this generation of students craves engagement and connection—something I’ve learned through years of research and speaking to youth organizations.

To bring this message to life, we introduced some icebreakers and even a lesson in Salsa dancing. I invited a few volunteers who had never danced Salsa before, and within 15 minutes, they were moving with confidence and rhythm. This exercise wasn’t just about learning to dance—it was about demonstrating how, with the proper guidance and encouragement, anyone can master new skills and build strong relationships. It’s a metaphor for the college experience: when we inject innovative and engaging teaching approaches, we change the trajectory of our students’ lives.

Lion Camp is more than just an introduction to campus; it’s the first step in forging the connections that will support our students throughout their academic journey. It’s about integrating them and their families into the Langston University community, ensuring they feel at home from day one. Students who attend Lion Camp get a firsthand experience of life on a college campus, meeting fellow Lions, Student Ambassadors, and the faculty and staff who will guide them.

I am blessed to have been a part of this transformative experience, and I look forward to continuing to build these connections with our students throughout the year. We set the foundation for their success at Langston University and beyond.

In August, I had the privilege of attending the annual State of Oklahoma Schools event, sponsored by the OKC Chamber. This event was more than just a meeting; it was a powerful opportunity to deepen connections within the business and academic communities, with a shared focus on the critical need to invest in education and grow our workforce.

During the event, I was fortunate to reconnect with several Langston graduates, including Teresa Goggin, an Account Executive at LocaliQ, and Mike Shelton, a member of the LU School Board. Their success stories are a testament to the strength of a Langston education and our alums’ positive impact on the world.
This gathering reminded me of the importance of collaboration and our potential to shape the future of education in Oklahoma. As we continue to build these relationships, I am energized by the possibilities that lie ahead for Langston University and our broader community. Together, we are not just connecting—we are creating a better future for all.