Economic Insights and Community Impact: A Dean’s Debut at Oklahoma City Chamber
March 19, 2024
Embarking on my tenure as the Dean of the School of Business at Langston University, I had the privilege of attending the annual economic forecast presented by the Oklahoma City Chamber. This enlightening event provided a wealth of knowledge about the economic outlook for 2024. The estimates, meticulously prepared by renowned economists Dr. Russell Evans and Dr. Eric Long, painted a picture of a resilient Oklahoma City economy, poised to continue its growth despite a projected slowdown in job growth to 2%. The report highlighted promising sectors like health services and trade, which are expected to generate nearly 14,000 new jobs, showcasing the city’s economic vitality and capacity to exceed national performance averages.
In a gathering where African Americans and other underserved communities were underrepresented, I felt a compelling responsibility to disseminate this crucial information within our broader community, empowering individuals to seize emerging opportunities and compete effectively in the evolving economic landscape.
The warmth and openness I received from everyone was refreshing, with a special note of gratitude to Director Tim Burg of the Moore Norman Technology Center. Tim’s unwavering support and his knack for making meaningful connections have been instrumental since our initial encounter during my early days as a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University. His introduction to the event’s key players and guidance were invaluable. Tim, a beacon of innovation and positivity, has been a steadfast ally in our collaborative efforts to bridge the gap between business needs and academic learning through ‘Micro Internships,’ a pioneering initiative that has significantly impacted students’ career readiness.
As I reflect on the Oklahoma City Chamber’s potential as a strategic partner in navigating the uncertain future, I am mindful of the challenge of integrating this engagement with my commitments as Dean. My journey at Langston is just beginning, and I am inspired to leverage these experiences to foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence within our School of Business. Together, we will prepare our students to navigate and shape the future.
