This past Saturday, under the looming threat of cloudy skies, Langston University proudly hosted its 124th Commencement Ceremony at the W.E. Anderson Stadium. As we gathered to celebrate the graduation of hundreds of students—many of whom are the first in their families to earn a college degree—the air was charged with a sense of accomplishment and hopeful anticipation.
Reflecting on W.E.B. Du Bois’s concept of the “Talented Tenth” and the transformative impact of the Emancipation Proclamation, I am struck by the profound journey of progress and liberation that has led to this day. What would my ancestors think seeing me in this role, ushering in the next generation of leaders? At Langston, an institution steeped in the rich legacy of HBCUs, we don’t just confer degrees; we ignite hope and champion the potential of every student.
As I sat with our graduates, sharing their joy and excitement, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and humility. Unlike at many institutions, where deans and faculty may be distanced from the students during such ceremonies, we experience these pivotal moments alongside our graduates at Langston. Feeling their emotions and witnessing their triumphs up close, I am reminded of my journey—the first in my immediate family to graduate college—and the proud tears my mother, Annette Green Elias, would have shed seeing where life has brought us.
This graduation was not just a formal event but a personal celebration of each student’s unique journey and a communal affirmation of our continued commitment to education and empowerment. It reminded us of how far we’ve come and how far we can go when we support and believe in one another.
As I conclude my first semester as Dean of the Business School, I am honored to have been a part of this celebration and to contribute to the legacy of Langston University. Here, we are more than a school; we are a community that uplifts, educates, and inspires.
