Strengthening Community Ties: Langston Business School’s Initiative in Tulsa
June 2, 2024
As part of my duties as dean, I am committed to working with the Tulsa community. I must admit that I have a lot to learn. Although I have visited Tulsa several times for activities and events, I have not fully understood its unique culture. As I was told, Oklahoma City and Tulsa have different vibes. This realization has only deepened my resolve to forge strong bonds with the community.
One of my key partnerships has been with Langston University-Tulsa Campus Director Dr. Sherri Smith-Keys. Together, we are working towards strengthening our presence and impact in Tulsa. During one of my visits, I had the opportunity to meet with Ashley Townsend of Chase Tulsa to discuss collaborations. One of our newest initiatives in the fall will be monthly corporate training sessions aimed at helping employers better connect with students on a personal level. Ashley expressed her enthusiasm for participating in this program.
While in Tulsa, I received a message that President Jackson was attending an entrepreneur’s event hosted by HBCUvc. This organization is a Black women-led initiative with five full-time staff, all of whom are HBCU graduates and identify as Black and Latina. I had the pleasure of meeting Cynthia Lopez-Dixon, the Chief Administrative Officer at HBCUvc and Langston graduate, who has been with the organization since its inception in 2017. Cynthia’s work focuses on delivering innovative solutions to operational and administrative challenges, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of HBCU graduates. I was honored that President Jackson connected me with such inspiring individuals.
The next day, I spent time with Rose Washington, CEO of TEDC Creative Capital. In 2023, Rose was named among the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.’s Women of Power “Power 50” honorees. Her dedication to making a difference in the community is truly inspiring. I also met Rue Ramsey, Vice President of Workforce and Talent Strategies. Rue has over 20 years of experience creating initiatives and developing programs to align workforce strategies across various industry sectors better. Her efforts in creating internship programs, college and career fairs, and educator/business roundtables have been instrumental in ensuring that the Tulsa region is well-equipped to supply skilled workers.
Additionally, I had a productive meeting with Shamane “Shay” Glover, Supervisor of Talent Acquisition at OneGas. Shay and I met in person at a career fair several weeks ago at Star Spencer High School in Oklahoma. OneGas provides natural gas distribution services to more than 2 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. The company comprises three operating entities in Tulsa: Oklahoma Natural Gas, Kansas Gas Service, and Texas Gas Service. Shay and I discussed potential collaborations, and I was excited to learn that she will be conducting one of our monthly corporate meetings.
In Closing
My visit to Tulsa was a great experience, with opportunities to connect with dedicated professionals and learn about the community’s unique needs and strengths. I am committed to being in Tulsa periodically to understand better and engage with the community. Together, we will continue to build bridges, create opportunities, and make a meaningful impact. The journey of connection and collaboration has just begun, and I am excited to see what the future holds for Langston University and the Tulsa community.
