PROGRAMMED FOR SUCCESS:
BY HELEEN SHEETS
Computer science is often ranked among the best college degrees in the United States, and U.S. News & World Report cites diverse career opportunities as one of the many benefits. Among STEM majors, a degree in computer science prepares students to thrive in technologydriven careers. These positions are often in high demand with leading companies who are focused on innovation and growth.
For those interested in computer science, Langston University is an excellent place to earn your degree.
Since spring 2021, the Langston University Computer Science program has boasted a 100% job placement rate. LU’s computer science graduates have all received jobs in their chosen industry, often solidifying their new jobs prior to graduation. In the past five years, Langston University has also realized a 95.5% enrollment growth in computer science.
Reginald Archibald II, Emoree Coley and Jathaniel Wakefield are just three of Dear Langston’s successful computer science graduates. Their preparation in mastering programming, algorithm design, data structures and developing software applications has paid dividends. In 2024, they earned their Bachelor of Science degrees in computer science. Today, they are living their dream with goals of achieving even more.
REGINALD ARCHIBALD II
As an advisor and developer in commercial analytics for Phillips 66 in Houston, Texas, Reginald Archibald II is off to a great start. In this position, Archibald leverages his technical skills and tools in helping Phillips 66’s commercial business unit make more informed decisions to provide energy and improve lives.
Prior to graduation, he completed two summer internships as a software engineer with Boeing. Archibald also served as the lead computer scientist for NASA Rock On, where he contributed to the integration of a payload into a two-stage terrier Orion Rocket, and specialized in using a minicomputer to collect atmosphere data.
What Archibald appreciates most about his job is the “great work life balance” and the opportunity to network with fellow professionals.
The most challenging part of his job, Archibald said, is becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable.
”Just using problem-solving skills and networking that I learned from Langston helps me navigate through these real-world scenarios,” Archibald said. “We had conversations amongst peers and professors about scenarios and circumstances we may face in our careers and in the world. These deep conversations not only made me feel prepared in my technical skills and knowledge, but more importantly, my soft skills.”
Ralph Grayson, chair of the computer science department, was instrumental in Archibald’s choice of major. Grayson’s influence continued throughout Archibald’s matriculation, guiding him through internships, projects and coursework.
“I saw how passionate he was about his students’ success,” Archibald said. “He allowed me into his classes my freshman year as a business management major to observe and ask questions of the upperclassmen about their experiences. I was able to witness students who came before me and land amazing careers, and I told myself, that could be me if I buckle down and hit my studies hard.”
Archibald was awarded an Edwin P. McCabe Honors scholarship in addition to becoming an OK-LSAMP scholar. He was also chosen to attend the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute. His other achievements include being named the most outstanding computer science student and the Dr. In Hai Ro awardee for excellence in computer science, and becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Grateful for his faith, his family, and LU faculty and professors, Archibald encourages those seeking to pursue their computer science degree to choose Langston University.
“It’s more than a program,” Archibald said. “It is a family – from professors to the students. We uplift one another, hold each other accountable and recognize our peers’ successes.”
EMOREE COLEY
Emoree Coley grew up in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Today, she is an Information Technology Analyst with Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation in Nashville, Tennessee. She is a part of the Cat Financials program, a two-and-a-half-year rotational program that will allow her to gain experience in different areas of the company before being placed with a permanent team.
Currently, Coley is working with the Cat Vantage Rewards team where she spends most of her time developing and working on tickets in the Salesforce platform. She has also been given the title of Co-Chair for the rotational program, which is a leadership role.
“I have the opportunity to organize events, support recruitment and intern efforts, and represent my fellow members to influence the evolution of the program,” Coley said.
Coley said she loves meeting new people, learning new things, and getting different experiences. The work is different than anything she’s done before, but she said her team makes it easy to figure things out, and she loves the work environment and company culture.
Coley transferred to Langston University from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University because of LU’s computer science program and the opportunities she knew she would have.
”(LU) just felt like the right fit for me, and it definitely was!” Coley said. “The classes covered a wide range of topics and taught me how to think critically and solve problems in different ways. The professors were always willing to help and pushed me to be my best.
“Even though what I’m working on now is new to me, the preparation I received at Langston University has made it easier to adjust and keep moving forward.”
Following in her father’s footsteps, Coley says she couldn’t ask for a better example to look up to. Growing up, she watched her father solve problems, build solutions and love his work. That passion made her want to pursue a career where she could feel the same way. He encouraged Coley to explore computers and technology from an early age. From there, her interest kept growing until she realized this was the path she wanted to follow.
She also credits her mom, grandmother, brother, boyfriend, closest friends and Grayson in helping her down this path.
During her LU journey, Coley achieved many awards and recognitions. Some of these accomplishments include being a USDA 1890 Scholar, a two-time Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient, making the Dean’s List every semester, and a triple scholar recipient (OK-LSAMP, TMCF, ITSMF).
Coley served as a member for several student organizations including Women of Purpose, the Computer Science Club, and LU NAACP. A spring 2025 initiate of the Apha Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she is also proud that as a transfer she completed her bachelor’s degree in three years, and received a full-time job offer before her final semester.
JATHANIEL WAKEFIELD
As Oklahoma’s HBCU, Langston University has a legacy of generational enrollment. Jathaniel Wakefield and his family are part of that legacy. His parents, Misty and Jay, met on the Langston Campus while pursuing their education. Two decades later, their son followed in their footsteps.
“I am legacy,” Wakefield said. “On top of being a McCabe Scholar and not having to incur any debt for my education, it made for very persuasive reasons to attend.”
The younger Wakefield represented the family name well. Graduating summa cum laude, he quickly secured a job at Paycom in Oklahoma City as a Level 2 Developer and received his first promotion a few months later. Now as a Software Developer, Wakefield is responsible for the software development of new projects and applications. His duties involve testing and verifying functionality and then working with products to ensure their vision is properly applied.
Wakefield says the most enjoyable part of his job is the opportunity to solve complex problems by leveraging the tools and languages developed at Paycom, and to create a product that heavily impacts small and large businesses alike.”
His connection to Dear Langston allowed Wakefield to meet Grayson. He helped Wakefield understand what computer science is as well as how to apply basic concepts to real world scenarios and in industry use cases.
“(Grayson was) very influential and helped me by providing opportunities and challenges to grow and develop my understanding of computer science and how to apply it,” Wakefield said.
For those considering computer science, Wakefield recommends starting early and being responsible for your own development.
“When you start early, it gives you time to understand and work with complex topics like data structures and algorithms, which are used heavily throughout the industry to solve problems dealing with large amounts of data and information,”Wakefield said.“Being responsible helps your drive to continue learning. Computer science is not a career that allows you to quit learning as more and more things are discovered and leveraged to improve performance and understanding.”
COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE
A GREAT CHOICE
• Bachelor’s Degree Entry-Level Education / 2024 Median Pay
• Computer Network Architects $130,390
• Computer Programmers $98,670
• Computer Systems Analysts $103,790
• Database Administrators and Architects $123,100
• Information Security Analysts $$124,910
• Network and Computer Systems Administrators $96,800
• Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers $131,450
• Web Developers and Digital Designers $95,380
LU BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM
• 100% job placement rate for graduates (May 2021-May 2025)
• 95.5% enrollment growth in the major
• Excellent internships (Boeing, NASA)
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS OFFERS
CLASSES IN OKC, TULSA
The Langston University School of Nursing and Health Professions will begin offering classes in Public Health and Healthcare Administration at the Tulsa and Oklahoma City Campuses in Spring 2026.
Dr.Teressa Hunter, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, said these additions to Langston University’s urban campuses not only support LU’s commitment to expanding the healthcare workforce in Oklahoma, but they also support LU’s commitment to making higher education more accessible for all Oklahomans.
“Offering these courses at the Tulsa and Oklahoma City campuses this spring is essential to meeting the needs of students, the workforce, and the community, while advancing the mission of the School of Nursing and Health Professions,” Dr. Hunter said. “These offerings expand access to high-demand academic pathways, support timely degree completion, align with the priorities of the healthcare administration and public health workforce, and reinforce the institution’s commitment to preparing competent, healthcare- and community-responsive health professionals.”
The School of Nursing and Health Professions has offered bachelor degree programs in Public Health and Healthcare Administration alongside its competitive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for several years at the Langston Campus. By bringing these two programs to the urban campuses, LU continues to expand learning opportunities for working adults, older learners and returning students to pursue a degree with the flexibility and support needed for their busy lives and career goals.
Dr. Sandra Brown, an assistant professor in the Healthcare Administration and Public Health programs, said the classes are designed to focus on the practical application of public health and healthcare management theories, offering real-world and dynamic teaching-learning experiences. “We provide an interdisciplinary approach to learning,” Dr. Brown said.
“Healthcare leaders can no longer afford to learn and work in silos. Interdisciplinary professional education is critical to understanding the multiple roles in healthcare, is essential in fostering mutual respect, and helps to enhance patient outcomes.”
Healthcare administrators are crucial for the efficient and effective operation of healthcare facilities, while public health professionals are critical for protecting and improving community health by focusing on disease prevention, health promotion and equitable access to healthcare. By bringing these programs to Oklahoma City and Tulsa, LU aims to produce a more skilled and better-prepared workforce to meet the growing demand in the healthcare industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the medical and health services management industry has a projected job growth rate of about 23% through 2034, one of the highest in the country. By equipping professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills, the public health and healthcare administration programs will contribute to enhancing the overall quality of care throughout Oklahoma.
With a low faculty-to-student ratio, students enrolled in the Public Health and Healthcare Administration majors will have more one-onone learning opportunities. This creates a highly engaged and supportive learning environment. Students interested in these programs can expect a dynamic and enriching education led by experienced, compassionate faculty who are committed to student success.
Enrollment for the following Healthcare Administration and Public Health classes at LU-Tulsa and LU-OKC is now open.
Healthcare Administration Courses:
• HA 3253 – Introduction to Healthcare Administration
• HA 3063 – Introduction to Gerontology
Public Health Courses:
• PUH 2333 – Introduction to Public Health
• PUH 2313 – Global Health
If you are currently a student at Langston University, please contact your advisor to enroll in these courses. If you are not currently a student at Langston University, you may apply at langston.edu/apply-now.
LANGSTON UNIVERSITY COMPLETES
UPGRADES
In May 2025, Langston University began several projects to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in several residential buildings on the Langston Campus. As of Dec, 30, 2025, all projects were substantially complete and collectively came in under budget.
“Langston University is proud to have completed these much-needed housing HVAC upgrades in not only a timely manner, but also in a costeffective manner,” said Vice President for Operations Theresa Powell. “When we started this project, it was important to us that we used grant funding so that the cost would not be passed along to our students. We’ve accomplished that with great success.”
Over the summer, Buildings 1-5 of Centennial Court Apartments received entirely new HVAC systems with redirected air delivery. The project was prioritized to address long-standing mechanical issues. At the same time, the university converted outdated window units and furnace infrastructure in Cimarron Gardens Apartments to modern central heating and air for the first time since the construction of the community in the 1950s. Cimarron Gardens Apartments primarily house faculty and staff.
The university also replaced the original HVAC systems at the Scholars’ Inn and Commons Apartments with new units. These systems were installed throughout the fall 2025 semester.
These HVAC upgrades were part of a series of strategic infrastructure projects across all three campuses intended to improve the longevity of current infrastructure while providing students, faculty and staff with more comfortable living and learning environments. The university used grants to fund these housing projects to avoid any costs to students.
The university continues to work on the comprehensive HVAC upgrades for several academic buildings, including Moore Hall, Sanford Hall, Jones Hall and the G. Lamar Harrison Library. It continues to plan the HVAC projects for the Allied Health Building, the School of Physical Therapy, and the C.F. Gayles Athletic Complex. Additionally, work is continuing to replace the roof at the Oklahoma City Campus and renovate the interior.
“We’re committed to providing quality living, learning and working environments for all of our students, faculty and staff at all of our campuses,” Powell said. “These upgrades are strategic investments that we’re making into these facilities, and they will pay dividends in the years to come.”
Bringing Care Home:
NEW LANGSTON UNIVERSITY PHYSICAL THERAPY
CLINIC TURNS LEARNING INTO SERVICE
BY JET TURNER
Dry air fills Gloire Houmba Mayindou’s lungs as he runs, his worn shoes beating the concrete surface of the park’s basketball court.
The “Diablo Rouge,” Mayindou’s club team, practice on the outdoor court nearly every day in The Republic of the Congo, his home country. Dribble, stop, shoot, rebound, pass... the 5-on-5 drills of the day were as normal and intense as any other day.
The 11-year-old watches as a shot soars overhead, the ball bouncing wildly between the backboard and rim. Realizing the ball isn’t going in the basket, Mayindou jumps to secure the rebound. He suddenly feels hands, followed by a shoulder, hit him in the back as his feet leave the ground, causing them to swing out from under him. He lands shoulder first on the unforgiving concrete. A teammate falls on top of him.
The impact dislocates his right shoulder.
“I couldn't shower, couldn't dress myself, couldn't eat, couldn't move,” Mayindou said. “So, dealing with that pain and then knowing that you cannot go to the hospital to get help, man, it's mentally challenging.”
Access to healthcare, much less physical therapy, is limited in the Republic of the Congo. Even if you can get to a hospital or other healthcare provider, services are so expensive that most people don’t even consider it an option when they are hurt.
This experience, along with his observations of how many people are living with chronic pain without the assistance they need, drove Mayindou to come to the United States and eventually Langston University to earn his doctorate in physical therapy.
Now Mayindou, a first-year physical therapy student, can not only learn his trade in a program that boasts a 92% National Physical Therapy Exam pass rate and a 100% job placement rate, but he can soon get hands-on experience much more quickly than the average physical therapy student when Langston University completes construction on a physical therapy clinic being built right on the Langston Campus. Construction has already begun on this Physical Therapy Clinic, which is being funded through Title III grants.
Dr. Elicia Pollard, Dean of the School of Physical Therapy, said this clinic will not only have an impact on students at LU, but on the community as well.
“There’s no physical therapy clinic here (in Langston),” Dr. Pollard said. “If locals want services, they’ll either drive or do without. So, we are going to fill that need there. We are going to be offering this clinic to people who are uninsured or under insured or low-income families. We are going to eliminate potential barriers such as transportation and cost.” The closest clinics to the town of Langston are in Guthrie, which forces those who seek assistance to drive upward of 20 minutes for care.
The clinic is not designed like a typical medical facility with a labyrinth of halls and little rooms. The Langston University Physical Therapy Clinic will have an open concept with only a few rooms with doors for private needs. This allows for the area to be reconfigured for different patient populations and research needs.
Dr. Anthony Sylvester, Director of Clinical Services at Langston University, has been instrumental in the development and design of this clinic since its inception. As a two-time Langston University graduate
with experience running small, rural health clinics in addition to 25 years of experience as a clinical instructor, he understands the importance of ensuring the space is being used to its fullest potential to optimize client and student outcomes.
Because of his experiences, Dr. Sylvester understands how unique this clinic is to Langston University.
“This isn’t typical of other physical therapy schools,” Dr. Sylvester said. “I think we're going to be pretty unique in reference to what most schools, a lot of PT schools, will have. We'll have that daily experience here. Students will see a patient they’ve worked with progress through their care.”
The Physical Therapy Clinic will also offer opportunities for students to participate in research, different forms of patient care, community events and much more.
This level of experience is why students like Mayindou come to Langston University to study physical therapy.
“The first time I learned that they were building a clinic, everyone, at least all my classmates, we are all so excited,” Mayindou said. “That’s kind of a dream come true. In our field, there’s nothing better than experience. To work with a patient one-on-one is a different thing.
“I call it a blessing.”
MENS BASKETBALL
2026 SCHEDULE
January 31 – @ Southwestern Christian University – Bethany, Oklahoma
February 5 – @ Mid-America Christian University – Oklahoma City
February 7 – vs Science and Arts (Okla.) – Langston, Oklahoma
February 12 – @ College of the Ozarks – Point Lookout, Missouri
February 14 – vs John Brown University (Ark.) – Langston, Oklahoma
February 19 – vs Texas Wesleyan – Langston, Oklahoma
February 21 – vs Nelson University – Langston, Oklahoma
“ These players are extremely unselfish, high character guys. I think they represent our program and the university in an outstanding manner.
Coming into the season, we had question marks because we had so many new guys. It was almost a completely new team from last year. But we’ve had a good start to the season. We believe we are going to have a chance to be playing in the national championship on the last Tuesday night of the season. ”
- HEAD COACH CHRIS WRIGHT “ Come out and support us. We won’t let you guys down. We should be undefeated, but it's been a good start. Obviously, there is room for improvement, but we are always going to work hard and play hard no matter what. ”
- TAJAHRI CAVE, #10
WOMENS BASKETBALL
2026 SCHEDULE
January 31 – @ Southwestern Christian University – Bethany, Oklahoma
February 5 – @ Mid-America Christian University – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
February 7 – vs Science and Arts (Okla.) – Langston, Oklahoma
February 12 – @ College of the Ozarks – Point Lookout, Missouri
February 14 – vs John Brown University (Ark.) – Langston, Oklahoma
February 19 – vs Texas Wesleyan – Langston, Oklahoma
February 21 – vs Nelson University – Langston, Oklahoma
“
It’s a whole new group, but you can see them all start to gel together. They’re all starting to buy in. That’s probably the biggest thing that I’ve been happy to see, that they’re really starting to click on a lot of different cylinders. To be ranked in the Top 25 and lead the country in defense, but then starting to see it gel offensively, that’s probably the biggest thing as we continue to grow.
Fans can look forward to us being a little more consistent and hopefully healthier. We’re very deep, so I think that’s one thing that we have that we didn’t really have a lot of at times last year. So starting plug and play no matter who we bring in, that’s been something that the bench has really started to perform well on. So we’re excited to see everybody that comes into the game being able to contribute. ”
- HEAD COACH CHRIS VINCENT
“
Come support! We have a great team, and we’re fun to watch. There’s gonna be a lot of entertaining things. We’re good. Everybody can score. Everybody can do a lot of things. So, I think everybody should want to support us and show us some love ”
- AREYANNA HUNTER, #15
TRACK & FIELD
2026 SCHEDULE
January 30-31 – Washburn Invitational – Topeka, Kansas
January 31 – Pittsburg State Invitational – Pittsburg, Kansas
February 6 – Oklahoma Classic – Norman, Oklahoma
February 13-14 – Russ Jewett Indoor Gorilla Classic – Pittsburg, Kansas
February 20 – Crimson and Creme Qualifier – Norman, Oklahoma
March 5-7 – NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championship – Gainesville, Florida
March 13-14 – HBCU Indoor National Championship – Louisville, Kentucky
“
We are looking to improve everything. But for now, we’ve just got to keep working hard. All the work was done in the fall. Now it’s time to see what you did. We are looking forward to doing a lot better in the conference meet. The women missed first place by 3 points last year, and we don’t want that to happen again this year. The men, I think we’ve got a real good and balanced team. So we should have more going to our national championships. ”
- COACH JAMES HILLIARD, JR.
“
Keep supporting, because it really means a lot. Since we travel so far, just keep supporting from home and showing up whenever you can. I’ve been putting in more hard work. Expect some more records broken. We will make it to nationals. ”
- BYRION PATTON WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD
“
We are farther ahead than we’ve been in years past, so we’ve already set the standard. We’ve been putting in the work, putting everything together so we can take the conference championship and national championship home ”
- NAISJY’N NEWHOUSE
MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD
LIONS CHEER
2026 SCHEDULE
January 30 – Coyote Classic – Salina, Kansas
February 5 – Battle in the Big Easy – New Orleans, Louisiana
February 20 – TAMUT Invitational – San Antonio, Texas
March 1 – Oklahoma City University Classic – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
March 6 – AMC Championships
“
This competitive season, fans can look forward to a high energy routine. Our choreographer, Cathryn Weeden, this year really capitalized on giving the team a routine the crowd can really engage with and feel the excitement. The team is the strongest we’ve been in our tumbling skills. Fans can expect more advanced tumbling than seen in the past. This plays into the high energy routine! ”
- COACH DEONNE KING
“
This season, you can expect a disciplined, energetic team that is committed to growth, consistency and representing Langston University with pride. We are focused on bringing positive energy, strong leadership, and a high standard of excellence both on and off the mat. Thank you to our LU fans for your continued support and energy. Your presence and school pride motivates us to perform at our best and we are so grateful to represent Langston University! ”
- DONTE JONES, TEAM CAPTAIN
LIONS SOFTBALL
2026 SCHEDULE
February 6-7 – vs Harris-Stowe State – Langston, Oklahoma
February 14 – vs Haskell Indian Nations – Langston, Oklahoma
February 21 – vs Arlington Baptist – Langston, Oklahoma
February 28 – vs Dallas Christian – Langston, Oklahoma
March 6-7 – @ Nelson University – Waxahachie, Texas
March 13-14 – vs Science and Arts (Okla.) - Langston, Oklahoma
March 20-21 – @ Mid-America Christian University – Oklahoma City
March 25 – vs Oklahoma City University – Langston, Oklahoma
March 27-28 – vs Texas Wesleyan – Langston, Oklahoma
April 3-4 – @ Southwestern Christian University – Bethany, Oklahoma
April 10-11 – @ Oklahoma Panhandle State University – Goodwell, Oklahoma
April 15 – vs Oklahoma City University – Langston, Oklahoma
“ We have a new team, new recruits came in for 2025, so we’re looking for some exciting things to happen for the season. Just come out, enjoy the game, and we look forward to some good softball. Hopefully the weather’s gonna cooperate with us, and we’ll have some fun and win some games. Cuz that’s what we’re doing. We’re trying to win.
From this team, expect to see a lot of excitement and a lot of good skill sets, good pitching and good hitting. Hopefully we put it all together to get some W’s at the end of the day. Just making fundamental plays and having fun out there, and having a lot of confident to know how to win the games and to close it out to get W’s at the end of the day. ”
- HEAD COACH DARNELL WALKER
“ It has been a couple of rough years, but this year will be a change. We plan on coming out a lot differently this year, and you can expect a better drive from us. Come out and support, because we plan on changing a lot of things this year. ”
-ASHARA THIBODEAUX, 8 SAC ALL-CONFERENCE 2025
Meet staff
‘E ROAR IS PRODUCED BY THE LANGSTON UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Theresa Powell Vice President for Operations
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