GOVERNING BOARDS AND OFFICIALS
THE HONORABLE KEVIN STITT, GOVERNOR
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Courtney Warmington, Chair
Dustin J. Hillary,, Vice Chair
P. Mitchell “Mitch” Adwon , Assistant Secretary
Dennis Casey
Jeffrey W. Hickman
Steven W. Taylor, Secretary
Ken Levit
Jack Sherry
Michael C. Turpen
Sean Burrage, Chancellor
Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges
Rick Walker, Chair
Cary Beatz, Vice Chair
Chris Franklin
Billy G. Taylor
Jimmy Harrel
Blayne Arthur
Joe D.Hall Jennifer Callahan Tracy Poole
Jason Ramsey, Interim Chief Executive Officer
Administration
Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson.
Dr. Alonzo Peterson
Theresa Powell
Joshua A. Busby...........................................................................................................Dean
Nykkia
Darrell Davis, Vice Chair
Board of Trustees for the Langston University Oklahoma City and Tulsa Campuses
Sherman Lewis, Chair
Avilla Williams, Secretary
Rita Combs Col. Stanley L. Evans
Chris Franklin Dr. Claude Evans
Darrell E. Strong Melvin Latham
Langston University Foundation Board Members
David Stephens, Chair
Sherman Lewis, Vice Chair
Lovell Leverette
Judge Kenneth Watson
Darrell Jefflo
Dr. Wayne Jones
Ron Tribble
Marlon James Michele Purvey
Joshua Busby, Interim Executive Director
Langston University National Alumni Association
Dezz
Javon Brame
Gwendolyn
Secretary
Danyale
Colisha
Courtland Gunnells
A lETTEr FrOM THE PrESIDENT
Dear Alumni, Friends, and Supporters,
Welcome to the Inaugural Founders Week Celebration Gala. It is a privilege to gather with you as we honor Langston University’s rich heritage, vibrant present, and ambitious future. We are especially excited to bring this celebration to Tulsa, a city that is home to a proud community of Langston University alumni.
For 129 years, Langston has opened doors of opportunity and transformed lives across Oklahoma and beyond. Founders Week celebrates this enduring legacy, strengthened by each generation of Lions who have contributed to our story.
This year, we also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, a nationally respected program that has shaped skilled, compassionate professionals for a quarter century. We honor the visionary leadership of Dr. Corey Moore, the committed faculty and staff, and the many students and alumni whose accomplishments embody the program’s impact.
At the heart of our mission are our students—their resilience, brilliance, and limitless potential. Many continue to face financial barriers that threaten their educational journeys. Proceeds from tonight’s gala will support Langston University’s Urban Campuses in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, ensuring we can expand opportunity, strengthen community impact, and uphold our founders’ legacy.
Thank you for your commitment to Langston University and for celebrating this inaugural event with us. Your presence affirms your belief in our mission and fuels our work to uplift communities and empower future leaders.
Together, we continue the work they began—and together, We Roar!
With Lion Pride,
Ruth Ray Jackson, Ph.D. 17th President, Langston University
MISTRESS OF CEREMONY
ParIS rAIN
Ms. Paris Rain is a multimedia journalist and fill-in anchor at FOX23 News Tulsa. A 2023 Langston University graduate, she is passionate about telling stories that matter and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. Rain was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and is proud to call Tulsa, Oklahoma home. She has built her career on connection, community, and breaking barriers in the broadcast industry.
Ms. Rain earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Corrections from Langston University, Oklahoma’s HBCU. An award-winning journalist, Rain is a two-time first place winner of the OBEA awards for Multimedia Journalist and Radio Host. She was honored as the 2025 Journalist of Distinction by the NABJ Tulsa Chapter and is a recipient of a Spanish Seal of Biliteracy.
Ms. Rain is committed to ensuring diverse communities feel seen, heard, and understood. Beyond the newsroom, she is a photographer, mentor, and active community leader. Rain serves as a member of the Tulsa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Tulsa chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, and she continues to mentor students at Langston University.
Whether she’s reporting, anchoring, moderating powerful conversations, or speaking to the next generation of leaders, the talented professional brings authenticity, energy, and a deep commitment to representation in media. Her work is rooted in one mission: to inform, uplift, and create space for stories that move communities forward.
InauguRal FounderS Week CelEbRation Gala
PRgrAm
WELCOME & OCCASION
Mistress of Ceremonies
Ms. Paris Rain
Senior Multimedia Journalist, KOKI-FOX 23 Tulsa
REMARKS
Mr. David Stephens Chair, Langston University Foundation Board
Mr. Sherman Lewis
Chair, Board of Trustees, Langston University Urban Campuses
Ms. Krystal Reyes
Deputy Mayor, City of Tulsa
PRESIDENT’S GREETINGS
Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson
17th President, Langston University
DINNER
Enjoy Robert Banks and the Positive Production Band
MENU
Mixed Spring Salad
Warm Rolls with Butter
Grilled Salmon and Balsamic Chicken
Served Risotto Milanese and Mushroom Ragout
New York Style Cheesecake with Fresh Berries Water and Fresh Brewed Iced Tea
*Vegan/GF option available upon request
VIDEO PRESENTATION
REHABILITATION COUNSELING REFLECTIONS
Dr. Andre Washington
Campus Administrator and Associate Professor, LU-OKC Campus
Dr. Phillip Lewis
Associate Professor and Coordinator, LU-Tulsa Campus
Mr. Pedro Muńos Alumnus and Student, Rehabilitation Counseling Graduate Program
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson 17th President, Langston University
CLOSING REMARKS
Mr. Joshua A. Busby
Interim Executive Director, Langston University Foundation Dean of Students
ENTERTAINMENT AND DANCING
Robert Banks and the Positive Production Band
PLATINUM SPONSORS
THE OKLAHOMA LAND OWNERS NETWORK, LLC
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSOR
FoundeRs Week CelEbRation Gala ComMittee
JILLIAN BRAY
JOSHUA A. BUSBY
CHARLOTTE CAREY
BRANDON CLEMOENS
LATOYA MASON
ELLIE MELERO
THERESA POWELL
HELEEN SHEETS
JET TURNER
STACI WOODBERRY
L MASON EVENTS
