Dr. Coleman is the new interim dean of the Arts and Sciences Department. He previously worked in the chemistry department for 25 years. According to a spokesperson for Langston University, Dr. Coleman was appointed by Dr. Peterson to take on the role of interim dean because he, “knows not just his department but this university as well.”
Coleman chose to come to Langston University under the influence of Dr. Gallaway. “He sought me out, and he thought that I might be able to add something to the University,” Coleman said.
Coleman is currently focused on financial responsibilities within the school and on innovating programs. He explained, “our focus has to stay with the students and making sure they get what they need.” Some of the opportunities to look out for in the future are new grants in the agriculture and engineering departments.
Genesis Dambreville, a junior biology major, expressed her gratitude and admiration for Coleman by saying, “Dr. Coleman is pretty cool, he supported me when I had a presentation.” Dambreville also mentioned that Coleman mentored some of the professors who are currently working here and expressed that it has been interesting for her to watch how they have developed and how the seeds they planted have sprouted.
Akela Masters, a junior biology major, hopes that, now that Dr. Coleman has stepped into the role of interim dean of arts and sciences, he will do more to work with department chairs to implement networking opportunities for students, such as connecting them to a premedical advisor. She shared some of her anxieties about how well students majoring in biology will be prepared for medical school. “It doesn’t give you enough time to experience the field like shadowing,” Masters said.
Jordan Austin, a sophomore computer science major, expressed that his program has helped him meet people that will be beneficial to him after graduating, saying, “It will help me succeed in the world.” Austin hopes that Dr. Coleman will help students implement their ideas into the program and help him to “grow into a respectable leader at Langston University.”
Doristina Moncriffe, administrative assistant for the school of arts and sciences, expressed that the previous dean of arts and sciences, Peterson, is a person who always listened carefully to the students’ and staff’s concerns about the program. Moncriffe described how Peterson had a “open door policy, and welcoming atmosphere.” Dambreville, Austin and Masters hope that Dr. Coleman will have a similar approach to the position and be open to new ideas to improve the Arts and Science Department.
Krystal Butler
Staff Writer
Krystal Butler is a junior broadcast journalism major.
Story ideas, opinion editorials, calendar events and advertising requests can be sent to dthom34@langston.edu. You may follow The Gazette on Instagram @lu_gazette.
The Gazette serves as the student voice of Langston University. It is produced within the Department of Communication as a teaching tool and local news source for the campus community. The views and opinions expressed within are those of the writers whose names appear with the articles and do not necessarily represent the views of Langston University.
