By Aniyah Robinson, Staff Writer.
On April 15, the Office of Public Relations announced that the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents appointed Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson as the 17th President of Langston University. In April 2023, Jackson was appointed Interim President after former President Kent Smith Jr.’s retirement. Following an extensive eight-month search, the Board of Regents realized Langston’s next President was already among them. With over 20 years of higher education leadership and over a decade in K-12 education, Jackson’s extensive experience has led her to this moment.
Foundations in Education
Jackson’s journey to becoming an educator started at the end of her junior year of high school. That summer, Jackson participated in a pre-colligate program at Southern University and A&M College. With a stellar performance throughout the program and a good ACT score, Jackson was able to apply for early admissions. At only 16 years old, she became an undergraduate English Education major at Southern University and A&M college
Like many college students, Jackson spent her first year adjusting to campus life and finding her place amongst her peers. In her second year, she became more active in her major, and by her third year, she began gaining practical experience in schools. In her final year, Jackson joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., where she further grew in her leadership roles.
As the daughter of two educators, education was deeply rooted in Jackson’s family. Her father was an elementary school teacher before ending his career as a college professor. Jackson’s mother taught high school English for 44 years. Seeing the impression her parents left on their students inspired her to follow in their footsteps.
“Growing up seeing that helped me understand what impact educators can make,” Jackson said. “I just wanted to do it because I thought that was a way to try to help improve the world by helping people.”
Jackson went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in secondary education and her master’s degree in administration and supervision from Southern University and A&M College. Jackson would later earn her Ph.D. in education and human resource studies from Colorado State University.
Continuous Leadership
Jackson’s first job out of college was a high school English teacher at a small rural K-12 school. While working full-time during the first 2 years of teaching, she also pursued her master’s degree. Seeing her dedication to education, the principal of the school gave her more leadership opportunities. After a few years of teaching, Jackson stepped into the role of assistant principal, and then principal.
Driven by her love for learning and community, she continually sought new opportunities to expand her leadership roles within education. This dedication landed her at Louisiana State University in Shreveport where she worked for 11 years.
“We’re a small part, but an important part. And, you know, I think that’s the biggest take away from me is that the way I show up matters, keeping people first matters,” Jackson said.
Jackson joined the Langston University family in 2014. She has served in several leadership roles at Langston including Dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Interim President of Langston University.
“The appointment of Jackson as interim president will serve to continue the momentum of success we have built together as an institution,” said Former 16th President Kent Smith Jr.
In all of Jackson’s varied roles at Langston, seeing students accomplish their goals has been the most rewarding part. “The reason we’re in higher education is so that we can create opportunities for students to complete their degrees and then move on and build the lives that they dream of building,” Jackson said.
Dear Langston
With the recent announcement, Jackson has officially been appointed the 17th President of Langston University, marking her as only the second female president in the university’s history following Former 15th President JoAnn W. Haysbert (2005-2011). However, this is not the first time Jackson has marked a milestone of this caliber. Previously, Jackson was the second woman, first African American, and youngest to ever serve as principal of her school.
“What’s been very touching to me and what really centered that is the reaction of our students, our female students, and it just reminds me of what I know, and that’s representation matters,” Jackson said. “Whether it’s where you grow up, your race and ethnicity, your gender. All of that helps to see people in different spaces doing different things when there’s at least even just a visual connection.”
The moment feels full circle for Jackson as she reflects upon her undergraduate years and the influence of Dr. Dolores Richard Spikes, President of Southern University and A&M College. Jackson described her as a woman who prioritized students and tirelessly advocated for higher education. Despite never meeting her, Spikes’ presence as a fellow educator, sorority member, and fellow state citizen left a lasting impression on Jackson.
In August 2023 during convocation, Jackson introduced her “5 P Plan” (People, Processes, Programs, Public Relations, and Purpose), which laid out the framework for her plans for Langston as Interim President. Jackson hopes to continue to further the structure she has already set in place. She believes Langston has the framework to become a leader in academics including opportunities in graduate programs and the School of Physical Therapy. Jackson attributes Langston’s academic success to the schools’ “very talented faculty.”
“I want Langston University to be a place where people love to work. And a place where people want to work. I want us to be good community members and be good partners in the communities in which we’re located,” Jackson said. “I think it’s safe to say this is probably true for the 16 prior presidents that I want to leave Langston University stronger than I found it and poise to move into whatever direction is needed…”
Jackson’s officially started in her new role as the 17th President on May 1,2024. Her appointment signifies a new chapter in Langston’s history where she intends to leave a lasting impact, from Langston University to the world.
“There is an old saying that people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. We’re in the people business and the way we treat people, the way we interact with people, the way we listen to people matters,” Jackson said. “As educators we can contribute to hopefully something that will help you, our students, accomplish their goals.”
Aniyah Robinson
Managing Editor
Aniyah Robinson is a junior Broadcast Journalism major
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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.
