Langston University continues to grapple with student retention, reporting a 69% retention from fall to spring semesters and 51% from fall to fall. In contrast, Langston University’s band program stands out as a beacon of success, boasting an impressive 84% retention rate from fall to spring and 68% from fall to fall.
This significant difference has prompted university officials and band leaders to examine the factors behind the band’s success, aiming to replicate these strategies across the university to improve overall student retention and engagement.
The investigation into the band’s high retention rates involves a multifaceted approach, including analyzing the program’s structure, community engagement, and support systems. Potential strategies for university-wide implementation include fostering a strong sense of community, providing targeted academic and personal support, strategically utilizing financial resources, enhancing educational programs, and investing in faculty development to improve teaching quality and student involvement.
Dana Lewis Camp, a key figure in the university’s retention efforts, emphasizes the critical role of community in student success. “The sense of community fostered by programs like the band is invaluable for student retention,” Camp notes. “I feel like the community that y’all have might be one of your biggest strengths as well.”
Camp advocates for expanding extracurricular opportunities to cater to a broader range of student interests and talents. “Create more programs like the band; we have a lot of students who have other abilities outside of instruments,” she suggests, highlighting the potential of extracurricular involvement to enhance student belonging and motivation.
The university’s commitment to improving student retention is reflected in its proactive approach to gathering data and insights. By studying the band’s best practices and incorporating student perspectives, Langston University aims to implement programs that support all students and boost overall student success.
Kiera Denson, drawing from her own experiences as a former band member, highlights the significance of perseverance and focus. “The university is seeing success with students who adopt a focused and proactive approach,” Denson said.
She advises students to be prepared and intentional, stating, “Have your stuff together before you leave, always be two steps ahead—really, four steps ahead.” Denson also emphasizes the importance of managing stress and staying present: “Focus on what’s on your plate today. Don’t overstress yourself. Don’t overthink.”
Langston University’s administration recognizes that student retention is not merely a numbers game but a reflection of the university’s ability to provide a supportive and enriching academic environment. The university is working to create a culture of belonging and engagement, where students feel valued, supported, and motivated to succeed.
In addition to community building and academic support, the university is also exploring ways to enhance its educational programs to better meet the needs of its diverse student body. This includes offering more flexible learning options, such as online courses and hybrid programs, as well as providing more opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, such as internships and research projects.
The university is committed to investing in faculty development to improve teaching quality and student involvement. This includes providing faculty with opportunities to attend workshops and conferences, as well as offering mentorship programs and other resources to support their professional growth.
Langston University’s efforts to improve student retention are part of a broader commitment to student success. The university is dedicated to providing all students with the resources and support they need to achieve their academic and personal goals. By embracing a culture of continuous improvement, Langston University is well-positioned to achieve its goals of improving student retention rates and overall student success.
The Langston University band program serves as a model for student retention and success. Head band director Professor Mark Gordon says, “The band acts as an ambassador, and it draws students to the University.”
To support and motivate students to return each year. Gordon explained, “We push students to be academically sound, which means that they are leaders inside the class and outside the classroom.”
While discussing his legacy at Langston, Gordon said, “My legacy for Langston University is to have gotten students in here and got them graduated … I want to get us to at least 90% graduation.” By applying the band’s best practices across the university, Langston aims to create a culture of belonging and engagement that benefits all students and boosts retention.
The band program fosters a supportive environment where students are motivated to continue their studies. The program’s ability to retain students at these rates suggests this plays a crucial role in student success.
As the university works to improve student retention, the band program’s success could offer helpful insight. Looking more closely at what makes the band program effective may help the university strengthen student support and retention efforts across all departments.
Trentiss Parker
Trentiss Parker is a junior broadcast journalism major
