Oklahoma officials promote from within as they select the new head of Langston University

Officials announced Monday that Ruth Ray Jackson will become the Langston University's 17th president. (Courtesy photo)

OKLAHOMA CITY — The governing board for Langston University has selected a new president following an eight-month national search, officials announced Monday.

Ruth Ray Jackson, who has served as president in an interim capacity since July, was tapped to become the 17th president at the state’s only historically Black college or university by the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents. The search committee said the search “attracted an impressive pool of candidates.”

“Dr. Jackson’s appointment underscores her exceptional leadership and vision for our institution,” said board chair Joe Hall in a statement. “During her tenure as interim President, Dr. Jackson maintained continuity and stability and managed to build momentum. Her unwavering commitment to Langston’s mission and her ability to navigate critical transitions have been commendable. We are confident that under her guidance, Langston University will excel.”

Jackson will replace Kent J. Smith Jr., who retired at the end of the spring semester in 2023, after 11 years at the helm.

She previously served as academic affairs vice president, associate vice president for student success and as dean and professor for the university’s school of education and behavioral sciences, according to a press release.

Jackson said she’s honored to lead the university into its next chapter.

“I love this university and believe in its faculty, staff, students, and alumni,” she said. “Our mission must be focused on empowering students, celebrating student success, and contributing to the betterment of Oklahoma and beyond. Together, we will build upon Langston’s legacy and create a future where excellence knows no bounds.”

Before coming to Langston, Jackson worked for 11 years at Louisiana State University in Shreveport. She also previously taught  high school English and worked as a public school principal.

Langston University had an undergraduate enrollment of about 1,800 in 2022.

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