Morgan James, Langston University- c/o 2016, Biology
Name : Morgan James
HBCU : Langston University
Graduation Year : 2016
Major : Biology
Email : morganjay18@yahoo.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from a small town called Broken Bow Oklahoma. I was introduced to HBCUs my senior year of high school when I met a recruiter from Langston University.
The amount of opportunities that came from the University have proven that I made the right decision.
My major has opened many doors and Langston University continues to provide professional growth and this is only my 2nd year.
Morgan James proudly representing Langston University | Image Credit: Morgan James
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose Langston University because of the numerous scholarships and grants they had for my major field and also it was very affordable.
The small class sizes also allowed a personable touch to learning and I saw that at PWI’s, larger class numbers indicated less interaction with the instructors. I also enjoyed the history and heritage behind the University.
I visited the university and really liked the atmosphere and the size of the classes. I met with different advisors about scholarships and grants I was eligible for.
The welcoming spirit of those ambassadors that were on campus inspired me to become an ambassador now and I wish to spread the Langston University spirit to the next incoming students.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
The story of Langston University has yet to be fully told and experienced by the world. We are currently under new administration and our new President, Dr. Kent Smith, has ushered in a variety of new ideas and branding tools to put Langston’s story on the fore-front of HBCU news.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
College in all has been an experience of “firsts.” I’ve experienced FIRSTS in my living arrangements, cooking, working, road tripping, self-sufficiency, and college activities like Homecoming and first title of Miss Ambassador.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Matand is my boss and also my mentor. I was given the opportunity to do an unpaid summer internship in his lab doing Biological research and at the end of the summer he gave me a job in his lab until I graduate Langston University.
We are a growing, striving, and diverse campus. The student body is involved and energetic for the betterment of the campus as a whole, and our professors interact with the students on an individual basis so we are all not just numbers in the classroom.
Langston University is MY HBCU!
Join the Ambassador Program | Image Credit: Morgan James
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
The best restaurant on campus is the Jazzman’s Cafe which offers tasty snacks and beverages. I am in love with their caramel delight frappacinos.
College crush?
I do not have a college crush.
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
There is a scary story of a student that died within Young Hall.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
I am a Biology Major and I decided to do so because I have always had an interest in the health field and in nature.
I enjoy a healthy lifestyle and I am interested in gaining my PhD in the future.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
The proudest moment at Langston University was when I completed the Ambassador Program and became an advocate for the incoming student body.
I enjoy meeting and helping younger students learn and grow at this university and to represent my HBCU in the best way possible.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Our living areas have co-ed visitation and allow personal guests or friends.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
“WE ARE THE LIONS!” and “HEY LIONS! TURN UP!”
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I am a Langston University Ambassador and was elected to be Miss Ambassador. I am apart of the Scholars Club, Warriors for Christ, SGA Academic Committee Board, and the Biology Club.
Where is the “yard” located?
Our “yard” is located right in the center of our campus, where people cross from class to class and to the Student Center.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
The entire campus possesses historical aspects and each are named or modeled after Langston University’s pioneers.
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
I love my family and although I understand the importance of my education, there have been times during school where I have felt the desire to return home for personal reasons, but I was unable to.
What is your process when you are going through a hardship that you have never faced before?
When I am facing an unknown hardship, my first mental stage is to focus on my religion and my family for stability and support. I then keep my goals in mind because they outweigh any adversity in life.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I did a summer internship prior to attending Langston University. I was able to meet some other incoming freshman and create some lasting friendships.
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
Our professors come from all different cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
They provide us with a diverse learning experience in every single class, and allow us to open our minds to what is beyond campus as well as beyond Oklahoma, and the U.S. They help us gain a worldview and appreciate differences and diversity.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
Some advice for high school students applying for college for the first time would be to never limit your college options and to be knowledgeable of the schools you are applying to.
Reading directions and requirements is also important.
Are you a member of a sorority?
I am not pledging, due to the fact that I am still establishing myself in my field of study.
Describe a situation from your life where this proverb came to life or occurred “The person who grew up without correction will find his mouth slipping instead of his foot.”
I feel that people need to think before they speak, and respect is key when interacting with people from different backgrounds in college.
A lot of conflicts arise due to lack of understanding in communication.
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
Langston University offers career fair days, summer internship opportunities, on-campus jobs with research and faculty shadowing.
Langston also provides a variety of seminars and open-panel discussions in which representatives from different fields of work come to campus to interact with students.
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Langston University
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Students: 2,554
- Athletics: Langston University are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC), while its football team competes in the Central States Football League (CSFL). Men's sports include basketball, cross country, football and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, softball, track & field and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Bessie Coleman - The first African American woman pilot and the first American woman to obtain an International Pilot's license. Coleman enrolled in 1910, but could only complete one term due to financial issues** Brendan Crawford - 2013 - Football quarterback** Jennifer Hudson - Attended - 2000 - Professional singer, actress** Clara Luper - 1944 - Civil rights leader best known for her leadership role in the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-in Movement** Nancy Riley - Former member of the Oklahoma Senate from the 37th district** Nathan Hare - Founding publisher of The Black Scholar (1969-1975) and author of The Black Anglo Saxons. Also wrote the conceptual proposal for the first department of black studies, and was the first person hired to coordinate a black studies program in the United States (1968)** Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher - 1945 - Civil rights activist; stood at the forefront of the fight to integrate historically white law schools in the South** The Delta Rhythm Boys - Jazz vocal group inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame**
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