Reinard Valentine , Langston University- c/o 2016, Liberal Arts
Name : Reinard Valentine
HBCU : Langston University
Graduation Year : 2016
Major : Liberal Arts
Email : reinardvalentine@yahoo.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
Well I am from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I was introduced to HBCU’s at an early age due to a large number of my family members attending Langston University throughout my life, and also watching "College Hill" and "A Different World" at a young age.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU for the culture and the academic rigor. I wanted to go somewhere where I was able to develop a one on one relationship with my professor and where I was a name, and not a number.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
From being awarded my Bachelors and my Masters at the same institution, there were different experiences. I was invited to many academic conferences, I was able to sing in the choir as an undergraduate and travel to different cities in the U.S. and to just hear the roar of the crowd after we were introduced as Langston University Choir or Chorale was very heart-warming because it showed that they were for us, and of course Homecoming, one of the greatest events at HBCU’s. From pledging to graduating, I created some great memories.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I remember the first time I heard the band play from my dorm room. They would practice every night and I would just love to hear them, or sometimes I would go to the football stadium to watch them.
Another first time experience I had was when I published my first research article during my graduate school times at Langston.
I was able to represent the University by being invited to the International Conference on Urban Education in Nassau, Bahamas. I experienced presenting my research in front of thousands of people
Oh my God!! Homecoming. What a great experience! My first homecoming was immaculate! From the different days to the Saturday where everyone is on the yard, fraternity and sorority step shows, the pageants.
I finished my last two semesters at the Oklahoma City campus of Langston University. I was the first Mr. Langston University - Oklahoma City which was a very humbling experience.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Matthew Lynch. He and I always debated but in the end his actions were for my good. He was patient and a good listener who just wanted success for his students. He really pushed us to finish. Dr. Lynch taught me that there are so many areas in education that can be fixed.
Dr. Melissa Brevetti. She introduced me to research and was the co-researcher on my published article. She was a great professor and very fair. She has opened my eyes to so many opportunities that I am working on now. She taught me about becoming a better person morally and ethically.
Ms. Donna Foster. She was an angel. She taught me that hard work pays off and that it is okay to smile and laugh. She was a fair professor who taught her classes that the world is yours and we must take advantage of all the things that are laid before us.
What is your funniest college story? (everyone has one lol)
My funniest college story was when I was so sleepy that my frat brothers found me asleep in the bathroom on the floor.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
I started off as an Elementary Education major, but due to financial aid issues, had to change my major to Liberal Education. I grew to appreciate my major because it offered an interdisciplinary experience. I learned many things through taking courses in different areas.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
My proudest moment of course was graduating from an HBCU, and also becoming an active member of the Langston University Alumni Association where I serve as National Assistant Secretary.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
We are the Lions!
We don’t take no mess!
Get mad in a minute; up in yo chest!
What did you say!
We are the best, we are the best!
We are the best best best best!!
I’m so glad, I go to LU!
I’m so glad, I go to LU!
I’m so glad, I go to LU!
Singing glory hallelujah! Whoo! I go to LU!
Band chant
Wow baby! Chicken and cornbread
Mashed potatoes and red kool aid!
What to date has been your happiest moment @ Your HBCU?
My happiest moment has been me receiving the Steward of Success Award for helping with student retention and recruitment for my HBCU.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Choir and chorale.
Student Activity Board
Resident Assistant
Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia
Library Assistant
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Sanford Hall
Page Hall
The White House
Moore Hall
Hargrove Music Hall
Young Hall
How many “firsts” have you had at college ? What are they? (e.g. first road trip, first job interview, first love, first “F or A”, etc.)
My first road trip in college was with the Chorale. My first bad grade was in college algebra. Yikes!
Comments
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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