Oklahoma Speaker of the House to Deliver Commencement Address at Langston University

Langston, OK – Oklahoma Speaker of the House T. W. Shannon will deliver the keynote address during Langston University’s 113th Commencement scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11 at W. E. Anderson Stadium on the campus in Langston.

Approximately 315 undergraduate degrees, 138 master’s and 14 doctoral degrees will be conferred during the ceremony.

In the event of inclement weather, two commencement exercises will be held in the C.F. Gayles Gymnasium. Shannon will speak during both.

The first will begin at 10 a.m. and will include candidates from the School of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Master of Rehabilitation Counseling, Master of Visual Rehabilitation, Master of Education and the School of Physical Therapy.

The second ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. and will include candidates from the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, School of Business, Master of Entrepreneurial Studies and the Associate’s Degrees Program.

Shannon, who made history earlier this year when he became the youngest and first African American elected to serve as Oklahoma Speaker of the House, will speak during the first ceremony.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in communication from Cameron University and a juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University, Shannon entered the political arena as a field representative for former Fourth District U.S. Rep J.C. Watts and later, for Rep. Tom Cole.

In 2006, he became the first Republican ever elected from District 62 and the first African American elected to the Legislature from southern Oklahoma. During his first term, he served as deputy majority whip; chaired the powerful transportation committee in his second term, and was elected speaker-designate in his third term.

“We are excited to have House Speaker Shannon as our speaker,” said LU President Kent J. Smith, Jr. “His credentials are quite impressive and he has made a significant impact in this state as an elected official. I am certain that all of us in attendance will be inspired and encouraged by his story.”

About Langston University:

Langston University is a regional, 4-year public institution that holds the distinction of being the only historically black university in the state of Oklahoma, and the only institution of higher education in the state with a rural and an urban mission. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Langston University has 38 degree-granting programs, ranging from the associate to the doctorate, that are delivered through its schools of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Behavioral Sciences, Nursing and Health Professions, and Physical Therapy. Founded in 1897, the university has campuses in Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.