Dear Langston University Community:

The prior academic terms since Spring 2020 have been financially and emotionally challenging for our community in ways we have not experienced for more than a century. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to be at the forefront of our minds as we enter the Fall 2021 semester. The determination and resilience of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni allowed us to deftly navigate the most difficult of times.

Our roadmap throughout the pandemic remains the Protect the Pride plan, outlining protocols and guidelines for our community. Nearly all the resources and initiatives incorporated into our Protect the Pride were made possible through both the CARES Act and Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to support our students.

I am excited to announce that Langston University will cancel all student account balances with the University for students enrolled in the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021 semesters through the support of the HEERF III HBCU Award. The amount of debt cleared through this initiative totals $4,654,112.06. Read the full release here.

The most recent HEERF III HBCU Award allows us to bring balances for students enrolled in a ‘pandemic semester’ to zero. This includes former students not currently enrolled at the institution as well as graduates who will now be cleared of any balance and hold preventing them from receiving an official transcript. There is no expectation or requirement for enrollment in a future semester to receive the benefit of the cleared balance. We are excited about what this transformational gift means for our students, former students, and recent graduates!

Should former or returning students with a cleared balance decide to enroll, please contact the appropriate academic advisor using the information found at this link.

Throughout the pandemic, our team has engaged in arduous work to prepare and execute plans aimed at keeping our community safe. Despite the obstacles, each of you rose to the challenge of supporting one another and maintaining the true familial spirit of Dear Langston. I could not be prouder of the persistence and tenacity demonstrated by our students and employees over the course of the pandemic thus far.

We are humbled by the impact this initiative will have on our students, graduates, and their families for years to come. We appreciate your continued support of Langston University!

Sincerely,

Kent J. Smith, Jr., Ph.D.
President
LUNAA Life Member #864
(405) 466-3201
president@langston.edu