Courtesy of Langston University
Langston University commemorated the opening of a state-of-the-art Allied Health Facility on its Tulsa Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Wednesday.
The 17,000-square-foot building, home to the Langston University School of Nursing and Health Professions in Tulsa, was built through a $16.25 million allotment from Vision Tulsa. The facility includes simulation labs with mannikins powered by artificial intelligence, spacious classrooms, a lecture hall, conference and meeting rooms, and department and administrative office spaces.
Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University, opened the program with remarks recounting the journey to create the new facility. In 2015, Langston University proposed the construction of the facility to Tulsa City Council for consideration and inclusion in Vision Tulsa. “At the time of our proposal, the pandemic was still unknown to us,” Smith said. “The construction of this facility could not have been more timely. Our new facility provides the very best healthcare education to students interested in pursuing a career in nursing and health professions.”
The Langston University – Tulsa Allied Health Facility was built with three objectives in mind: to enhance access to education in Tulsa, to meet the needs of the healthcare workforce, and to reduce health disparities in North Tulsa.
The grand opening event was well attended by Langston University students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as members of the Tulsa community. Mayor G.T. Bynum congratulated Langston University for opening a facility, which provides a direct positive impact on the Tulsa community. “The new Allied Health Facility on the Langston University Tulsa campus will help prepare students to fill a workforce need in the Tulsa area,” said Mayor G.T. Bynum. “Thank you to Tulsa voters for approving Vision Tulsa that made this $16.25 million economic development project possible.”
Several notable community members attended the event to celebrate the grand opening. Tulsa City Councilwoman Vanessa Hall-Harper addressed the attendees at the event, remarking on the importance of funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities like Langston University. Partners who were instrumental in completing the project such as Beck Design, Flintco Construction, and Oklahoma State University Long Range Facilities Planning, were also in attendance.
Dr. Dytisha Davis, Executive Director for the Langston University – Tulsa Campus, was recognized for her leadership in the project, for which planning began in 2018. Dr. Teressa Hunter, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions at Langston University, recognized the faculty and students for their support of the new facility and shared her thoughts on the importance of the project. “This new facility paves the way for current and future healthcare providers,” said Hunter. “It is poised to fulfill the legacy of Langston University as the promise-keepers, trailblazers, and guardians of the high standard built by Langston University School of Nursing graduates.”
President Smith announced his intension to name the new facility after former Tulsa City Councilman Jack Henderson, pending final approval by the Board of Regents for the Oklahoma A & M Colleges. “It cannot be understated how important Jack Henderson was to the success of this project,” said Smith. “He is a true champion for our mission and he made this project possible.”
The program included a formal ribbon cutting followed by tours of the new facility led by Langston University Nursing students and faculty.
