New Langston University-Tulsa Campus Officially Opens

By Tara Vreeland, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Langston University-Tulsa hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday for its new campus.

The university has shared a campus with OSU-Tulsa for several years.

Thirty years ago, Langston University became the first public university to offer courses in Tulsa.

Phase one of four is complete for the campus.

"It is a fantastic day for Langston University in general and OSU Tulsa specifically," said Angela Kelso-Watson, VP for Administration and Fiscal Affairs.

Those from the Tulsa community gathered to watch the official ribbon cutting of the new 35,000 square foot facility.

"I think that the facility represents well what the legacy of the institution is and represents the future of the programs that we will bring to the citizens in Tulsa," said Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, Langston University President.

The new building is in the historic Greenwood District. It's home to the administration, academic and community outreach programs of the university. The $8 million project was funded by Vision 2025 Sales Tax.

"Vision 2025, as you know, is the impetus behind our being if you would," said Haysbert.

"I feel very indebted to the citizens of Tulsa. Because it is those individuals that have literally taken money out of their pocket and paying to make sure this campus is here. Now we aren't the only project under 2025, but at the same time we're included among those," said Haysbert.

After completion, the campus will be more than 295,000 square feet. Future phases of construction include the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and room for the nursing school program.

"Pretty much the whole class came down to see the new opening and the new beginning of the new class" said Angela Moore, Langston University Tulsa Nursing Student.

It's the beginning of a new class and a new chapter, 30 years in the making.

The new campus is already being put to use. The spring semester started in February.