Senator Lankford Speaks at HBCU Conference, Meets with Langston University President in DC

WASHINGTON, DC — Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today addressed about 60 presidents and chancellors of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who were in Washington, DC to participate in a day-long higher education policy conference at the US Library of Congress. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) hosted the event, and other speakers included Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Thurgood Marshall Foundation President Johnny Taylor, and United Negro College Fund CEO Dr. Michael Lomax. During the conference, Lankford met with Oklahoma’s Langston University President Dr. Kent Smith. 

“It is an honor to hear from so many presidents from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Oklahoma’s own Langston University,” said Lankford. “Historically Black Colleges and Universities play an important role in our nation’s higher education strategy and they provide powerful opportunities for many young people across America. Dr. Kent Smith is doing a great job at Langston University, and we are proud of his leadership in education for our state.”

President Trump today signed an Executive Order (EO) that creates an initiative to support HBCUs. The initiative will engage business, education, and government leaders in an effort to raise awareness about HBCUs, maintain high academic standards, and improve fiscal security for HBCUs by encouraging private support. Dr. Smith and a few other HBCU presidents were invited to participate in today’s EO signing ceremony at the White House.

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