LANGSTON UNIVERSITY
2025-2026 Faculty & Sta Achievements
Celebrating LU Faculty and Staff
Oklahoma’s HBCU is proud of its land-grant mission.
“Being a land-grant university means we don’t keep knowledge to ourselves,” President Ruth Ray Jackson said. “We teach, we research and we share so that the work we do here makes life better far beyond our campuses.”
LU’s diverse faculty and staff serve as role models and mentors for students and enrich their educational experience by providing varied perspectives and support networks.
Langston University is pleased to celebrate the achievements of faculty and staff during the 2025-2026 academic year.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM RANKINGS
TOP 10 PROGRAM and HIGHEST RANKING HBCU Master of Rehabilitation Counseling
U.S. News & World Report, 2026.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM RANKINGS
TOP 1 PERCENTILE IN COUNTRY School of Business
Peregrine Exit Exam for Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Accredited Schools, 2026.
PRESENTATIONS
“1890 Multistate Integrated Project”. Adverse Weather Events Annual Fall Meeting, Atlanta, GA, October 2025.
Leonard C. Kibet, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Director of Crops & Natural Resources, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Accessibility in Microsoft 365 and Google”.
Oklahoma Learning Innovations Summit (OKLIS)
Countdown to Compliance: A Hands-on Workshop, September 2025.
Ally Sharp, M.S., Certified Secondary Teacher for the State of Oklahoma, Instructional Designer/Director of Faculty Development, Division of Academic Affairs
“Accessibility in Word and PowerPoint for the OCO Accessibility Office Hours”. Online Consortium of Oklahoma (OCO), February 2026.
Ally Sharp, M.S., Certified Secondary Teacher for the State of Oklahoma, Instructional Designer/Director of Faculty Development, Division of Academic Affairs
“Beyond Bone Density: Why the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause Matters”.
American Physical Therapy Assoiation Combined Sections Meeting, Anaheim, CA, February 2026.
Donna Sylvester, P.T., D.P.T., Associate Professor, School of Physical Therapy
“Building Sustainable Small Ruminant Agriculture Through Global Collaboration and Technology Transfer”.
The 1890 ARD Biennial Research Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March 2026.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Combatting Generational Bug Trauma: Engaging Non-Majors at an HBCU”. Entomological Society of America, Amarillo, TX, March 2026.
Tracey Payton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture & Entomology, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Comparative Accuracy of Two Ultrasound Machine Models in Diagnosing Pregnancy and Fetal Count by Skilled and Unskilled Operators in Three Goat Breeds in Oklahoma”.
The 1890 ARD Biennial Research Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March 2026.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences with N. Achariya, A. Sonibare, D. Tadesse H. Yirga, A. Patra, D. Woldemariam, G. Dinegdie and F. Belkasmi
“Diet-, Breed-, and Sex-dependent Effects in Taxonomic and Functional Signatures of the Rumen Microbiome in Meat Goats”.
American Society of Animal Science Meetings, Hollywood, FL, July 2025.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Amlan K. Patra, Ignacio Tovar-Luna
“Differences in Integumentary Presentation Among Individuals with Darkly Pigmented Skin”.
Two-hour education course with retired colleague Dr. Eddie Traylor
Rutgers University School of Health Professions Clinical Educators Continuing Education Workshop, October 2025.
Donna Sylvester, P.T., D.P.T., Associate Professor, School of Physical Therapy
“The Ease of Access Experience: What is it like to use Accessible Technologies?”
Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) Tech Round Table, November 2025.
Ally Sharp, M.S., Certified Secondary Teacher for the State of Oklahoma, Instructional Designer/Director of Faculty Development, Division of Academic Affairs
“Economic Contributions and Supply-Chain Linkages of the Goat Industry in Oklahoma”.
Fiftieth 50th Biennial Association of Research Directors (ARD) Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March-April 2026.
Bolanle Atilola, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Effect of Accelerometer Location on Machine-Learning-Predictive Models of Animal Behavior”.
American Society of Animal Science Meetings, Hollywood, FL, July 2025.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with I. Bradhams, T. Gipson, S. Wildeus, D. O’Brien, N. Brown
“The Effects and Breakdown of Microplastics by Bacteria”.
Langston University Annual Research Symposium, Langston, OK, April 2026.
Kj. Abraham, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences
“Effects of Ascorbic Acid and Artemisia Absinthium Supplementation on Heat Stress Responses in Spanish Goats During Summer in Oklahoma”.
American Society of Animal Science Meetings, Hollywood, FL, July 2025.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Sonibare O. Adekayode, Hirut Y. Yirga, Dereje T. Gulich, Ignacio Tovar-Luna, Maxine Brown, Amlan K. Patra
“Effects of Dietary Hempseed Meal Levels on Feed Intake, Digestion, and Methane Emission by Boer Does in Late Lactation”.
The 1890 ARD Biennial Research Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March 2026.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences with I. Tovar-Luna, D. Tadesse, H, Yirga, A.L. Goetsch, A.K. Patra
Effects of Diet, Breed, and Sex on Taxonomic and Functional Signatures of the Rumen Microbiome in Meat Goats”.
The 1890 ARD Biennial Research Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March 2026.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences with J. Lyons, I. Tovar-Luna, A. K. Patra
“Effects of the Dietary Hempseed Meal on Feed Intake, Digestion, Methane Emission, and Heat Production in Boer Does During Late Gestation”.
American Society of Animal Science Meetings, Hollywood, FL, July 2025.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Ignacio Tovar-Luna, Amlan K. Patra, Dereje T. Gulich, Nar K. Gurung, Arthur L. Goetsch
“Effects of Forage Type and Concentrate Level on Methane Output and Heat Production in Meat Goats”.
The 1890 ARD Biennial Research Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March 2026.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences with R. Gilpin, D. Tadesse, S. Adekayode, H. Yirga, A.K. Patra & I. Tovar-Luna
“Effects of Natural Sources of Brackish Water on Milk Yield and Composition of Alpine Dairy Goats”.
American Society of Animal Science Meetings, Hollywood, FL, July 2025.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Hirut Y. Yirga, Woldemariam Dawit, Dereje T. Gulich, Carlos Alvarado, Amlan K. Patra
“Effects of Natural Sources of Brackish/ Saline Water on Milk Yield, Composition, and Blood Parameters in Alpine Dairy Goats”.
The 1890 ARD Biennial Research Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March 2026.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences with K, Mosley, H. Yirga, D. Woldemariam, D. Tadesse, A. K. Patra, C. Alvarado, and S. Adekayode
“Epilepsy Foundation’s Seizure First Aid Ready Course”.
Oklahoma Public Health Association Conference. Edmond, OK, September 2025.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Brittany Mays, Ph.D., Instructor, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
“Evaluation of a Laser Methane Detector for Measuring Methane Emissions in Growing Spanish Goats Fed Different Diets”.
American Society of Animal Science Meetings, Hollywood, FL, July 2025.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Dereje T. Gulich, Sonibare O. Adekayode, Hirut Y. Yirga, Amlan K. Patra, Ignacio Tovar-Luna, Terry A. Gipson, Lionel J. Dawson
“Evaluation of Laser Methane Detector Measurements Relative to Calorimetry in Meat Goats”.
The 1890 ARD Biennial Research Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March 2026.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences with D. Tadesse, S. Adekayode, H. Yirga, A.K. Patra, and I. Tovar-Luna
“From Mentorship To Molecules: Using Nitrosamines to Train The Next Generation Of Chemists”.
National Conference on Mentoring and Undergraduate STEM Research & Education, Langston, OK, April 2026.
Lindsay Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Chairperson, Department of Chemistry and Physical Science, School of Arts and Sciences with Cortnie Morgan, and Anginique Sears
“The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Insect Pest Management”.
EPA Region 6 Pesticide Inspector Residential Training Program, Langston, OK, May 2026.
Tracey Payton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture & Entomology, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“The Great Plains Stormwater Center of Excellence”.
Pawnee Chamber of Commerce Meeting, Pawnee, OK, 2026.
Langston Small Farmers Conference, Langston, OK, 2026.
Oklahoma Clean Lakes and Watersheds Conference, Stillwater, OK, May 2026.
Tracey Payton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture & Entomology, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Health, Leadership, and Advocacy: Reflections from the ROARS Peer Educators at Langston University”.
Oklahoma Public Health Association Conference, Edmond, Ok, September 2025.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, with Mays, B. N., Newhouse, N., Bailey, J., West, P., Lavalais, J., & Brown, A.
“Heat Stress Adaptation Capacity in Small Ruminant Production: Findings from a Jamaica–U.S. Collaborative Project”.
The 1890 ARD Biennial Research Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March 2026.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“How Digital Can Transform a Public Relations Plan”.
Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) Conference, Billings, MT, June 2026.
Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
Heleen Sheets, M.O.L., Director of Public Relations, Division of Operations
“How to Recruit More Students From the Continent of Africa: What Every Business School Should Know About Growing Global Enrollment”.
Sixth Current Business Issues in African Countries Conference, Online, May 2025.
Charles J. Mambula, Ph.D., PHRP, Associate Professor/ Chair, Master’s in Entrepreneurial Studies, School of Business
“Impact of Langston University on Logan County”.
Third Biennial Mayor’s Summit, Oklahoma City, OK, October 2025.
Bolanle Atilola, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Implementing the Seizure Safe Classroom Curriculum at a Rural HBCU: An Integrative Educational Approach”.
American Public Health Association Conference, Washington, DC, November 2025.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical E ducation, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, with May, B.N.
“Innovative Goat Meat Processing Technologies for Tenderness, Flavor, and Quality Enhancement”.
Conference on Agricultural Systems Including Goats, Hair Sheep, and Emerging Technology, April-May 2026.
Allah Bakhsh, Ph.D., Visiting Research Scientist, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Integrated Pest Management and Sustainable Insect Control”.
Oklahoma Organic Gardening Association, Oklahoma City, OK, February 2026.
Tracey Payton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture & Entomology, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Integrated Pest Management for Horticulture Production”.
Northeast Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative, Talihina, OK, April 2026.
Tracey Payton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture & Entomology, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Integrated Pest Management for Oklahoma Specialty Crop Growers”.
Oklahoma Local Agriculture Summit, February 2026.
Tracey Payton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture & Entomology, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Meat Alternatives/Hybrid Meat Through the Incorporation of Various Ingredients by Evaluating Sensory Characteristics”.
Sixteenth Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium, Philadelphia, PA, August 2025.
Allah Bakhsh, Ph.D., Visiting Research Scientist, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Metatranscript Detection of Haemonchus Contortus Infection in Goats.”
Association of Research Directors Symposium (ARD), New Orleans, LA, March-April 2026.
Yonathan Tilahun, Ph.D., Research Scientist/Assistant Professor, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences
“Mitigating Effects of Heat Stress in Caribbean Animal Production: Adaptation to Changing
World Food Prize/Borlaug Dialogue, Des Moines, IA, October 2025.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“My Tutors Ain’t Professionals and I Ain’t About to Try to Pretend They Are”.
South Central Writing Center Association Conference, Norman, OK, February 2026.
Mick Howard, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Director of Writing Center, School of Arts and Sciences
“Natural Pest Control Options and IPM”.
Oklahoma Tribal Community-Based Organization, Anadarko, OK, April 2026.
Tracey Payton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture & Entomology, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“The Nexus Between Housing Status, Demographic Factors, and Employment Among People with Disabilities”.
The Association for Rehabilitation, Research, Policy, and Education (ARRPE), San Antonio, TX, February 2026.
Edward Ombati Manyibe, Ph.D., Research Director/ Research Professor, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences with Irfanullah Khan, Ph.D., Gemarco J. Peterson, Ph.D. (Georgia State University), Kelsey R. Webb, Ph.D., James Onsongo Nyamao, M.S., Joshua Simpson, M.S., Shyreeta Hearne, M.S. (North Carolina A&T State University)
“Partnership and Collaboration for the Survival of the Family Farm”.
Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Inc. and the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts: 26th Annual Small Farms Conference, Oklahoma City, OK, September 2025.
Leonard C. Kibet, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Director of Crops & Natural Resources, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Resilience, Innovation & Local Capacity Building”.
Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, Inc., 14th Annual Rural Economic Development Conference, Oklahoma City, OK, April 2026.
Leonard C. Kibet, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Director of Crops & Natural Resources, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
“Seizure First Aid Ready and Epilepsy Foundation Resources”.
Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Convention, Edmond, Oklahoma, October 2025.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Brittany Mays, Ph.D., Instructor, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
“STEM Accessibility” Panelist
Online Consortium of Oklahoma (OCO), Mar 2026.
Ally Sharp, M.S., Certified Secondary Teacher for the State of Oklahoma, Instructional Designer/Director of Faculty Development, Division of Academic Affairs
“Strategies for Incorporating Executive Function Skills in College Classrooms”.
North Central AAAE Research Conference and National Conference on Learner-Centered Teaching, West Lafayette, IN.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Elizabeth A. Albright, Ph.D., Acting Dean, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
“Towards
Teaching a Black Press Ethics:
A Critical
Exploration of Relevant Ethical Frameworks”.
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Midwinter Conference, Spr 2026.
Daniel Thompson, M.A., Instructor of Communication/ Faculty Advisor to The Gazette, School of Arts and Sciences
“The Untold Truths of the Minds of Students’ Mental Health and Academic-Wellbeing”.
Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) Annual Symposium, Overland Park, KS, January 2026.
Susan Abraham, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences
Lauren Moore, ’26 Biology graduate, School of Arts and Sciences
“You
are the Future of Research: Ask Why”.
Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance Convention, Edmond, Oklahoma, October 2025.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, with Conchola, E., MooSong, K., Morgan, K., & Mays, B.
PUBLICATIONS
135th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890: Social Media Strategy Toolkit.
August 2025.
https://canva.link/b0npeg40ndvmvzf
Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
The 1890 Voice: Where Innovation Drives Impact.
Contributor: Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Alvarado, C., Williams, T., Patra, A.
ACE EDGE – Logo Graphic Design
September 2025.
Contributor: Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
Accelerating United States Economic Growth Through Minority-Serving Institution Disability and Rehabilitation/ Health Research Participation and Entrepreneurship Among Multiply Marginalized People with Disabilities (Part 2).
Journal of Rehabilitation, 2025.
Edward Ombati Manyibe, Ph.D., Research Director/ Research Professor, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, with Corey L. Moore, Susan Foley
Alterations in Goat Microbiota Following Panax Notoginseng Supplementation: Metagenomic Insights and Potential for Gastrointestinal Nematode Control.
American Journal of Molecular Biology, 2025,15(4).
https://10.4236/ajmb.2025.154019
Yonathan Tilahun, Ph.D., Research Scientist/Assistant Professor, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, with Sonibare A, Wang Z.
Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and Self-Efficacy in the Journalism Classroom. Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, 2026, 0(0).
Daniel Thompson, M.A., Instructor of Communication/ Faculty Advisor to The Gazette, School of Arts and Sciences, with Wilderman, M.
Association of Extension Administrators –Extension Today Outreach Programs. Moore-Davis, S., 2025-2026.
Contributor: Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
Barriers to the Participation of Small African American-Owned Technology Firm Entrepreneurs in the Federal Assistive Technology-Research and Development Ecosystem: A Companion Delphi Study. Journal of Rehabilitation, 2025.
Edward Ombati Manyibe, Ph.D., Research Director/ Research Professor, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, with Courtney Ward-Sutton, Corey L. Moore, Andre L. Washington, Penghua Wang, and Kacie R. Dentleegrand
Concentrated Media Inoculant for Food Production Using Metagenomics.
American Journal of Molecular Biology, 2025, 15, 283-290. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajmb.2025.154020
Yonathan Tilahun, Ph.D., Research Scientist/Assistant Professor, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, with McCallum, M., Lounis, A., Ware, V. and Gosh, K.
Effect of Group Size in a Greenfeed System on Estimates of Enteric Methane Emissions from Goats Grazing Grass-based Pasture.
Smart Agricultural Technology, 2025, 11, 100989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2025.100989
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Tadesse, D., Yirga, H., Patra, A. K., & Goetsch, A. L.
The Effect of Methylococcus Capsulatus in Mono- or Co-culture with Methanobrevibacter Smithii or with Mixed Rumen Fluid on Bacterial Growth and Methane Gas p\Production.
Journal of Animal Science, 2025, 103. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf383
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Min, B. R., Ismael, H., Chaudhary, S., Hilaire, M., Kanyi, V., Wang, H., Abdo, H.
Effect of Moderate to High Salinity in Drinking Water and Protein Supplementation on Water and Feed Intake, Digestion, Energy Metabolism, Blood Constituents, and Mineral Balances in Yearling Meat Goats.
Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2025, 24, 102515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2025.102515.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
The Effect of Postbiotic Supplementation on Body Weight Changes, Blood Metabolic Profiles, Rumen Microbiome Changes, and Immune Responses in Dairy Calves.
Open Journal of Animal Sciences, 2026, 16(3).
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Min, B. R., M. Hilaire, H. H. Wang, A. Kumi, S. Chaudhary, V. Kanyi, I. Min, U. Y. Kim, I. Ha, H. Abdo, H. Ismael, S. Yang
The Effect of the Forage-to-concentrate Ratio of the Total Mixed Ration on Ruminal Microbiota Changes in Alpine Dairy Goats.
Journal of Animal Science, 2025, 103. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf260.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Min, B. R., Lourencon, R. V., Nagaraju, I., Pitta, D., Ismael, H., Abdo, H., Chaudhary, S., Hilaire, M., Kanyi, V., Solaiman, S.
Effects of Drinking Water Salinity on Water and Feed Intake, Nutrient Utilization, Physiological Conditions, and Mineral Balances in Yearling Meat Goats with Different Protein Levels.
Heliyon, 2026, 12(6), e44688.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2026.e44688.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Keli, A., Patra, A. K., Erge, C. M., Ribeiro, L. P. S., Lourencon, R., & Goetsch, A. L.
An Emerging Conceptual Framework for Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship: Multiply Marginalized People with Disabilities Incubator.
Journal of Rehabilitation, 2025.
Edward Ombati Manyibe, Ph.D., Research Director/ Research Professor, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences with Nyree D. Cunningham-Pullen, Edward O. Manyibe, Corey L. Moore, Kacie R. Dentleegrand, Bernard M. Manyibe, and Fanee Webster
Featured Impacts and Land-Grant Impact Communications.
Land Grant Impacts.
https://landgrantimpacts.org/featured-impacts/
Contributor: Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
Microbiome as a Diagnostic Tool: Identifying Resistance to Haemonchus Contortus in Goats Through Metagenomic Profiling.
American Journal of Molecular Biology, 2025, 15(4).
https://10.4236/ajmb.2025.154021
Yonathan Tilahun, Ph.D., Research Scientist/Assistant Professor, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, with Wang Z.
“Relationship-Based Tutoring Versus Transactional Tutoring: The Impact of Trust on the Writing Center Environment”.
Chapter in Anthology: Our Charge to Keep: Writing Center and Writing Program Administration at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
May 2026.
Mick Howard, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Director of Writing Center, School of Arts and Sciences
Relationships Between Dietary Characteristics and Feed Intake, Milk Yield and Composition, and the Efficiency of Energy Utilization for Milk Synthesis by Goats.
Cogent Food & Agriculture, 2026, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2026.2653218.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Rooted & Rising Updates.
Newsletter, February 2026.
Contributor: Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Lounis, A.
A Scoping Review of Frameworks for Promoting Employment among Multiply Marginalized People with Disabilities.
Journal of Rehabilitation, 2025.
Edward Ombati Manyibe, Ph.D., Research Director/ Research Professor, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, with Corey L. Moore, James O. Nyamao, Daniel Hopkins, Fanee Webster, and Kacie R. Dentleegrand
GRANTS AWARDED
Black Heritage Tree Project, Greenwood Team. National Geographic Society. 2025.
Tracey Payton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture & Entomology, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences with Odewale, A., R. Box, K. Williams
EPA Center of Excellence Grant: Great Plains Stormwater Center of Excellence.
$80,000, 2025.
Tracey Payton, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture & Entomology, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, with Vogel, J., R. Narin, L. Han, P. Kirstetter, T. Moore, J. Bergtold, F. Chavez-Ramirez, J. Schussler, N. Wang
Evaluation of Agronomic Traits, Nutritional Values, and Promotion of Quinoa as a Climate-resilient Forage for Small Ruminants – collaboration with Lincoln University.
1890 CBG funded by NIFA, $186,655 of $594,183 over 3 years.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Expanding Markets for Sheep and Goats in Southeast USA, Supporting Limited Resource Producers, $4.8 million over 3 years.
65% Direct Payment to Farmers. LU Share: $111,216.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection Control In Sheep
Evans Allan Grant
Yonathan Tilahun, Ph.D., Research Scientist/Assistant Professor, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture & Applied Sciences
Mitigating Effects of Heat Stress in Caribbean Animal Production – Molecular Work to Mitigate Heat Stress in Small Ruminants.
1890 Foundation USDA NIFA, 1 year/Merit Award, $75,000.
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
National Institutes of Health - Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) Developmental Research Project Program.
“Dietary Nitrosamines as Triggers of Autoimmune-Associated Molecular Pathways.”
Spring Pilot Award, $39,659.
Lindsay Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Chairperson, Department of Chemistry and Physical Science, School of Arts and Sciences.
“Microlearning as a Mediator of Academic Challenges Linked to Mental Health Among College Students”
Spring Pilot Project Award, $39,943.
Susan Abraham, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
“Undergraduate Biomedical Research Experience at LU.” $69,655 for one year.
Kj. Abraham, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences.
“Variance of Cancer Mortality in the United States”
Spring Pilot Award, $39,608
Sharon A. Lewis, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Physical Science, School of Arts and Sciences
Teaching & Learning Innovative Practice Grant: Immersive Virtual Reality in Health and Recreation-Centered Courses.
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, $10,000 for 1 year.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Brittany Mays, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Health, Physical Education and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Teaching & Learning Innovative Practice Grant – Integration of Innovative Instructional Technologies.
Online Consortium of Oklahoma, $9,800, Second Semester of 2026.
Ally Sharp, M.S., Certified Secondary Teacher for the State of Oklahoma, Instructional Designer/Director of Faculty Development, Division of Academic Affairs
APPOINTMENTS/PROMOTIONS
Director, Office of Financial Aid and Technical Services
Nacasaw Coppage, M.S., Division of Operations
State of Oklahoma Representative, Student Success Summit Advisory Committee, 2026-2027.
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)
Dytisha Davis-Washington, Ph.D., CRC, Assistant Vice President for Student Success, Division of Academic Affairs
Full Professor, Langston University.
Edward Ombati Manyibe, Ph.D., Research Director/ Research Professor, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Associate Professor, School of Physical Therapy.
Donna Sylvester, P.T., D.P.T., Associate Professor, School of Physical Therapy
ACE 2027 Conference Planning Co-Chair.
Elected to National Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) Board of Directors.
Civil Rights Liaison Officer for Land-Grant Programs.
Publishing & Graphic Design ACE Learning Committee-Co-Chair.
Elected to National Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) Board of Directors.
Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Technical Services.
Courtney Youngblood, M.S., Division of Operations.
AWARDS
Nominee, Gamma Class of the Music Greeks Under 40 Society.
Induction, Atlanta, GA, June 2026.
Jonathon Allen, Ph.D., Department Chair of Music, School of Arts and Sciences
First Place Poster Award – Mentored Student Research.
“The Economic Impact of Langston University Student Spending in Logan County, Oklahoma (Fiscal Year 2023–2024).”
Association of 1890 Research Directors/ARD Research Symposium, New Orleans, LA, March-April 2026.
Bolanle Atilola, Ph.D., Research Associate Professor, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Grand Award, Postcard and Invitation: 17th President’s Inauguration.
Excellence Award, Infographic or Data Visualization: LU Day at the Capitol Infographic.
Excellence Award, Event or Communications Logo: “One Roar” Homecoming Logo.
Excellence Award, Sports or Spirit Poster: 300 Wins for Chris Wright.
Achievement Award, Event or Performance Poster: Homecoming Save the Date.
Achievement Award, Short-Form Writing (Headlines, Captions, Microcontent): Traveling on the Play: Former Lions Ball Overseas.
Honorable Mention: Portrait or Personality Photos: 17th President of Langston University.
Honorable Mention: Seasonal or Celebration Design: Black History Month.
Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Awards, July 2025.
Brandon Clemoens, B.S., Senior Graphic Designer, Photographer and Brand Standards Manager, Office of Public Relations, Division of Operations
Grand Award, Campaign Fundraising or Alumni Engagement: 19th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala.
Achievement Award, Single Event Marketing and Promotion: Inauguration of President Ruth Ray Jackson.
Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Awards, July 2025.
Brandon Clemoens, B.S., Ellie Melero, M.S., Heleen Sheets, M.O.L., Jet Turner, M.S., Office of Public Relations, Division of Operations
Honoree - “50 Under 50: Oklahoma’s Most Influential Rising Leaders.”
The Black Chronicle Magazine, March 2026.
Dytisha Davis-Washington, Ph.D., CRC, Assistant Vice President for Student Success, Division of Academic Affairs
Joshua A. Busby, M.P.A., Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs; Interim Executive Director, Langston University
2025
Tom Goodale Award for Exceptional Advising in Peer Education.
NASPA, January 2026.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
Langston University Faculty Development Award for Leadership, January 2026.
Lindsay Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/Chairperson, Department of Chemistry and Physical Science, School of Arts and Sciences
Second Place Poster Award – Mentored Student Research.
“ Technology and Inflation in Agricultural Systems: Understanding Farm Input Costs and Food Prices in Oklahoma.”
Langston University Research Day Competition, April 2026.
Zacc Harris-Gulley, Agribusiness and Applied Economics major, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Nirodha De Silva, Ph.D., Assistant Professor/ Program Leader of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, Director of Agribusiness, Analytics, and Financial Resources Center (AFRC), Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Best Social Media Presence (Small Team)
Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Awards, July 2025.
Ellie Melero, M.S., Media Relations Specialist, Division of Operations
Women of Color – Impact Woman of the Year, 2026.
OSU Spears School of Business – Cloud of Honor Inductee, 2026.
Ayana Spriggs Talley, M.B.A., Executive Director of Technology, CTI/ITS, Office of President
Randy Talley Rising Star Award
Oklahoma College Public Relations Association (OCPRA) Fall Workshop, October 2025.
Jet Turner, M.S., Assistant Director of Communications/ Public Relations, Office of Public Relations, Division of Operations
2026 Games Committee, SAC Baseball Championships, Hosted in Joplin, MO.
2026 Games Committee, SAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships.
2026 NAIA Men’s Opening Round Tournament hosted by LU Athletics.
John Winters, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SELECTIONS
Amp’d Up Mentorship Program
Association for Communication Excellence (ACE)
Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.
Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) Leadership Institute
Immersive program in partnership with the Voyager Institute, 2026.
Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Heleen Sheets, M.O.L., Director of Public Relations, Division of Operations
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nigeria, November 2025.
Charles J. Mambula, Ph.D., PHRP, Associate Professor/ Chair, Master’s in Entrepreneurial Studies, School of Business
LEAD21 Training for Land-Grant Institutions.
Leonard C. Kibet, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Director of Crops & Natural Resources, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Mitigating Effects of Heat Stress in Caribbean Animal Production, USDA/NIFA.
International collaborative research program between Langston University and collaborating institutions in Jamaica.
Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Ryszard Puchala, Ph.D., Small Ruminants Research, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Participant, National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2025-2026.
Nykkia Harris, M.S., CPA, CGFM, Controller, Division of Fiscal and Administrative Services
Renewed Hope Agenda USA 2027: For a Stronger and United Nigeria for Development.
Charles J. Mambula, Ph.D., PHRP, Associate Professor/ Chair, Master’s in Entrepreneurial Studies, School of Business
U.S. Fulbright Scholar to Mongolia, Spring 2026 semester.
Visiting Professor, Institute of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
DEGREES/LICENSURES/CERTIFICATIONS ACHIEVED
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Heath P. Burge, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Advising Services, Division of Operations
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI), Responsible Conduct of Research, Physical Science Responsible Conduct of Research Course 1, Oklahoma State University.
Sharon A. Lewis, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Physical Therapy
Langston University Initial Training for Administrative Pcards.
Sharon A. Lewis, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Physical Therapy
Master’s of Science in Digital Strategy and Audience Engagement
Jet Turner, M.S., Assistant Director of Communications/ Public Relations, Division of Operations
MEMBERSHIPS
Executive Committee Member, Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE)
Kj. Abraham, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences
Member, Music Teachers National Association (MTNA/).
Member, National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
Member, Oklahoma Educators Association (OKMEA).
Member, HBCU National Band and Orchestra Directors’ Consortium (HBCU-NBDOC).
Member, Oklahoma Music Teachers Association (OMTA).
Jonathon Allen, Ph.D., Department Chair of Music, School of Arts and Sciences
Member, Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (OAHPERD).
Member, Society of Health and Physical Education America (SHAPE America)
Member, National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE).
Member, Oklahoma Public Health Association (OPHA)
Member, American Public Health Association (APHA).
Member, Society of Public Health Education.
Desmond W. Delk, Ph.D., MPH, CHES®, Associate Professor/Chair, Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Member, American Society of Soil Science.
Member, American Society of Agronomy.
Member, American Society of Crop Science.
Leonard C. Kibet, Ph.D., Associate Professor/Director of Crops & Natural Resources, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Member, Global Oklahoma Organization Director, Global African Diaspora Development Network
Charles J. Mambula, Ph.D., PHRP, Associate Professor/ Chair, Master’s in Entrepreneurial Studies, School of Business
Member, The Kenya Scholars and Studies Association (KESSA), Southwest Regional Representatives.
Secretary, Association of 1890 Land-Grant Communicators
Director, Member Services, Association for Communication Excellence (ACE).
Member, Association for Communication Excellence (ACE).
Member, Association of Extension Administrators – 1890 Communicators.
Association of Research Directors – 1890 Land-Grant Communicator.
Member, Cooperative Extension Foundation – Health Institutional Contact.
Member, National Land-Grant Impact Database Communications Team.
Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Members, Association for Communication Excellence (ACE).
Sonya Moore-Davis, B.A., Director of Media & Communications, Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
Heleen Sheets, M.O.L., Director of Public Relations, Division of Operations
Edward Ombati Manyibe, Ph.D., Research Director/ Research Professor, School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Member, Oklahoma Media Center.
Member, National Association of Black Journalists.
Member, Oklahoma Broadcast Educators Association.
Daniel Thompson, M.A., Instructor of Communication/ Faculty Advisor to The Gazette, School of Arts and Sciences
President, Alliance of NIDILRR Grantees (ANG), formerly known as National Association Rehabilitation and Training Centers (NARRTC)
Chair, Committee on Opportunity, Access, and Representation, Alliance of NIDILRR
Andre L. Washington, Ph.D., CRC, Executive Director, Langston University Oklahoma City Campus
