HU Provost Named President of Langston University

Hampton, VA - Dr. Joann W. Haysbert, Hampton University provost and chief operating officer, has been selected to serve as the first female president of Langston University in Langston, Okla., effective August 1.

Serving as the number two officer to HU President Dr. William R. Harvey, Haysbert has been responsible for 6,100 students, 350 faculty and 1,000 staff members. She has overseen Athletics, School of Business, School of Engineering and Technology, School of Liberal Arts and Education, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, School of Science, the Honors College, the Harvey Library, the Hampton University Museum, the Academic Technology Mall, the Center for Teaching Excellence and the College of Continuing Education. Prior to becoming provost, she served as assistant provost and coordinator of graduate programs in education and as dean of freshman studies at HU.

"After 25 years of working with Dr. William R. Harvey who is a giant in the academic world and known for his ‘10 Points of Leadership,’ I was excited upon learning that the Board of Regents appointed me as their 15th president," said Haysbert. "I was deeply humbled, thankful and honored when they chose me and I promise with the help of God Almighty that I will do them proud."

Haysbert will succeed retiring Langston President Ernest Holloway, who has led the institution for 25 years.

Jay Helm, chairman of the Oklahoma State University/A&M Board of Regents, said Haysbert has the "vision to move the institution forward and the ability to reach out and bring everybody together."

Haysbert will be the 15th HU administrator to advance to an executive position under Harvey’s leadership. Previous administrators include 13 university presidents, one bank president and one athletic conference commissioner such as: Dr. Oscar Prater of Fort Valley State University in 1990; Dr. Harold Wade of Atlanta Metropolitan College in 1994; Dr. Carlton Brown of Savannah State University in 1997; Dr. Elnora Daniel of Chicago State University in 1998; Dr. Warren Buck of the University of Washington-Bothell in 1999; Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber of St. Augustine's College in 2000; Dr. Calvin Lowe of Bowie State University in 2000; Dr. Rodney D. Smith of Ramapo College in 2001 and Gen. Wallace Arnold of Cheyney University in 2004.

"Langston will benefit enormously from her leadership, talent, integrity, and ability to get things done. Dr. Haysbert has vision, a terrific work ethic, respect from all of the constituent groups at the University, is highly ethical, disciplined and completely trustworthy," said Harvey.

Haysbert received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C. She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in administration and supervision in higher education from Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.