JoAnn Haysbert to Step Down as President of Langston University

JoAnn W. Haysbert, president of Langston University in Oklahoma, has announced that she will step down at the end of the year. President Haysbert is the first woman to lead the historically black university. She has served as president for six years.

In announcing that she was leaving the university, President Haysbert stated, “When I came to Langston in 2005, I called it ‘Oklahoma’s Hidden Treasure.’ Now, I can truly say that we did a great job in uncovering this ‘gem’ by telling its story around the state and across the nation. I leave with the assurance that the university is poised for continued success.”

Haysbert will return to Hampton University in Virginia where she previously served in several administrative positions over 25 years including provost and acting president. She will become executive vice president at Hampton.

Dr. Haysbert earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. She holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in administration and supervision in higher education from Auburn University.