Number of men enrolling at LU beats women for the fifth consecutive year
By Ashley Gibson
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
For the last five years, Langston University has enrolled more first time freshman males than females despite national statistics that show a dwindling number of males pursuing a college degree.
Nationally, in 2006, women made up 56 percent of undergrads, while for every four men enrolled in graduate school, there were about six women.
However, at Langston University, about 264 males enrolled for the first time this year, with females following closely behind at 230 enrollees.
The numbers at LU are very encouraging, said Lukata Lawrence, director of Student Support Services.
"This is especially exciting to hear when you consider the mission of the HBCU and during a time when reports indicate that more African-American males are getting caught up in the correctional system," Lawrence said. "I'm hoping this won't be counted as just a one-time occurrence, but will become a trend that we can continue to see."
Dr. Mose Yvonne Hooks, a professor of education certified in social science and psychology, says the numbers could indicate a variety of social changes.
"This fact could mean that some of the content and instructional strategies used in our educational system are beginning to become more inclusive of males, as past research has shown some biases toward women in school curriculums," Hooks said.
"It could also mean that fewer males are dropping out of school. In addition, it could also mean that Langston University has projected itself throughout the American educational system to be an institution that embraces males. We offer several programs at Langston that are of interest to males such as corrections, business, music, to name a few."
Hooks said while LU's numbers are certainly against national trends, it's a rather refreshing occurrence.
"I think it's very good that Langston University enrolls more first time freshman makes despite national trends because we want more males to become educated," she said. "I definitely believe in equality in education, so I think it is excellent."
Whatever the factors may be that are driving more males to Langston University, the institution must continue to offer services that will keep them here, Lawrence said.
"Langston University is certainly on the right track," he said. "It will be exciting to see what the future holds for the university and its students."
Nationally, in 2006, women made up 56 percent of undergrads, while for every four men enrolled in graduate school, there were about six women.
However, at Langston University, about 264 males enrolled for the first time this year, with females following closely behind at 230 enrollees.
The numbers at LU are very encouraging, said Lukata Lawrence, director of Student Support Services.
"This is especially exciting to hear when you consider the mission of the HBCU and during a time when reports indicate that more African-American males are getting caught up in the correctional system," Lawrence said. "I'm hoping this won't be counted as just a one-time occurrence, but will become a trend that we can continue to see."
Dr. Mose Yvonne Hooks, a professor of education certified in social science and psychology, says the numbers could indicate a variety of social changes.
"This fact could mean that some of the content and instructional strategies used in our educational system are beginning to become more inclusive of males, as past research has shown some biases toward women in school curriculums," Hooks said.
"It could also mean that fewer males are dropping out of school. In addition, it could also mean that Langston University has projected itself throughout the American educational system to be an institution that embraces males. We offer several programs at Langston that are of interest to males such as corrections, business, music, to name a few."
Hooks said while LU's numbers are certainly against national trends, it's a rather refreshing occurrence.
"I think it's very good that Langston University enrolls more first time freshman makes despite national trends because we want more males to become educated," she said. "I definitely believe in equality in education, so I think it is excellent."
Whatever the factors may be that are driving more males to Langston University, the institution must continue to offer services that will keep them here, Lawrence said.
"Langston University is certainly on the right track," he said. "It will be exciting to see what the future holds for the university and its students."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Dr. Julia Hare
posted 10/25/07 @ 9:25 AM CST
Congratulations Alma Mater. Press releases should be sent to National, State and City Newspapers to announce Langston's miraculous increase in Black Male enrollment. (Continued…)
Levolia Singleton-Logan '56
posted 10/25/07 @ 8:59 PM CST
I would like to say ditto to Dr. Julia Hare's comment. She is a fellow LU Alumnae of the 1950's. I was very impressed during my recent visit to the campus for Homecoming 2007 when not only did I see the large presence of undergraduate males on campus, but was also the recipient of many gestures of respect and courtesy they extended to me as an elder. (Continued…)
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