Langston University Names Interim Athletic Director

By Michael Stewart
Langston Sports Information Director

Langston, Okla. –  Langston University Interim President Henry Ponder named Rozalyn Luster-Washington as Interim Director of Athletics, replacing Patric Simon who resigned to take the same position at Alcorn State University in Mississippi.  Washington will not seek the position permanently, but will hold the post over the next few months while a national search is conducted.

This is the second time that Washington has served in the post at Langston, having done so in 2003.  “Whenever Langston calls, I answer,” said Washington, who returned to the university in January as a part-time instructor in physical education. During her first stint as interim AD, the football team won the Central States Football League Championship and the softball program was founded.

Washington came to Langston University in 1984 to help establish the school of physical therapy.  In 1990, she was named chair of the department of physical education and cheerleading coach.

Washington, who attended Langston, but graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma University in Durant, retired from Langston in 2005 to care for her then-ailing father, Frank Luster, a former Langston standout in football, basketball and track.

In making the appointment, Ponder said, “Mrs. Washington is the person we need for this time.  I am confident that she will do whatever is necessary to move the program forward as we search for a permanent AD.”