A Soldier's Journey to Higher Education Leadership
An interview with Russ Lane
Russ Lane’s journey from Army service to higher education leadership is a testament to the impact of military experience on personal and professional growth. As Vice President for Government and Military Affairs at Bellevue University, he now dedicates his career to supporting military students and veterans, helping them navigate their own paths to success.
Russ, could you share a bit about your military background?
I served in the active-duty Army from 1987 to 1991 and the active Army Reserves from 1991 to 1995. I was stationed at Fort Dix, Fort Lee, Fort Campbell, and Hanau, Germany, before deploying to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
I am confident in saying that I wouldn’t have had a 30-year career in higher education without my military experience. The lessons learned from the time I enlisted until the time I separated prepared me to navigate adversity and provided the foundation needed to become a good student and leader.
The Army helped me focus on the things that would make a difference in my and my family’s future. For instance, I was an average student at best while in college, but the structure of the Army proved that I was capable of experiencing success in the classroom. I always finished at or near the top of my class during training.
What drew you to the military in the first place?
I was 23 years old, married with one child, and had some college but no degree. We were living paycheck to paycheck, so the military provided some much-needed stability.
Can you give me a brief overview of your career?
Upon separating from the Army, I intended on becoming a police officer, but it is a long process so I worked corrections in the interim. During that time, an old football coach — now working at a local community college — reached out to me about making a career change. I took a sizable pay cut but trusted the process and immediately went back to college to complete my bachelor’s degree, as I knew it would be needed to qualify for any promotions. Coincidentally, I chose Bellevue University because it provided the quickest path, as they accepted all of my previous credits as well as credit for my military service/training.
Additionally, the simplicity of the cohort program sold me because of its structure: meet in person one day per week and do the work between class meetings. I didn’t want to go the traditional route as I also worked full-time and parenting. Following that, I also earned my master’s degree from Bellevue University.
Can you describe your current role at the University and how you support military members and veterans?
I am currently serving as the Vice President for Government and Military Affairs, so I have the honor of serving current military personnel, veterans and their families while also leading the team that serves those who have served.
How does your own military experience help you connect with the military students you work with?
First and foremost, it is easy to be empathetic as I have most likely gone through something similar to what they are experiencing. At a minimum, we have mutual respect and bond due to our service.
What do you find most rewarding about working with military students?
When they experience success. They come to Bellevue University full of anxiety but also energy. When we are able to help them shed their anxiety, they excel in their endeavors.
How do you see Bellevue University as being uniquely equipped to serve military students and veterans?
Bellevue University’s level of commitment to serving the military and veteran population traces back to our beginnings. Now, we have evolved to include over 11,000 square feet of dedicated space focused on their success and well-being. Regardless of where they are in their journey, we are equipped to assist because of the network of community contacts and partners we have developed.
What’s on the horizon for you?
I hope to continue building the best Military Veteran Services Center possible while providing best-in-class service to those who have served our great nation. I also plan to focus on growing our military enrollment so we have the opportunity to help more military personnel, veterans and their families experience success.