For more than six decades, Bob and Jacque Lane have shared a deep and enduring belief in the power of education. Their partnership in life and in purpose has touched generations of teachers and students. Their legacy at Wichita State continues to grow through the creation of the Lane Family Scholarship, honoring a lifelong dedication to the field. The moment is made even more meaningful as Dr. Robert Lane (Bob) was recently inducted into the College of Education (CED) Hall of Fame, receiving the Distinguished Career Award in recognition of his extraordinary impact on teacher preparation and student success.

Bob served Wichita Public Schools in multiple administrative roles for more than 30 years before joining Wichita State in 1995. At WSU, he taught school law and founded the Transition to Teaching (T2T) program for secondary education in 1999. The program has since trained and licensed nearly 500 new teachers. His focus on building community, fostering mentorship, and supporting educators laid the foundation for the in-person cohort model still used by the program today. His dedication to students, colleagues, and the teaching profession has left a lasting legacy on the School of Education and the College of Education.

Reflecting on his induction, Bob said the honor carries deep personal meaning because it recognizes a program that continues to shape classrooms across Kansas. “I very much believe that every child deserves highly qualified and dedicated teachers,” he said. “I am grateful for the program’s acceptance and the future success of the program.”

“Our initial focus was on math and science, but it quickly grew to include all secondary teaching majors,” Bob said. “There were many hurdles to get the Kansas State Department of Education to approve the program, but with the support of College of Education leadership and grant funding, we were able to make it happen.”

That same belief inspired the couple’s new scholarship. The Lane Family Scholarship will support students pursuing teaching licensure through the program Bob helped found, ensuring that his work continues to impact future educators for years to come.

Jacque, who shares her husband’s lifelong passion for education, added, “We are grateful we can support and encourage future educators.”

Jacque’s own career also reflects a life spent serving others through education. She worked in administrative roles that supported both students and teachers, gaining a clear understanding of what it takes to help schools thrive. Her experience and empathy have shaped her approach to mentorship and support.

“She really believes in helping those who face obstacles along the way,” Bob said. “That compassion is just who she is.”

That compassion was the reason Jacque was especially drawn to the CED Life Happens Fund, which assists students who face unexpected financial hardships that could otherwise interrupt their education. After hearing about the fund from CED Dean Jennifer Friend, Jacque immediately wanted to contribute.

“Bob and I both grew up in families that struggled,” Jacque said. “We worked our way through college, and that can really hamper your college experience. There are so many bumps along the way. We wanted to help students who hit those bumps continue their education.”

“The Life Happens Fund is appropriately named,” Bob added. “It is a way of rescuing students when life happens.”

Bob’s time at Wichita State, both as a faculty member and as a leader, left a lasting mark on Kansas education. “Wichita State went to bat for us,” he said. “There was nothing else like the Transition to Teaching program, and they helped make it a model for future teacher education. The deans of the College of Education deserve all the credit for helping make it possible.”

In addition to his work with T2T, Bob looks back fondly on several milestones throughout his career, including the development of the North High School Professional Development Program, his involvement in the Peace Corps Program, the expansion and statewide acceptance of the T2T model, and being named Teacher of the Year by Student Support Services (2000–2001). He also received the College of Education Teaching Award in 2001. 

Bob and Jacque have been married for 61 years and their bond has always been strengthened by their shared dedication to service and learning.

When asked how that shared commitment has strengthened their partnership, they laughed before answering together that it “gives us something to talk about.”

“The understanding of working with adults, with children, with establishments, it is a supportive way to have a marriage,” Jacque said.

Bob added, “Communication is such an essential part. At night time I would need someone to talk to, and I always had someone that was a willing listener. Jacque has supported me in every educational endeavor. We are a good team. She makes me better, and hopefully I do the same for her.”

That sense of teamwork carries through every part of their lives. When asked how they continue to inspire one another, Jacque’s answer came easily. “It is a family affair,” she said. “We involve our sons and grandchildren in our decisions and priorities. God has given us a great life, and our family fully supports our efforts in education. They have supported every endeavor in the field of education. They really support this scholarship too.”

Their shared approach to life and work is rooted in collaboration and in the belief that the best ideas come from many voices.

“To make good decisions, you need as many thoughts and people with diverse backgrounds as possible,” Jacque said. “When you bring others into the process, it exponentially improves the outcome.”

“The reality of teaching is that everyone has an idea,” Bob said. “Sometimes your own idea is not enough to move something forward. People build on each other’s ideas.”

As the couple reflects on their years devoted to teaching and learning, they continue to approach life with gratitude and perspective. “You know, there are so many people who influence you throughout your life and career,” Bob said. “We are just riding on the backs of those who have befriended us and taught us. Life is a very social experience. It is never just one person.”

Through their new scholarship and through the generations of teachers they have inspired, Bob and Jacque Lane’s influence will continue to shape classrooms and futures for many years to come.