Lane recognized for landmark years of service to MC
Special to The Clinton Courier
Upon receiving her Bachelor of Science in education from Mississippi Christian University (Mississippi College) in 1981, Jeannie Lane of Clinton was busily applying for teaching jobs when Edward L. McMillan, then-dean of Graduate Studies at MC for whom she had worked as an undergraduate, made a recommendation.
“Dr. Mac asked me to stay at MC and work on my master’s degree until I could find the teaching job I wanted,” Lane recalled.
She’ll never know if that teaching job would have ever materialized, because Lane never left MC. Forty-five years later, she is retiring as assistant registrar for graduate student issues.
Lane was among more than forty MC employees who were honored during the recent 2026 Faculty and Staff Retirement and Years of Service Celebration. The event included a reception and program that recognized those retiring from MC, like Lane, and their colleagues who have achieved milestone employment years at MC.
None of this year’s honorees has served MC longer than Lane, who is highly regarded by faculty, staff and students.
“Dr. Jeannie Lane has meant a great deal to the MC family,” Randazzo said. “For many years, she helped lead and support the graduate school with care, dedication and wisdom. Whether she was helping a student celebrate an approved thesis or walking with someone through the difficulty of academic probation, she always showed Christ by being fair, kind and compassionate.
“She has been a mentor, a friend, a steady source of encouragement and someone who would always brighten the office
with her smile and positive spirit. She made people feel seen, valued and cared for, and her knowledge and love for the institution have made a lasting difference.”
Lane obtained her M.Ed. in school counseling from Mississippi [Christian] and her Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Mississippi. She began her career at MC as a secretary in the graduate school, then assistant to the vice president and graduate dean. Upon completing her Ph.D., she was named assistant graduate dean, a title she held for fourteen years before moving to the Registrar’s Office last year.
She served on several Southern Association of Colleges and Schools teams, helping to prepare for site reaccreditation visits, and helped with events hosted on campus. Lane is also a past recipient of the Van “Doc” Quick Distinguished Staff Award.
Lane started the Musselwhite Fund for students participating in the annual Graduate Research Forum and supported MC baseball, the campus food pantry, the Department of English and Modern Languages, and several campus donation drives.
“I give in memory of faculty, staff and students who have passed away,” she said, “so that they are remembered one more time.”
Lane plans to remain in Clinton and stay involved with MC.
