Options make for a well-rounded student, and Dr. Dan Lane, Coordinator of Fine Arts & Dual Enrollment and Lead Administrator at the Center of Innovation, helps students carve new paths to success.
The Center of Innovation (COI) is a partnership between Fayette County Public Schools, Southern Crescent Technical College, and Clayton State University. It was inspired by the 2014 Fayette Visioning Initiative that identified a need for local students to have opportunities to take college-level courses without leaving the county.
“We needed kids to have that advanced academic work as well as a world-class technical training facility,” said Lane. “Now, you can do a four-year bachelors of science in nursing program right here in the middle of Fayette County without having to leave.”
The COI and dual-enrollment programs are about offering students options. Not everyone is locked in on college or a vocation. Working dual roles himself, it’s appropriate for Lane to shepherd students through their dual-enrollment journeys. At the COI, students can take traditional college courses or more hands-on courses and be able to graduate with their high school diploma and an industry credential. There are a wealth of options like nursing, EMT, and drone piloting. This coming fall they will be adding pilot training.
“We feel here that our mission is to prepare students to be both college AND career ready. In fact, our tagline is ‘Embrace the And.’”
His current roles allow him to continue sharing his passion for the fine arts and music. He grew up around music and had little choice but to fall in love. It’s a great to way to build skills and bonds. After initially planning to work in medicine, he realized it wasn’t where his heart was leading him.
“The music itself became the vehicle for making relational connections, and it’s a beautiful vehicle,” he said.
Lane’s favorite part of music is the journey more than the product. It’s the hours of practice building to the “aha moment” when it all comes together. It brings a tingle to the back of his neck.
“It’s pretty euphoric,” he said. “We would just stop and revel in the moment because they knew something greater than themselves had happened.”
He lives by the Walt Disney mantra “Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.” He takes those words to heart, with his family making multiple pilgrimages to Disney World every year. He even started sharing his expertise with a side business as a Disney-specific travel agent.
Through music, leadership, or Disney tips, Lane loves to lift others up.
“My why is to make someone’s life better. I can’t think of a more noble thing.”
“The Honor Role,” an official podcast for Fayette County Public Schools, features employees, rotating through key stakeholders, including teachers, staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. Join us as we dive in and learn about their journeys, their inspirations, and their whys.
Episodes are available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and promoted on the social media channels of Fayette County Public Schools.
Episodes will also be available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200811.
