Tiffany Lane, former director of LGBTQA Advocacy and Education at Gettysburg College, is Colgate’s newest director of LGBTQ+ Initiatives.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Michigan State University, Lane traveled to Minneapolis to complete her master’s of social work at the University of Minnesota. Following graduation, Lane first worked as a program coordinator at the University of Michigan-Flint and then at the Out for Equity program within the Saint Paul Public Schools region in Minnesota, where she supported students, employees, and families by developing inclusive trainings and curriculums to improve school climate. Lane also focused on sexuality, gender, and social justice in her assistant director role at Minnesota State University.
In her most recent role as director of the Office of LGBTQA Advocacy and Education at Gettysburg College, Lane implemented an LGBTQA strategic plan, advocated for community members experiencing gender and sexuality discrimination, and developed educational programs aimed at addressing inequality. She also engaged with fellow administration and faculty at Gettysburg to improve the overall climate, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Lane has been the recipient of various awards, including the YWCA Mankato SHERO award in 2015, honoring her commitment to achieving inclusivity and making a positive difference in the lives of others. She hopes to continue this focus at Colgate by furthering the university’s reputation as a space for all.
“The biggest thing on my immediate radar is looking at how inclusive we are when it comes to our trans and non-binary students,” said Lane. “I also want to ensure that, when people think of Colgate, they think of a place that is LGBTQ+ friendly, a place where they can see themselves — where everyone feels their identities are affirmed and welcomed. There’s a lot of great work to do here. I’m excited for what is to come.”