Lane Blackwell
Higher education executive with extensive leadership experience in academic administration
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About
Higher education executive with extensive leadership experience in academic administration, faculty development, curriculum oversight, accreditation compliance, institutional effectiveness, and student retention. Proven ability to direct instructional operations, strengthen academic quality, and align programs with institutional priorities. Recognized for collaborative leadership, operational oversight, and a consistent commitment to student and faculty success.
Experience
Customer Service Director - Medirest, Inc. - Birmingham, AL
(2021-01 - 2026-05)
- Oversaw order processing for durable medical equipment while ensuring insurance requirements are met.
- Coordinated accurate coding and documentation for medical requests.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and healthcare staff to support patient needs and compliance.
- Manage co-insurance and deductible payment processes.
- Support communication and service delivery in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Academic Dean - Herzing University - Birmingham, AL
(2018-06 - 2019-11)
- Directed instructional programs in alignment with institutional mission and academic standards.
- Ensured compliance with accreditation, state, and federal academic requirements.
- Developed retention goals and academic improvement initiatives.
- Managed academic policies, budgets, and operational procedures.
- Supported institutional effectiveness planning and program evaluation.
- Collaborated with campus leadership to strengthen student achievement and program outcomes.
Academic Dean - Brightwood College - McAllen, TX
(2017-03 - 2018-06)
- Led professional development, in-service training, and faculty meetings.
- Maintained academic records in compliance with accrediting body standards.
- Partnered with senior leadership on planning, policy development, and problem solving.
- Directed faculty recruitment, selection, evaluation, retention, and development.
- Oversaw curriculum review and improvement.
- Supported instructional quality through coaching, communication, and accountability.
Academic Dean - ITT Technical Institute - Springfield, IL
(2016-03 - 2016-09)
- Managed academic resources to support quality instruction and student learning.
- Led the campus Academic Affairs department.
- Recruited, interviewed, selected, and supervised direct reports.
- Established performance expectations, monitored KPIs, and provided coaching and feedback.
- Oversaw academic advising, tutoring, remediation, and student orientation.
- Implemented retention and re-entry initiatives to support enrollment growth.
- Worked closely with campus teams to maintain academic standards and student support services.
Associate Dean of General Studies - ITT Technical Institute - Madison, AL
(2010-10 - 2016-03)
- Managed general studies curricula and instructional staff.
- Monitored performance, analyzed KPIs, and supported employee development.
- Assisted in academic goal-setting for the Institutional Effectiveness Plan.
- Oversaw online students and supported academic success initiatives.
- Served as Acting Dean for more than two months during medical leave.
- Improved online student success rates to over 70%.
- Collaborated with faculty and administrators to strengthen course quality and student persistence.
Education
Master of Arts - English - University of Alabama in Huntsville
Bachelor of Arts - English - George Mason University
