Dr. Quentin Lane served as the college’s second President from 1978 to 1985. He graduated at an early age (19) from Middle Tennessee State University and taught in Chattanooga for several years. He received his Master’s degree from George Peabody College and his Doctorate from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. The youngest of seven brothers, his mother died when he was four years old and his twenty-three year old brother became the head of the family. All of the brothers worked together to run the family farm. Four of his brothers obtained master’s degrees and three were school Principals in Hamilton County. He was Assistant Principal of Brainerd High School and later the Principal of Elbert S. Long School. He arrived at Cleveland State in 1971, and prior to becoming President he held the positions of Director of Continuing Education, Director of Research and Dean of Instruction.
Serving as President during the nation’s energy crisis, Dr. Lane initiated the four-day week, as well as several other energy-saving measures, to cope with the crisis. During his tenure the college auditorium was completed, Nursing achieved acclaim as an outstanding program, total student headcount enrollment surpassed 4,000, grants were acquired to improve campus facilities for the disabled, off-campus sites expanded throughout the college’s service area, the college was named as the administrative entity for the Job Training Partnership Act and a Youth Enrichment Program was inaugurated. Dr. Lane was also an active participant in the college Foundation and played a major role in raising funds for its student scholarships. He played a leading role in the establishment of an Alumni Association, and his support for the college was recognized when the campus gymnasium was named for him. Dr. Lane also found time for many other endeavors, such as serving as President of the Middle Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, as President of the Chattanooga area Phi Delta Kappa Honor Fraternity and as President of the Higher Education Division of the Tennessee Education Association. He served the college for fourteen years and played an influential role in fulfilling the college’s objectives during its formative years.