A Q&A with Fulbright College Dean’s Office’s Lane Schmidt

Lane Schmidt
Executive Assistant to the Dean

In this conversation, Schmidt talks about his passion for art and design, bringing his executive assistant experience to the Fulbright College Dean’s Office, how much he enjoys problem-solving and being able to help people, the importance of being a part of something larger, and how much fun it is to be an uncle to nine!

Q: Tell us a little about your research, academic passions and/or role within the college. What excites you about this?

My academic background is in studio art. I have a B.F.A. in 3D design from the University of Iowa and worked as a freelance interior and graphic designer before moving to Arkansas in 2012.

I remain an avid design enthusiast. Between the great mid-century residential architecture, the opening of Crystal Bridges, and the new resources devoted to the School of Art, it’s been exciting to live and work in a place committed to art and design.

Of course, my role is primarily to support Dean Shields. Though I’ve only been with Fulbright College for a short time, I’ve been in an executive assistant role on campus for the last four years. (Shout out to my friends at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design!)

In my experience, an executive assistant is a lynch pin position, a person that people come to when they don’t know where else to go. I enjoy helping people and being part of something larger.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

Six weeks! I most enjoy the excellent team that comprises the Dean’s Office. They are a resourceful, humble, diplomatic, witty, wicked fun group!

I know from experience that the work in an academic dean’s office is demanding and stressful. You have to rely on your team for support and levity not to burn out. Running a college takes a village!

The Fulbright College culture is so well known and respected on campus and was a big draw to me. I’m happy to report that it’s everything I thought it would be and more!

Q: What do you most hope your students or colleagues remember from their classes and/or interactions with you?

I’m here to solve problems or make connections with the people who can solve them.

Of course, aside from being in this Fulbright REVIEW blog feature, my role is largely behind the scenes. So perhaps I’ll help you and you won’t even know. I’m okay with that.

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

The best part of my life is being an uncle to nine – Ellie, Lucy, Lena, Julia, Norman, Cruz, Maya, Arlo and TBA baby #9!

My partner and I don’t live nearly close enough to any of them but we’re fortunate to visit them often (in Kansas, Nebraska and Oregon) and love to spoil them frequently in person and remotely.

Beyond that, I like to paddleboard (mostly sitting down with a beverage in hand), get out on Table Rock Lake on my in-laws’ 1974 mustard-yellow Ouachita boat (wave if you see me!), watch shamefully bad television, and laugh a lot with friends.

Q: What’s up next on the horizon for you?

Well, I’m new here. I’m working on getting acclimated and becoming an asset on the Dean’s’ office team. My predecessor, former colleague, and friend, Dawn Fisher, left formidable shoes to fill!

I’ve been encouraged by Dean Shields to “think big” about the possibilities for my new role and right now I’m taking stock of the landscape and working to identify ways I can be best utilized by the college.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

I’m here and I’m happy to help.