March 27, 2018
K-State's Jessica Lane named Kansas Counselor of the Year
Jessica Lane, College of Education assistant professor of counseling, was recently named Kansas Counselor of the Year by the Kansas Counseling Association.
Lane was presented with the organization's highest award at its annual conference March 1 in Wichita. She earned a bachelor's degree in education at Hastings College and both her graduate degrees — a master's in school counseling and doctorate in counselor education and supervision — from K-State. Lane joined the College of Education in 2006 as a graduate teaching assistant and has since served in various teaching roles. She is known as a charismatic and empathetic educator and tireless advocate for the school counseling profession.
"Dr. Jessica Lane is one of a kind, and second to none," Hanna Kemble, school counselor at Auburn Elementary School and Lane's former student, wrote in her nomination letter. "Dr. Lane works tirelessly to ensure future counselors the best possible education and preparation. She's empathetic, enthusiastic, and charismatic. She taught me to look at situations through different lenses, how to appropriately and effectively work through tough situations, and to apply the skills we learned in class to real world situations."
During her acceptance speech, Lane called for continued advocacy for the counseling profession and thanked many for supporting her, including her K-State students; her parents; her mentors, Ken and Judy Hughey; husband, Shawn; and her kids, Luke and Lauren.
"I believe that being a counselor has made me a better mom, and in turn, being a mom has made me a better counselor," Lane said.
More information about K-State's school counseling program can be found on the College of Education's website.