The Inauguration of Donald W. Comer, Ph.D. — 11th President of Lane College
A Moment in Time. A Legacy in Motion.
The Investiture of Donald W. Comer, Ph.D., as the Eleventh President of Lane College marks far more than the installation of a new leader. It is a celebration of an institution founded in 1882 through the vision of Bishop Isaac Lane and sustained for generations by the enduring partnership of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
The theme, A Moment in Time. A Legacy in Motion., reflects both the significance of this historic occasion and the promise of what lies ahead. While this ceremony honors a single moment, it also celebrates the students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, church leaders, and friends whose collective commitment has shaped Lane College’s remarkable legacy.
As the College’s Eleventh President, Dr. Comer embraces the symbolism of eleven—not as a conclusion, but as a beginning. If ten represents completion, eleven represents the courage to build upon a strong foundation, pursue new possibilities, and prepare the next generation of servant leaders.
Grounded in faith, academic excellence, and a commitment to transformative education, Lane College enters this new chapter with confidence and purpose. This Investiture celebrates the College’s rich heritage while affirming a bold vision for its future.
The moment is now. The legacy is in motion.
The Story That Brought Us Here
Some moments define a leader. Others define an institution.
The Investiture of Donald W. Comer, Ph.D., as the Eleventh President of Lane College is one of those defining moments. It is far more than the installation of a president; it is the celebration of an institution whose legacy began in 1882 through the vision of Bishop Isaac Lane and has been sustained through generations by the steadfast partnership of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
The theme, A Moment in Time. A Legacy in Motion., reflects the enduring story of Lane College. It honors the faith, sacrifice, and perseverance of those who built this institution while embracing the promise of those who will carry it forward. Every student, alumnus, faculty and staff member, trustee, church leader, donor, and friend has helped shape the remarkable legacy we celebrate today.
As the College’s Eleventh President, Dr. Comer embraces the symbolism of Eleven as a call to purposeful leadership. If ten represents completion, eleven represents what comes next—the courage to build upon a strong foundation, pursue bold possibilities, and prepare a new generation of servant leaders for lives of purpose and impact.
This Investiture is not simply about a president. It is about a college whose greatest days remain ahead. Rooted in faith, committed to academic excellence, and inspired by an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education, Lane College enters its next chapter with confidence, conviction, and hope.
This is a moment in time. This is a legacy in motion.
Voices of Leadership
The Voices of Leadership Speaker Series sets the tone for the Presidential Investiture by bringing the Lane College community together to reflect on the values that shape enduring leadership. As the opening event of the celebration, it frames the theme, A Moment in Time. A Legacy in Motion., by connecting Lane’s proud heritage with the responsibility of preparing future generations to lead with purpose.
Few individuals embody that journey more authentically than Jesse J. Tyson, a distinguished Lane College alumnus, accomplished global business executive, entrepreneur, and servant leader. His remarkable career, unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, and enduring investment in Lane College make him uniquely positioned to challenge and inspire students, alumni, faculty, and friends as the College begins this historic two-day celebration of legacy, service, and the future.
- WhenThursday, August 20, 2026
- WhereUpper Kirkendoll Building · Lane College
Before We Lead, We Serve.
Leadership at Lane begins with service. Before the ceremony and the celebration, the Lane family gathers to give back to the city that has carried this College for more than a century. Join Mr. & Ms. Lane College and volunteers from across the campus as we clean, serve, and uplift the community we call home. One College. One Community. One Purpose.
- WhenFriday, August 21, 2026 · 8:00–11:30 AM
- WhereJF Lane Building · 545 Lane Avenue, Jackson, TN
Presidential Investiture
More than the installation of a president, the Investiture is a celebration of a remarkable journey and a recommitment to an enduring mission. Before trustees, delegates, faculty, alumni, and the Lane family, Dr. Donald W. Comer is entrusted with the symbols of the office — the Mace, the Holy Bible, the Robe and Hood, and the Chain of Office — and formally installed as the eleventh President of Lane College. A Moment in Time. A Legacy in Motion.
- WhenFriday, August 21, 2026 · 3:00 PM
- WhereGraves Auditorium · Chambers & McClure Academic Building
Delegates are official representatives of colleges and universities who participate in the academic procession to honor the inauguration of a new president and celebrate the traditions of higher education. If you plan to attend as a delegate, please register in advance so we can appropriately recognize your institution, coordinate seating and procession details, and ensure a seamless ceremonial experience.
Delegate Registration
An evening with Chrisette Michele, live in concert.
Join us for the Presidential Scholarship Gala — an evening of elegance, music, and impact — featuring Chrisette Michele, live in concert. Every seat invests in Lane students and the future they are building. Honoring our legacy. Inspiring our future.
- FeaturingChrisette Michele · Live in Concert
- WhenFriday, August 21, 2026 · 8:00 PM
- WhereJF Lane Building · 545 Lane Avenue, Jackson, TN
Every life contains defining moments. But a legacy is never built on one moment alone. It is shaped by what follows—the courage to persevere, to grow, and to continue contributing one’s gifts to the world.
Invest in the Legacy
The Presidential Inauguration of Donald W. Comer, Ph.D., the Eleventh President of Lane College, is more than a celebration of new leadership—it is an investment in the future of a historic institution that has transformed lives since 1882. Lane College continues to prepare students for lives of leadership, purpose, and service. Your sponsorship helps commemorate this historic milestone. Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and investing in the future as we move forward together—A Moment in Time. A Legacy in Motion.
For sponsorship details, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement · (731) 265-1710 · ia@lanecollege.edu
For Our Guests
Getting to Jackson, Tennessee
Jackson is easily reached by air and automobile — a welcoming gateway to West Tennessee.
- Direct flightsMcKellar-Sipes Regional (Denver Air Connection)
- From Memphis85 mi · ~1.5-hour drive
- From Nashville130 mi · ~2–2.5-hour drive
- Campus545 Lane Avenue, Jackson, TN
Where to Stay
Lodging Options
The following hotels are conveniently located near Lane College for guests attending the Presidential Investiture Celebration, listed in order of proximity to campus. Reservations should be made directly with the hotel; because Investiture Weekend welcomes guests from across the country, we encourage early reservations.
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Hyatt Place Jackson/West Tennessee Preferred
518 W. Forest Avenue, Jackson, TN 38301
1.3 miles · 5 minutes
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DoubleTree by Hilton Jackson Preferred
1770 U.S. Highway 45 Bypass, Jackson, TN 38305
2.0 miles · 6 minutes
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Courtyard by Marriott Jackson
200 Campbell Oaks Drive, Jackson, TN 38305
3.1 miles · 7 minutes
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Jackson
2407 Christmasville Cove, Jackson, TN 38305
3.7 miles · 8 minutes
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jackson Northeast
55 Parkstone Place, Jackson, TN 38305
3.7 miles · 8 minutes
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Hilton Garden Inn Jackson
1324 Vann Drive, Jackson, TN 38305
3.9 miles · 8 minutes
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson
33 Capital Avenue, Jackson, TN 38305
4.0 miles · 8 minutes
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Jackson
1335 Vann Drive, Jackson, TN 38305
4.0 miles · 8 minutes
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Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson
150 Campbell Oaks Drive, Jackson, TN 38305
~4.0 miles · 8–9 minutes
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Jackson
40 Old Medina Crossing, Jackson, TN 38305
~4.0 miles · 8–9 minutes
Lane College is pleased to provide these lodging options as a convenience for our guests; please book directly with the hotel of your choice.
Be part of the moment
Join us as Lane begins its eleventh chapter.
Reserve your place at the inauguration, support a student through the Presidential Gala, or share in a week of service on the Hill.
Contact Us (731) 426-7500
Lane College · Jackson, Tennessee · Est. 1882