Devante Lane comes from a small town called Ahoskie in a rural area of Northeastern North Carolina. “It has a small population with a tight-knit community where everybody knows everybody,” he said.
So, when it came time to choose a college, a community feeling was important to Lane – and Saint Augustine’s is where he found it. “Once I stepped on campus, I felt the love and support I needed to help me accomplish my dreams and goals,” Lane said.
Saint Augustine’s University’s atmosphere also appealed to Lane. “I chose Saint Augustine’s University because of its great historical richness,” he explained. “Out of all the admissions letters I received, I knew that Saint Augustine’s University was the one for me.”
Now a sophomore and a computer information systems major, Lane has thrived as a Falcon. He was selected as Mr. Academic Achiever, representing that program – which enhances students’ academic skills and boosts the university’s retention rates – in the Queen’s Court. Lane is required to attend meetings, makes appearances and perform other duties as part of that tile.
He also is a member of the TRIO program, which enhances his academic skills through tutoring and other methods. In addition, Lane is a member of the Christian Fellowship Organization on campus.
Not only is Lane active in on-campus organization; he also finds time to participate in several off-campus activities. He still attends The Rock Church in his hometown when he is home – in fact, he sings in the choir and, at times, is a worship leader, as well as attending Bible study and Sunday School.
When Lane is at SAU, he attends World Overcomer’s Church in Durham, NC.
Lane compares his life to “Lean On Me,” a movie about a dedicated principal who turns around a decaying inner-city school despite all odds being against him. “Even though there are a lot of people who don’t want to succeed, there are even more that want to do better and succeed,” Lane said. “All you have to do is keep putting one foot in front of the other and before you know it your dream will soon become reality, because you have stepped into your destiny.”
Earning his four-year degree from SAU is not in question. Lane has specific plans for after graduation: “I hope to get a job in my field of computer information systems, continue on to get my degree in divinity, record a Gospel CD to showcase my voice that God has given me and, also become a minister when God says it’s time.”
— Jazmin Powell
