After decades of dedicated service to Alabama State University, Cheryl Lang, a seasoned school administrator, bids farewell to her fulfilling career, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication and positive impact.
Lang’s journey into the world of nursing began in 1971 when she entered Mastin School of Nursing in Mobile, Alabama. Her commitment to the field led her to complete her registered nurse training in 1974, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.
Lang’s early experiences as a nurse, from 1990 to 2000, provided a unique perspective on student health services. Working tirelessly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Lang offered medical services ranging from minor surgical procedures, knee injections and ear irrigation to handling athletic injuries and providing asthma treatments. Not only did she manage physical health but also took extra effort to provide necessary care for students without routine medical insurance, ensuring their well-being.
“Our students didn’t routinely have medical insurance, so I took extra effort to provide what they needed without sending them to other providers, creating bills that the campus insurance would not cover,” Lang said.
Transitioning into administrative roles, Lang served as the Violence Against Women and Men (VAMP) director, offering educational and support services to victims of intimate partner violence. Her background as a sexual assault forensic examiner equipped her to compassionately assist those affected by violence.
As a school administrator, Lang focused on going beyond her role’s routine scope, providing students with not only professional services but also guidance, compassion and financial support when needed. Recognizing students as young souls in need of understanding, she worked towards fostering a positive environment, encouraging them to participate in activities, such as choir, theater, dance, band and honor organizations.
“Students’ needs are many besides what your job specifies,” Lang said. “They need direction, listening ears, compassion, sometimes a financial lift and oftentimes prayer. I always remembered that they are souls, young souls in need of understanding and care, as opposed to judgment.”
Lang’s positive impact extended beyond her administrative duties. She played a pivotal role in establishing support groups and implementing a social media platform denouncing various forms of violence. Her memorable moments include personally assisting students in times of need, exemplified by a touching story of her helping a young mother in crisis.
“Occasionally, I would take a student home when they were displaced for various reasons. This particular time, a young lady was expecting and planning to leave the child at the hospital. I found a couple willing to take the child, but they would only be available one week after discharge. So, the student and baby came home with me. The mother became very ill that week and ended up on a ventilator. Subsequently, the father of the child’s parents wanted the child. The mother survived, and she raised her daughter, who is a blessing to her. That same student has reached back to encourage another student considering an abortion to stay the course.”
Reflecting on her experiences, Lang offers advice to aspiring school administrators, especially those in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs): “Be patient, love the community and stay focused on the purpose despite challenges.”
As she retires, Cheryl Lang leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion. She hopes that everyone will look beyond superficial differences, focusing on love and understanding. In her own words, she inspires.
“Owe no man nothing but to love him with the love of the Lord,” she said. “Amen and peace out.”