Midland University is proud to recognize three individuals who, between them, have given more than 100 years of service to Midland University and its students.
Dr. Janet Lack and Doug Watson are retiring this year, each serving 40 years or more at Midland. Jef Field announced his resignation before the start of the fall semester after 30 years to start his own home repair business. The trio was honored during a celebration on campus Monday, Nov. 25th.
Midland is grateful for the dedication to the university and its students, each of these individuals displayed during their tenures. They will be greatly missed.
Jef Field – Jef came to Midland 30 years ago to serve as head baseball coach, a role he held for 18 years. At Midland, he also served as Resident Hall Director for Men’s Memorial Hall, Midwest Admissions Counselor, Associate Professor of Human Performance, and Human Performance Internship Coordinator. He was also involved in many different committees during his time at Midland.
Looking back, Jef is grateful for the opportunity and support he received to become Midland’s baseball coach. “I’d like to thank (former Athletic Director) Steve Schneider and (former president) Dr. Carl Hansen for giving me this opportunity. When I applied at Midland, I didn’t know anyone here, in the community, or even in this area of Nebraska. Without knowing anything about me other than what was stated in my resume, they saw something in me and offered me this opportunity. I am forever grateful for that.”
As a coach for nearly 20 years, he helped lead young men both on and off the diamond and is thankful for the relationships that were forged during that time. “I had many incredible experiences as a baseball coach. I recall the successes and championships, but more importantly, I value the relationships established during that time. Many of my former players are some of my closest friends today.”
As a professor, Jef wanted to do what was best for his students, even if they might not have seen it that way at the time. “I loved the opportunity to guide and mentor our students. Although I was friendly with them, I was not their friend. I believed my role was to hold them to high standards and accountability in preparation for the real world. I used to tell my students I’m more concerned about what they will think of me 10 years from now than the immediate. By that point in time, you will have a better understanding of my methods and have a more mature understanding of lifelong responsibilities.”
Being able to mentor and impact a student’s life is one aspect Jef said he will miss about Midland. He will also miss the many people he encountered helping arrange internships for hundreds of students. “I established great relationships with many internship sites and site supervisors at Midland. Along with the ability to help find incredible and challenging internship experiences for our students, it was fun watching them grow into young professionals due to those opportunities.”
Jef is experiencing a new challenge in his life, one of which is operating his own home repair business called Home Field Advantage. “So far, it has kept me very busy, and the transition has been enjoyable.”
Dr. Janet Lack – Janet has worn many hats in her 40-plus-year career at Midland. Her roles have included Activities Director, Assistant Dean of Students, Intramural Director and Assistant to the AD, Director of First Year Experience, Assistant Softball Coach, Student Success Advisor, and most recently Coordinator of the Academic Resource Center.
She has been a part of starting and continuing many traditions over the years. “I remember when we started the tradition of using golf carts to transport students on Student Appreciation Day or working with the alumni staff to come up with the idea of giving freshmen and seniors medallions. When we first had the idea for late-night breakfast, we actually served breakfast at midnight!”
Janet’s best quality has been putting smiles on the faces of students, faculty, and staff for more than 40 years, whether handing out candy on Santa Lucia Day or being a regular at hundreds of sporting events, theater performances, or music concerts. “At Midland, we can have fun together at many different places. My mentor once told me that if you are not excited about the start of a new academic year or bittersweet about the commencement ceremony, you need to look for a different job. To this day, each of those celebrations is special to me. It’s how we reflect on our time as educators.
“I have fond memories of traveling with the softball team. There were instances of missing a few turns as the bus driver, the bus breaking down, practical jokes, and simply enjoying the moments as a team.”
As someone who has given a large portion of her life to Midland, Janet will miss the many relationships she has established during that time and hopes the next generation of the Midland family will value the importance of what Midland stands for. “I will miss the essence of the Midland community. The faculty, staff, and students have been like family to me. For Midland to thrive, the next generation of Midlanders must work very hard. Working at Midland takes dedication, drive, a spirit of service, and a sincere desire for Midland to carry out its mission.”
After an upcoming knee replacement surgery, Janet hopes to complete her goal of visiting all 50 states. All that remains is Maine and Alaska!
Doug Watson – Doug has been a fixture at Midland since 1981, sans a brief hiatus (or amnesia, as he jokes) from 2007-2010.
He began as an Admissions Counselor before settling into his familiar role as Director of Financial Aid, the youngest director in Nebraska at the time of his hiring. Although that title has changed several times, the one constant has been Doug being the backbone of the Financial Aid Department and the Primary Designated School Official for International Students.
In a 40-year career, Doug has seen many changes at Midland. “I remember working in the old administration building, complete with stairways to nowhere, secret passageways, bats, steam heat, and an old-style switchboard. I have also been in six different office locations in the Anderson building.”
Doug credited people like Rollie Kahnk, his mentor, and Arnold Lack (Janet’s father) as critical figures when he started a career in higher education. It’s the people at Midland, students or co-workers, that will leave the biggest impression on him. “I will miss working with students and their families and helping them realize their dream of getting a Midland education, as well as working with international students and learning about other cultures. I will also miss working with a new generation of leaders ready to take Midland to the next level.”
Doug plans to utilize retirement as a time to travel more with his wife, Linda. He will also be able to spend more time with and care for family members, get involved in more musical opportunities, and continue serving his church.
Midland has genuinely been Doug’s extended family, as evidenced by his two daughters learning to ride bikes and later drive their cars in the Midland parking lot. It’s been a memorable 40-year run. “When I left Midland in 2007, I never expected I would return and then retire 14 years later. It has indeed been a joy and privilege to serve Midland and its students; for that, I will forever be grateful.
“I am also thankful for the support Midland provided to allow me to be a part of and participate in our state, regional, and national financial aid associations in various ways. The friendships I gained over the years through these organizations have truly been blessings.”
He is grateful for working with outstanding individuals over the years and is confident that the team will continue to thrive. “I love working in financial aid and feel I am leaving the department with a good foundation and in good hands. I am excited for the team to continue working and serving students now and into the future.”
