About Dr. Lane Freeman

Pedagogy First. Technology Second.

Dr. Ricky "Lane" Freeman, Jr. is a statewide leader in higher education and a strategist in Artificial Intelligence, but his philosophy is simple: technology should never replace pedagogy—it should amplify it.

Lane operates at the intersection of innovation and instruction. While he is widely sought after for his expertise in AI strategy and governance, he often uses these emerging tools as a "foot in the door" to champion what matters most: high-engagement strategies, authentic assessments, and active learning environments.

A Foundation in High-Engagement Instruction

• Lane’s approach to professional development is immersive. He doesn’t just lecture on engagement; he models it.

• This style was honed during his years as a National Staff Developer for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). In training sessions across the country, Lane helped educators translate theory into practice, demonstrating how to build rigorous, high-support classrooms where students are active owners of their learning.

• His commitment to instructional excellence is rooted in his background as a National Board Certified Teacher (CTE). Although his certification tenure (2005–2015) has concluded, the experience instilled in him the "reflective practitioner" mindset—the belief that great teaching requires constant self-assessment, data analysis, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Championing Teaching Excellence at Scale

• Today, Lane applies this framework to the entire North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). As the State Director of Online Learning, he helps lead the NC Community College Master Instructor (NC3MI) Program.

• This initiative is the standard-bearer for instructional quality across North Carolina’s "Great 58" colleges. Through this program, Lane champions a culture where faculty are recognized for implementing evidence-based strategies, fostering student success, and turning their classrooms—whether physical or digital—into hubs of active inquiry.

National Impact & Consulting

Lane’s work extends far beyond North Carolina. He has delivered high-energy workshops and strategy sessions for K–12 and higher education leaders nationwide.

His recent engagements include:

• New York & Illinois: Training superintendents and district leaders (including BOCES HFM and IASA) on navigating the AI landscape while maintaining instructional integrity.

• Nationwide Workshops: Facilitating sessions on engagement and assessment reform in Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arizona.

• Whether he is speaking to a room of superintendents, leaders in higher education, or a cohort of adjunct faculty, Lane’s message remains consistent: We must use the tools of tomorrow to reinforce the timeless best practices of today.