Naming of entrance, professorship honor Dr. John Langan
Dr. John Langan devoted much of his life to the university
John Langan devoted nearly half a century to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, first as a student, then as a faculty member and professor, and eventually as dean of the College of Education.
In connection with the official dedication of Roskens Hall, the new home of UNO’s College of Education, UNO honored Langan’s legacy by naming both a building entrance and a professorship.
The John T. Langan Entrance on the north side of Roskens Hall faces Dodge Street. A plaque just inside the entrance notes Langan’s deep commitment to education, both in his numerous roles at UNO and through his community involvement. He served as president of the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education for eight years and was a board member for a total of 14 years.
“John Langan was a dedicated educator who understood the importance of quality education to the development of an individual and the vitality of our community,” said Ruth and Bill Scott who made the lead gift to the Roskens Hall redevelopment project. They chose to name the north entrance for Langan.
“Even though we never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Langan we know that his influence is felt in every school and classroom throughout the Omaha area and beyond.”
UNO also recently announced the creation of the John T. Langan Professorship in Early Childhood Education that permanently links Langan’s name with excellence in this critical area. The professorship is the first established within the Buffet Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska.
“Creation of the Langan professorship in this preeminent institute enables UNO to attract or retain a distinguished leader who will help transform early childhood education in Nebraska and across the nation,” said Nancy Edick, dean, UNO College of Education. “We are extremely gratefully to the individuals whose generous support established this key faculty position.”
The John T. Langan Professorship Advisory Committee was instrumental in raising funds for the professorship. It was created through the support of more than 450 donors with gifts ranging from $10 to $25,000.
Faculty support is a priority area for the University of Nebraska Foundation’s Unlimited Possibilities campaign and for UNO. An endowed professorship is one of the strongest incentives the university has for recruiting, retaining and rewarding distinguished faculty.
John Langan died in 2010. His family includes his wife Carole, a retired OPS assistant principal and teacher and sons Michael, who works for Ecolabs in Texas, and Tim, an attorney with Omaha Title & Escrow, plus his wife Liz and son Connor.
