As a young man, Steve Slane had a decision to make: stay in Bliss, Idaho, or take a chance and head to a big city.

He chose the latter, and now he’s celebrating half a century at 91������Ʒ.

The self-described “Idaho kid” grew up in a town of just 91 people with no sidewalks or lights, and a graduating class of 11 students.

So, why Cleveland?

“I got into this whole thing and ended up at Cleveland State by accident,” he said. “I didn’t even know if I was going to college when I graduated high school because I didn’t have any role models, but it happened that my grades gave me a scholarship that paid my way and that opened the door to Idaho State University, where I earned my undergraduate degree.”

The Vietnam War was raging, and Slane was scheduled to be drafted. However, just after his draft board notified him that he’d be next, they unexpectedly froze the list at number 140.

“I was number 142,” he recalls.

Not knowing what to do next, he became fast friends with a fellow by the name of Alan Hartman, who served as the department chair of psychology at Idaho State. The two hung around often and would go pheasant hunting together.

“I called him up and I told him I didn’t know what to do in the fall and asked if I could possibly get into the master’s program and he said yes, so I went,” said Slane. “They offered me an assistantship, and I ended up staying there for two years and got my master’s degree.”

After that, Slane had another decision to make.

"I liked social psychology, and I'm pretty good with numbers and despite other schools with better reputations out there that I could have gone to, I settled on the University of Nebraska for my doctorate," he said. "It may have been the best years of my life."

After earning his Ph.D. in 1975, the job search began, and soon after, one university came calling that would change his life forever.

“Academic jobs were scarce, and the only place that offered me a job was Cleveland State,” he said.

“And so, I took it.”

“THE WILD WEST”

When Slane hopped on I-80 and drove straight into the heart of downtown Cleveland, his wife was not too thrilled at first.

“In 1975, the river had just recently burned, and the word on the street about Cleveland and Cleveland State was not really good,” said Slane. “Cleveland State was new at the time, and I was here in 1975 with my plan being to stay two or three years and move on.

“Well, I didn’t move on.”

He describes his early days at Cleveland State as the Wild West.

“There were students everywhere, we were short of space, we were teaching classes in temporary classrooms, it was a mess—but it was really exciting at the same time,” said Slane.

“I remember we would teach extra classes because the highest enrollment we ever had was in those early days in the late-1970s. During that time, we thought it would help the school and the department, and it did. We also had an advising load back in the day and we would get several students and advise them,” he said.

“It was a lot of work and at times frustrating, but there was a lot of ’we’ feeling around here that we are going to get this done, and we are going to make Cleveland State a great place, and over the years, I think we did.”

AN IMPACTFUL FRIEND

As Slane’s outgoing personality and willingness to help whenever necessary continued to shine, he soon bonded with a student during his early years at 91������Ʒ. Bob LaGuardia, who was in one of his classes and later went on to earn a Ph.D. in Social Psychology at Nebraska, is now living in Cleveland and practices as an organizational consultant. 

“I’ve had a number of those experiences with students going on to higher education and doing very well,” said Slane. “I felt that in some way, their success in those fields is a result of some contact with me.”

LaGuardia recalls how impactful Slane was the very first day he met him, and it has continued to this day, including being the godfather to one of his children.

“Steve’s first year teaching at 91������Ʒ was my last there as an undergraduate. It was an evening class when he walked in and began writing on the blackboard. Most of us thought he was a student sent by the professor to announce that class was cancelled for the day. He spun around, announced who he was, and began to lecture. He was the bright, articulate, confident, boyish person that we have all come to know,” LaGuardia said.

“Over the years, we have served as long-suffering, die-hard Husker fans traveling to University Park and Lincoln for football contests. We have enjoyed some good wines and a lasting friendship.  Steve is one-of-a-kind and one of the good guys.”

FORMER STUDENT COMES FULL CIRCLE

Close friend and now fellow professor Maria Rowlett’s career could be described as a complete 360.

As an undergraduate student in 1988, she found herself wandering into the chair of the Psychology Department’s office in search of some kind of guidance. A transfer student and new to Cleveland, 91������Ʒ was unfamiliar territory.

“I was struggling in a class and was looking for advice on what to do, and as an older student, I did not want to jeopardize my path to an undergraduate degree. Steve Slane happened to be the chair at the time, and because of him, my life forever changed,” she said.

Slane recalled Rowlett approaching him after the first night of a statistics class he was teaching asking if she could enroll.

“I said sure, and through that course, she began to flourish,” he said. “She eventually published her thesis, which is a study of job satisfaction that is still the most widely cited paper I have.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1991, Rowlett was quickly accepted into the Consumer Industrial Research graduate program, earning her master’s two years later and leaving 91������Ʒ for what she thought would be a short while.

“More time passed than I anticipated, but as soon as I was able to head back to the work force, Steve was the first person I contacted,” said Rowlett. “Since I returned, Steve and I have collaborated on numerous courses, published research, published a book and have mentored countless students. Steve has taught me so much that I never thought possible for myself and has made me the teacher I am today.”

Rowlett added that the most important thing she has seen is that he truly cares for the students and fights for each one of them equally, teaching them how to work hard and not give up while believing in themselves and never hesitating to reach out–even after graduating–if they need any help.

ANOTHER 50 YEARS?

As Slane looks to the future, he was quick to credit his parents for instilling a second-to-none work ethic which he has carried with him to this day.

“From my parents, I learned that all work is noble if you work hard at it and do it well,” he said. “I also learned to work through adversity.”

His recipe for success over the course of a half century has been to take what students have said throughout his time in the classroom to heart.

“If you listen to your students, they will teach you how to teach, and it’s not just what they say, it’s what they do,” he said. “If you don’t see questions from students as a threat, you will be a better teacher.

Slane does not see himself ever not being affiliated with 91������Ʒ and would like to continue to teach and be associated with the university as long as he is able. In fact, it’s become so much a part of his identity that he doesn’t know don’t know if he could survive not being at 91������Ʒ in some capacity.

One thing is for sure: it’s been quite the ride.

“The common theme throughout my entire life and career has been you’ve got to work at a place that makes you happy. Idaho State made me happy. The University of Nebraska made me happy. The people I hung out with made me happy. I don’t think there are a lot of people out there who can say that,” said Slane.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my 50 years here (well, mostly), and it’s been a very positive experience.”

A LASTING IMPACT

Over five decades at 91������Ʒ, Slane has served as a motivator, support system and friend to many who have not only taken his classes but worked alongside of him.

Here is his impact in their own words.

John J. Bazyk, Ph.D. (Associate Professor Emeritus): I am honored to count Steve as a close friend. I met him some time in the 1980s. I was on the faculty of the Occupational Program in the Department of Health Sciences. We were a very small, inexperienced faculty who reached out to Steve to advise us on making plans for our program. He generously helped us by guiding us to articulate our ideas and, in the process, give us confidence in our own agency. I am grateful for his support at that time when we felt vulnerable to the administration's cost-cutting measures. It helped us stiffen our resolve and strengthen our purpose.

Kathryn Gardner (former student): For me personally, Dr. Slane's impact extended far beyond the classroom. In an environment where I lacked traditional support systems, his belief in my abilities and consistent encouragement helped build the confidence I needed to succeed. His positive reinforcement created a sense of belonging within the academic community that continues to influence my journey today. Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of our university, and we are all better for having been your students.

John Holcomb (Vice President, Academic Programs & Professor): I always think of Steve as “The Once and Future Chair.”  His willingness to serve as chair for so many other departments beyond Psychology was amazing.  I always think of Steve as smiling, and that is no easy feat when one is an administrator.  He also, despite a busy schedule as associate dean or being chair so often, kept teaching, and I think that helped always keep him grounded.

Tim Long (retired Chief Financial Officer): Steve really helped me understand the academic side of the University. This was invaluable to me as a member of the administration and enabled me to become more aware of the complexities of operating an institution of higher learning.  I am grateful for knowing Steve as both a trusted colleague and friend.

Clint Van Dine (former student): Dr. Slane has been more than just a teacher; he’s been a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to all around him. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with Dr. Slane on numerous research studies over the past 30+ years. When it comes to qualitative research, there is no one I would rather work with. Intellect aside, he never shies away from a challenge, and his ability to anticipate and adapt elevates both the research process and its outcomes. Congratulations on this incredible milestone!