Jane came from a meager background and was literally the farmer’s daughter. Then early on she was informed she was dyslexic and labeled as not too pretty. She was even told she’d never get accepted into college and couldn’t afford it anyway—and probably wouldn’t accomplish much in life. Yet, ironically, that may have been the best thing that ever happened to Jane because she proved every label wrong.

With money earned from working in her father’s tomato fields and the reward of a scholarship in hand, Jane graduated from Columbia College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and pursued graduate studies in public administration at The College of Charleston. From there she went on to win the title of Miss South Carolina and represent her state in the Miss America Pageant.

And from then until now, Jane has accomplished plenty—inspiring audiences everywhere as a nationally known speaker with the highest rank of speaker certification. She is also an award-winning professional singer and recording artist and author. Her articles have appeared in Guidepost Magazine, Successful Farming and Baby Boomer, and she was featured in Today's American Woman magazine. Jane authored the book, Bare Feet to High Heels; You Don't have to Be a Beauty Queen to be a Beautiful Person and frequently writes as a guest newspaper columnist.

Clearly, Jane’s can-do attitude inspires people to reach for their absolute best. You will laugh as Jane shares down-home principles with uptown humor all the while motivating you to discover your niche in life and bolstering you with the confidence to achieve.

Traveling the United States and abroad, Jane has recorded two gospel albums. Her latest release features big band classics and is entitled, “Favorites.” She has also performed the national anthem at Radio City Music Hall and numerous national bowl games.

Jane is active in her church and community and serves on the Board of Trustees at Piedmont Technical College in South Carolina, the Miss South Carolina Pageant Scholarship Foundation Board and the Clemson University Board of Advisors. She is also chairperson of the National Speakers Association Scholarship Committee and serves on the foundation board of the National Speakers’ Association.

Married to Thomas Herlong and the mother of two, Jane resides on the family farm in Edgefield County, South Carolina.