Lana Batts, a prominent figure in the trucking industry and a University of Montana alumna, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from her alma mater. The university announced that Batts will be honored during its Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony, scheduled for December 12 at the Adams Center, where she will also serve as the commencement speaker.
Batts has held leadership roles such as president of the Truckload Carriers Association and senior vice president of government affairs with the American Trucking Association. She is recognized for breaking barriers in a male-dominated field and serving as a role model for women entering the transportation sector.
“In an era when few women held leadership roles in trucking, Lana’s presence, influence and professionalism not only earned her respect but also paved the way for others,” said Billie Lee, president of Driver iQ, who helped nominate Batts for the honorary degree. “She is the kind of professional who sets the bar high, expects excellence and leads by example. Simply put, if you know Lana, you are a better person for it.”
Originally from Billings, Montana, Batts graduated from UM in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. During her time at UM, she participated on the debate team—where she met her future husband Joe—and was active on the luge team. Although she qualified for the 1968 Winter Olympics in France, an injury prevented her from competing.
After graduation and marriage to Joe—who was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force—Batts earned a master’s degree at the University of Miami while living in Florida. Later postings took them to the Philippines, where she taught American history at the University of the Philippines.
Batts began her career in Washington D.C. as a junior transportation analyst with the American Trucking Association in 1973. Reflecting on her start in trucking policy work, Batts said: “I got in because of nepotism. But I kept the job because of my liberal arts degree. I knew how to think critically, explore creatively and live ethically. My No. 1 rule: When an opportunity presents itself, raise your hand.”
At ATA she was initially paid less than male colleagues despite having more education but eventually advanced to senior vice president of government affairs. She advised Alan Greenspan and federal officials during key moments like diesel rationing amid the 1973 oil crisis.
Throughout her career Batts often found herself as one of few women—or sometimes the only woman—in executive settings before becoming president of the Truckload Carriers Association. In addition to industry leadership roles, she co-founded Driver IQ—a background screening company—and launched Transport Capital Partners specializing in trucking mergers and acquisitions.
Her accolades include awards from industry groups such as Trucker Carrier Association’s Past Chairmen’s Award and Women’s Transportation Seminar’s Woman of the Year Award as well as UM’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
Batts has supported several programs at UM including political science and communication studies departments along with other initiatives like Bird Ecology Lab and Montana Museum of Art and Culture; she also contributes to local organizations such as Glacier National Park Conservancy and Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium.
“Lana has never been afraid to take the fast, uncertain track – whether on ice, in boardrooms or in federal policymaking circles,” said Alison Schultz, senior director of planned giving at UM Foundation. “Her legacy is one of leadership, resilience and generous service to her community, her industry and her alma mater. Her life reflects the best of what (UM) aims to instill in its students: courage, intellect and a commitment to making the world better.”
