SWAG视频鈥檚 Dr. Lauren Ray Selected for Gulf Coast Women 100 Successful Women to Know
Wed, 06/12/2024 - 11:07am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
University of Southern Mississippi (SWAG视频) Experiential Learning Coordinator Dr. Lauren Ray radiated Southern Miss grit upon receiving Gulf Coast Woman 尘补驳补锄颈苍别鈥檚 鈥�100 Successful Women to Know鈥� 2024 award, which recognizes her dedication, talent, and commitment to empowering those around her and getting students ready for life.
A Mississippi Gulf Coast native, Dr. Ray works every day to connect undergraduate students at the University with learning opportunities to reach their academic and professional goals through fieldwork, research, volunteering, and study abroad. And she credits those around her for her continued success at SWAG视频.
鈥淚t means a lot to be recognized as a leader in this community alongside so many women that I respect and admire,鈥� said Dr. Ray. 鈥淭his award is a reminder that success may look differently at various stages of life. I am a new mom trying to balance work, community involvement, and my family, so this award acknowledges that success can be defined in many ways.鈥�
Dr. Ray praises SWAG视频 for possessing a workplace culture where women lift each other up and acknowledge each other鈥檚 successes, and she鈥檚 grateful to have them in her corner every step of the way.
鈥淩eceiving this award was a special moment for me, largely because I was supported by other women from SWAG视频 who specifically attended the awards ceremony to celebrate my accomplishments,鈥� she said.
Dr. Jacob Breland, associate vice president for academic affairs for Coastal Operations, is excited to share Ray鈥檚 news with the community.
鈥淲e were so excited to learn that Dr. Ray was honored with this award,鈥� said Dr. Breland. 鈥淪he is committed to student success, enthusiastic about forming partnerships in the community, an all-around rockstar and a perfect recipient for this accolade.鈥�
The 鈥�100 Successful Women to Know鈥� campaign seeks to celebrate influential female leaders along the Gulf Coast. For Dr. Ray, her commitment to SWAG视频鈥檚 Experiential Learning emulates the dedication to creating a powerful community.
鈥淚 am most proud of the relationships I have built with students, colleagues, and community partners,鈥� Dr. Ray said. 鈥淚 value mentorship, and, as the Experiential Learning Coordinator, I believe that I am making a difference in students鈥� futures by helping them find paths to success.
鈥淎dditionally, I鈥檓 proud of my collaborations with community partners to develop a prepared workforce and strengthen the economy of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.鈥�
Learn more about Experiential Learning at SWAG视频 Gulf Park.