Lauren S. Cole has been named Executive Director of Troy University’s John W. Schmidt (JWS) Center for Student Success.
The JWS center provides programs and services that enhance Troy University students’ academic achievement, personal and social growth, campus and civic engagement, career development and persistence to graduation.
“I am excited about the future of our John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success with Lauren Cole at the helm,” said Dr. Kerry Palmer, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Lauren is respected throughout our university community for her professionalism and enthusiasm. She is passionate about helping students succeed, and I believe we will see that passion expressed through the Center on a daily basis.”
Cole joined the TROY staff in 2011 as Director of Career Services. In that role, her goal each day mirrored her office’s mission: “Prepare tomorrow’s professionals for today’s global workforce.” This included assisting students and alumni with career coaching, resumes, interviewing, networking and other career-related tasks.
In addition, Cole taught career courses, conducted workshops and coordinated career fairs, developing relationships with businesses interested in hiring TROY graduates, and has served on several university-wide committees.
In addition to the responsibilities of overseeing the JWS Center, Cole also directs the Chancellor’s Fellows Leadership Development Program.
Prior to joining the TROY staff, Cole served for five years as a Trade and Marketing Specialist with the Alabama Department of Industries where she traveled around the world, marketing Alabama food and agricultural products.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science from Auburn University, a Master of Business Administration from Auburn University in Montgomery and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Troy University’s Global Leadership Ph.D. program.
“I am excited to step into the role of Executive Director of the John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success,” Cole said. “Having previously worked in Career Services within the Center, I’ve had the privilege of building relationships and gaining insights into the student-centered work being done here. This new position will enable me to collaborate closely with our dedicated professional staff and deeply engage with their programs, as we collectively strive to support and enhance student success at TROY.”
Cole is married to David Cole, who is President of the Ductile Iron Pipe Association (DIPRA), and they have one son, Witt, who is 12 years old, and one daughter, Chandler, who is 9. They are members of Troy First Methodist Church and are both active in their community.
