Hump Day Highlight: Lauren Banker ’14

Graphic for Campbell University Alumni Association’s Hump Day Highlight featuring Lauren Banker ’14. A smiling portrait of Banker appears on the left, with an orange background on the right displaying the text “Hump Day Highlight,” “Lauren Banker ’14” and “B.S. Psychology,” along with the Campbell University Alumni Association logo.

Hump Day Highlight is a series from the Campbell University Alumni Association that shines a spotlight on alumni making an impact in their professions, communities and beyond. Through their own words, Campbell graduates reflect on the experiences that shaped their journeys and the degree programs that helped launch their careers.

Campbell University alumna Lauren Banker (’14) found a home in Buies Creek and a community that helped prepare her for a career dedicated to supporting students.

Today, Banker serves as Career Development Coordinator at Western Harnett High School, where she helps students explore career options, prepare for life after graduation and connect their interests with future opportunities. She also remains connected to Campbell through her service on the Alumni Board of Directors.

What drew you to Campbell and your chosen degree program?

Campbell truly felt like home from the very beginning. From my first campus tour visit through my freshman experience, I knew I had found a place where I would be cared for, supported and encouraged by the faculty and staff. At Campbell, you are known not just as a student, but as an individual.

I always knew I wanted to become a teacher or work in education. I chose to pursue psychology while also taking many education courses, which ultimately led me to earn my master’s degree in school counseling. Working in education has been a dream of mine since I was young, and becoming a Camel while pursuing a career that allows me to impact students has been a dream come true.

Lauren Banker ’14 wears her Campbell University cap and gown while posing beside a colorful stained-glass window in Butler Chapel.                 Lauren Banker ’14 poses with her husband and two children for a family photo.

What is one thing you would want others to know about your degree program or your experience at Campbell?

One thing I would want others to know about my experience at Campbell is that it became more than just a place where I earned a degree; it became a community that loved me and helped shape who I am today.

The relationships, experiences and opportunities I had at Campbell helped me grow spiritually and personally while preparing me professionally. I will always be grateful for the support I received at Campbell and for the lasting impact the people and experiences have had on my life.

Is there a particular experience, professor or lesson from your time at Campbell that has stayed with you?

Being part of the group that helped start Campus Worship and getting to work with Campus Ministries through different events, like leading at Caswell in the summer, were some of my favorite memories from my time at Campbell. The opportunities to serve, lead and be part of what God was doing on campus, along with the memories we made with Faithe Beam, Louisa and Tyler, are things I will always cherish.

A group of Campbell students and staff pose together during a Campus Worship event at Caswell, with several wearing Campbell shirts and event name tags.
Banker, along with fellow Campbell students and staff, participate in a Campus Worship event at Caswell.

I also had the privilege of learning from Dr. Gary Taylor, who was one of the very best professors and advisors I had at Campbell. I still remember some of his quirky “Taylorisms” that have stayed with me and continue to guide me in both life and my work, far beyond the classroom.

What advice would you give to current or future Campbell students?

Get involved in something that brings you joy!

Make friends, find your community and discover something that gives you a break from studying and schoolwork. Take time to enjoy college life and the unique season you are in right now. Explore clubs, intramurals, team sports, campus activities and ministries that will help you grow as a believer, as a person and as a part of the Campbell community.

Tell us about what you’re doing now. What do you enjoy most about your work?

I serve as the Career Development Coordinator at Western Harnett High School. I help students explore career options, plan for college or the workforce, and facilitate internship opportunities and other work-based learning experiences. I also coordinate CTE testing, support our CTE teachers and their classroom efforts, help organize field trips and guest speakers, and serve as the advisor for our school’s National Technical Honor Society chapter.

As a former school counselor, my favorite part of working with students was helping them figure out their postsecondary plans. In my current role, I get to continue that work by helping them dig deeper to explore different career paths that align with their interests and discover the education and training they need to reach their future career goals.

Share Your Campbell Story

Are you a Campbell alumnus with a story to tell? We’d love to hear how your Campbell experience has shaped your life, career and calling while highlighting the degree program that helped prepare you for success.

If you’re interested in being considered for a future Hump Day Highlight, complete our Hump Day Highlight Alumni Questionnaire.

Please note: Submission of the questionnaire does not guarantee selection. Stories are featured at the discretion of the Campbell University Alumni Association based on editorial needs, available space and representation across colleges, degree programs and graduating classes.