LAUREN R. THOMAS 110 Murray Place Drive | Murray, KY 42071 270-559-9303 | LThomas13@murraystate.edu

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Proven leader and self-motivated Strong communicator, very experienced in public speaking Optimistic with others-oriented attitude Enthusiastic about learning and eager to provide opportunities for

learning to others

EDUCATIONMurray State University (MSU); Murray, KY | Bachelor of Arts, Organizational Communication | May 2016

Minor: Nonprofit Leadership Studies GPA: 3.8/4.0 | Major GPA: 4.0/4.0

University of Regensburg; Regensburg, Germany | Semester Exchange Program | Fall 2014

Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA); Republic of Ireland/Northern Ireland | Study Abroad | Summer 2013

EXPERIENCE Teach for America; Mississippi Delta | 2016 Corps Member | March 2016 – Present

Teach elementary students in a low-income community, based on a two-year commitment Make strides towards ending educational inequity by providing excellent educational opportunities to

students facing the challenges of poverty

Murray Independent School Systems; Murray, KY | Administrative Assistant | January 2015 – Present Stimulate a love for learning by guiding preschoolers through engaging lesson plans

Murray State University; Murray, KY | Oral Communication Consultant | Dec 2012 – Present Provide technology and support to speakers to facilitate success academically, professionally and ethically Coach students on basic and advanced public speaking skills to build confidence and strengthen core skills

for professional presentation

Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program; Murray, KY | Budget Director/Sales Manager | June 2015 – August Managed budget and sold merchandise, the proceeds of which were donated to the Kentucky Governor's

Scholars Foundation

Ryan Walker State Farm Agency; Murray, KY | Telemarketer | Jul 2014 – Aug 2014 Requested over-the-phone information pertinent to providing free car insurance quotes to customers Initiated six new customer relationships

United Way Murray-Calloway County; Murray, KY | Internship | May 2014 – Jul 2014 Researched and analyzed data concerning issues such as water supply, financial stability, and educational

attainment in regards to citizens in the area to present to focus groups committed to improving circumstances Prepared supplies and organized teams essential to success of Charity Golf Tournament which raised over

$16,000

Murray State University; Murray, KY | Student Disability Services | Jan 2014 – May 2014 Mentored three students and taught study skills to ensure academic success; all mentees were able to

achieve B or higher in classes for which they received help Tutored students in World Civilization, Humanities, Psychology and Organizational Communication

Camp Roy C. Manchester, Boy Scouts of America; Benton, KY | Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Merit Badge Instructor | Jun 2013 – Jul 2013

Taught Public Speaking and science classes to 15 students ages 11 – 17; guided recreational activities

Paducah Parks Services; Paducah, KY | Summer Camp Counselor | Jun 2012 – Aug 2012 Coordinated day-to-day activities for 25 children ages Kindergarten through Fifth Grade in low-income

community; facilitated learning endeavors to help children grow intellectually, physically and emotionally

ACTIVITIES / LEADERSHIP West KY Mentoring: Murray, KY | Mentor | 2015 – Present

Serve as positive role model to seven-year-old boy through individualizing fun and educational activities one hour per week

MSU Speech and Debate Union; Murray, KY | Executive Council | 2012 – Present Administer informational meetings and coaching sessions with members while serving as President (2014-

present) Strengthened size of and dedication to Union by serving as Richmond Residential College Representative

(2012-2013) and President (2014-present); 6 new members joined the Union during this duration

MSU Honors Program Student Council; Murray, KY | Philanthropy Committee | 2012 – 2014 Served as Chairperson and oversaw creation of partnership between Honors Program and after school

program, Main Street Youth Center (2014) Organized 2013 philanthropy event (Murray-O Party) with team of eight, exceeded goal of $600 (2013)

YNL 350, Program Administration in Youth and Human Services Organizations, Murray State University Established first annual West KY Mentoring Fall Festival with partner as recruitment/program enrollment

event for children in need of strong adult role model; 12 children enrolled in program as a result