Lauren Thorn

Director, Center for Student Success at ECU, LCSW. University of Alabama DSW student. Proud Junior League of Greenville member. All tweets are my own 💜☠️💛

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

I love it when my work life and social connections overlap, and this week is definitely one of the best examples of that. If you want to support our campaign or help me reach my personal goal, please visit the link below to learn more!

https://t.co/Hy1z5alEsO

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

For the last four days, I’ve been participating in the Little Black Dress Initiative with the Junior League of Greenville. This social media-driven campaign highlights the impact of food insecurity, particularly in limiting options and availability of choices.

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

By wearing the same black dress for five days, we help to raise awareness and bring attention to the challenges of hunger and poverty, as well as highlighting resources.

It’s been a busy week with volunteer opportunities, visits to resources & sharing our stories along the way.

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

Busy but full day with the Student Success Conference 💜 I love getting to see colleagues and hear some amazing conversations, especially with this year’s theme of equity and access. Grateful for my co-presenters today for the two sessions we did and the opportunity to share!

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

and eliminating barriers and gaps in student success on campus. (The visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge was just icing on the Mickey Mouse cake 😉) Good vibes appreciated as we attempt to drive back today since flights were cancelled…

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

As we prep for our tropical storm-filled departure, I am reflecting on the past couple of days. Definitely a different conference experience for us as Student Affairs educators, but so many relevant touch points as we continue to learn about the Moonshot for Equity Initiative…

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

Time for EAB Connect and learning more about how we can use their tools and technology to support student success and create an equitable learning environment 💜 but first—a little night out doing as much Disney as you can without a ticket 😉

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

and how financial well-being impacts retention and student success. Ready for my next adventure at the EAB conference next week…💜

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

Had the best time at UNC-Charlotte for the @UNC_System Financial Literacy Symposium last week. So good learning from other universities, especially some friends from Financial Aid and other Deans of Students, with conversations on emergency funds, basic needs insecurities…

[East Carolina Pirates @ECUAthletics]

Pirate Nation waking up for the 4th straight home game 😅😅

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

I am consistently surrounded by some incredible ECU women, but I love when we get to acknowledge and celebrate them 💜 Fantastic job, @ECUroundtable and @ECUAdvancement on an amazing event!

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

My favorite way to swing into the school year—another successful Pirate Palooza! 💜

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

Day 1 of @NASPAtweets #SSHE22 —I am already inspired by this evening’s keynote by @ItsDrMordecai and his “nuggets of wisdom” on dismantling systemic barriers and doing the work to “be the change.” (Also loving the Inner Harbor and exploring the National Aquarium!)

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

Back at the Rizzo Center today for the #uncstudentsuccess symposium today. Brings back fond memories of my BRIDGES experience in Fall 2019–excited to learn more about initiatives to support our students and strengthen our services 💜

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

@kevinrmcclure We did Pott’s Branch Trail at Umstead State Park in the spring with a group of young ones. Great spots to explore a couple of streams! Also have enjoyed walking around Historic Yates Mill park (and is close to Howling Cow for ice cream)

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

A goal months in the making—I’m in Tuscaloosa for the next few days and have finally gotten to meet my cohort in person! ❤️🐘

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind—but we pulled off our first full in-person commencement in two years! So proud to be a part of the team that helps make the magic happen. 💜

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

Wrapping up day 2 of 5 for our Little Black Dress week and so excited to be over halfway to my goal! Check out our amazing list of sponsors on our T shirt and how they’re participating! https://t.co/ZHwDnfcyUA

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

It’s day 1️⃣ of @jlgreenvillenc Little Black Dress Initiative! I’m wearing the same black dress for five days to bring awareness to food insecurity needs in our community and fundraise to help our partners. Check out my link to support: https://t.co/UibS50bEfw

[Lauren Thorn @laurenm83]

@ECU_SAD #40under40 was worth the wait. After two years, our class of 2020 was recognized along with 2021 and this year’s award recipients. It was a beautiful event and even more special to be in person with my friends and family 💜 Congrats to all of the honorees!