Lauren Welch is the Executive Director of Philanthropy for NC State’s College of Engineering, where she leads the fundraising team for the university’s largest college.

Throughout her 20+ year career, Lauren has personally secured more than $100m in philanthropic support, with a focus on student scholarships, global programs and faculty research. Prior to her current position, Lauren served in management roles in NC State’s regional major gifts program during the $2bn Think and Do the Extraordinary campaign; Imperial College London’s principal gifts program; and SOAS: University of London.

Lauren started her career with the US-UK Fulbright Commission in London, where her team provided guidance to thousands of British students annually wishing to study in the States. Lauren also played a key role in developing the Sutton Trust US Program, which has enabled hundreds of underserved UK students to study at American colleges over the past 13 years.

Lauren completed her undergraduate degrees and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration NC State. She has served as a trustee for two Junior League chapters, most recently as Treasurer of the Junior League of Raleigh (2024-2026). Lauren is also a certified professional coach.

Lauren was a Fulbrighter in Austria from 2004-2006.