Lauren McGowan

Lauren McGowan.

Published July 7, 2021

This month's featured Professional Staff Senate member is Lauren McGowan, Director of Recruitment and Admissions for the School of Social Work.

How long have you worked at UB?

I have worked at UB for 6 years. I spent a little over a year in the School of Nursing and almost five years in the School of Social Work.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Print

I love helping students through the admissions process and educating people about social work as a profession. I’m also lucky to have great colleagues! 

What’s the most difficult part about your job?

Working with students who are angry about missing deadlines or being denied is always tough.

What would you say is your biggest achievement at UB?

My biggest achievement so far is successfully implementing Slate for my unit and continuing to improve our communications each year. 

Tell us something about your department that isn’t well known.

I’m not sure about my department, but many people don’t realize how vast and varied the social work profession is. There are veterinary social workers, library social workers, some that write social policy, work for the FBI, you name it- they’re everywhere improving our society in countless ways! 

If you were to share some advice for other professional staff, what would it be?

Find other people at the university who are doing similar things and connect with them. I am so thankful that I have my graduate admissions colleagues from other units to collaborate with! 

Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?

I have too many hobbies. My biggest one is theatre- I perform around town in plays and musicals. I also love reading, running/ biking, and I recently got into baking during quarantine.

Do you have a favorite meal you like to prepare?

I don't have a favorite meal per se, but related to my baking adventures, my favorite things to bake are breakfast pastries, muffins, scones, and bagels. Basically, any type of breakfast baked item. (Can you tell breakfast is my favorite meal?) 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I love traveling and I have so many places on my bucket list, it’s hard to choose just one. I would say Greece and Scotland are at the top of my list next though.  

Any other fun facts about you?

My younger twin sisters are both getting married two weeks apart. So it’s shaping up to be a busy, but fun summer!