I Am Wilshire – Lauran Anne Cove.
Name: Lauren Anne Cove
Hometown: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Education: BA in English and Psychology, University of Massachusetts Amherst; Master of Education, UT-Austin; Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Human Rights and Social Justice, SMU; Doctorate of Education (in progress), University of Southern California
Profession: Educational Administrator; Associate Director for the Office of Social Change & Intercultural Engagement at SMU
Present city: Dallas
Tell us about your family.
I am daughter to Bill and MaryAnn, sister to Erica, Auntie Lauren to William, 5, and Isaac, 3, and partner to Collin.
How about your work or volunteer life?
I serve as the associate director for the Office of Social Change and Intercultural Engagement at SMU. In this role I provide training, development, advice and support for student success, leadership development, diversity and social justice education.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
I was introduced to Wilshire through my partner, Collin Yarbrough. I met the Ithaka Class through social events, and when Wilshire re-opened in July 2021, I began attending Sunday School and worship. I immediately experienced that Wilshire was a different kind of Baptist church, and after hearing George Mason address issues of equity and justice from the pulpit, I knew I had found my church home.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
I sing in Sanctuary Choir and am a member of the Ithaka Class.
What has surprised you most about Wilshire?
I was surprised with how quickly I felt part of the community of Wilshire. I think I was asked to read Scripture from the chancel only three weeks after joining!
What do you think God is up to in your life right now?
I think God is challenging me to step out in faith. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” The last two years have taught us all about living in uncertain times. I am practicing putting my trust in God and putting one foot in front of the other.
What’s something interesting most people wouldn’t know about you?
In addition to my role at SMU, I serve as a facilitator for a nonprofit called LeaderShape, Inc. Our vision is to create a more just, caring and thriving world where all people lead with integrity and have a healthy disregard for the impossible.
If you are interested in being featured in an upcoming I Am Wilshire article, contact Carolyn Murray