Lauren Thams Nominated for BU Beacon Award
Lauren Thams, Academic Affairs Administrator at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, was nominated for the Staff Advisory Council’s BU Beacon Award. The award recognizes staff members who create lasting value by improving processes, supporting others, or envisioning new possibilities through leadership—often behind the scenes.
Nominated by her colleagues—undergraduate advisors Claire-Solène Becka, Alethea Olsen Cono, and Sophia Gish—Lauren is widely respected for her meaningful contributions to the Pardee School and its community.
Colleagues noted that Lauren embodies the spirit of integrity and innovation through her quiet but powerful leadership: “Her impact is felt not through titles or accolades, but through the daily, often unseen acts of leadership that strengthen our institution from within.”
Through her advocacy for collaboration, communication, and bridge-building, Pardee has benefited from Lauren’s influence at both micro and macro levels. As her colleagues shared:
“Lauren is an especially strong advocate of smoother and more open communication and has worked hard to break down silos.”
“Lauren’s instinct for improving systems has led to tangible, lasting improvements in operations and workplace culture.”
“As an advisor, she helped launch several programs and initiatives in support of students, such as wellness programming, a tutoring program, and a faculty-student mentoring event. Now, she is using her deep experience as an academic advisor as a springboard to her new role in academic affairs, where she is working to bring student-centered curriculum reform to Pardee.”
A graduate from Boston University’s DEI Staff Institute, Lauren’s commitment to inclusion is reflected in the thoughtful care and generosity she brings to her work environment.
“She goes above and beyond in providing mentorship, guidance, and support to colleagues and students alike.”
Lauren’s nomination for the BU Beacon Award reflects the depth of her impact and the high regard in which she is held by her colleagues. Their statements underscore how central, and deeply appreciated, she is within the Pardee School community.