Dr. Lauren Albaum is a respected educator and senior administrator whose visionary leadership has driven student success, outcomes, and engagement across institutions of higher education. The current Vice President of Student Life at Florida Southern College, Dr. Albaum oversees a wide range of programs and services designed to enhance the student experience, from counseling and wellness services to student activities and residential life to academic and campus engagement initiatives. Her leadership philosophy centers around embracing positive, transformational change through a lens of continual innovation, data and trend analysis, empowerment of staff and students, and a commitment to excellence and results. Prior to her current role, Dr. Albaum served as the Executive Director of Career Services, where she was responsible for implementing innovative approaches to career development. Under her leadership, Florida Southern College was recognized as a Top 25 Best Career Services in the United States.
With a passion for innovation and servant leadership, Dr. Albaum has served in a variety of leadership positions, including President of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, President of the Florida Children’s Museum Board, President of the Southeastern Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, and a Chair for the United Way of Central. A first-generation student who lost her mother at a young age, Dr. Albaum knows firsthand the importance of female mentorship and has dedicated much of her professional and personal work in service to women and children.
Dr. Albaum is a proud member of Leadership Florida Connect Class 12, Leadership Lakeland Class XXXVIII, Leadership Polk Class XVII, and is a Lakeland Economic Development Council High Skill Future Leader. For her efforts, Dr. Albaum has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 by the Tampa Bay Business, an Honorary Gladiator by the US Army, and she has received the ATHENA International Young Professional Leadership Award, the ‘She Knows Where She is Going Award’ by Girls Inc., and the Florida Southern College Spirit of the Cornerstone Award.
Dr. Albaum holds a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida, a Master’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Music from Florida State University. Dr. Albaum is married to Kevin Albaum, a board-certified elder law attorney, and is mom to a vibrant six-year-old and two goldendoodles. When not working and volunteering, Lauren loves to travel, play tennis, and decompress at Pure Barre!
