Student Spotlight: Lauren Rounds

Lauren Rounds

Junior, English and Shackouls Honor College Scholar

Hometown:

Memphis, TN

Why English?

Growing up, I was quicker to pick up a book than I was to go play with other kids. I remember asking my elementary school teachers whether I could stay inside from recess to read my books. That relationship never ended, and words began to be an outlet for me as I learned how to lace them together to express my joys, doubts, and fears. Then, I began to think this could be my career— basking in words and battling them onto a page. Most of my favorite authors were people that made me feel seen without ever laying their eyes on me, because they knew just how to say something. I want to be that for others, while being a professional learner from the world and people around me. Being able to study words and all the techniques that come along with them has been a dream come true. I don’t regret a single second.

Clubs and Organizations:

Roadrunner, College of Arts and Sciences Ambassadors, The Reflector, English Dept. Junior Liaison, Chi Alpha, Tri Alpha Honor Society

Awards and Scholarships:

President’s List Scholar, Humanities Special Area Competition for 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium Second Runner-up, Dr. Cecil Hunter and Ann Pittman Andrews Memorial Endowed Scholarship, Fred Corley Endowed Scholarship, Helen W. Skelton Endowed Scholarship, Howell H. & Elizabeth S, Gwin Endowed Scholarship, Roger Lemoyne Dabbs Memorial Scholarship, Colvard Future Leader Scholarship, Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship, Old Main Scholarship, Mildred Freeman Shurlds English Annual Scholarship, and Homer & Elva Wilson Annual Scholarship.

Favorite Books Reads for Class:

My professors have provided some really amazing reads throughout my time here. Some of my favorites have been Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri.

Hobbies:

Reading (of course), crocheting, gaming, listening to music, spending time with my family and friends, and I like to play with my doggy, Barbie.