Lauren Welch appointed COE Executive Director of Philanthropy

Lauren Welch, ‘04, ‘07, started this week as the executive director of philanthropy, a new role for the College of Engineering as it expands its fundraising leadership capacity. Her first day was Aug. 19.

Welch, who is a double alumna of NC State, has a minor in chemical engineering. She earned bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and multidisciplinary studies, as well as a master’s degree in higher education administration.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the College of Engineering, almost 24 years to the day that I first set foot in Riddick Hall,” she said. “It is such an exciting time for the College, with significant growth planned and the leadership of Dean Jim Pfaendtner and Assistant Dean of Philanthropy Griffin Lamb. I look forward to leading a talented fundraising team and partnering with engineering alumni and friends to find meaningful ways to give back and support the College’s students, faculty and research.”

Welch joins the College of Engineering’s advancement team from NC State University Advancement, where she started in 2018 and most recently was a senior director of philanthropy. Before returning to NC State, she spent 10 years in the United Kingdom, where she worked for the US-UK Fulbright Commission as the director of external relations followed by development roles at the University of London and Imperial College London.

As the executive director of philanthropy, Welch will leverage her 15+ years of fundraising and management experience to lead a growing front-line team and help prepare the College for an ambitious fundraising trajectory in the university’s next campaign.

“Lauren is a skilled fundraiser, and she has long-held ties to the College of Engineering,” said Griffin Lamb, assistant dean for philanthropy. “Her guidance, leadership and passion for finding ways to support students will be instrumental in helping the College meet its growing fundraising goals.”

Welch built a strong team at University Advancement and helped develop foundations for fundraising programs and initiatives that are growing philanthropy at NC State. During her time there, she raised nearly $70 million for NC State, including a gift from Jerry and Pat Collier that will support more than 100 full scholarships for military-affiliated students in the College of Engineering. Other meaningful contributions she has facilitated include the first endowment gift for the Feed the Pack Food Pantry; donations totaling more than $1 million in honor of her mentor, Director Emeritus Gerald Hawkins of the Caldwell Fellows program; and support to provide the Headspace app to students to promote wellness and mental health. 

Welch is a founding member of Wolfpack Women in Philanthropy, a vice chancellor’s initiative that aims to inspire more women to become involved as board members, volunteers and donors to the university. She received an EHRA Award for Excellence in 2022.