Lauren Sims ’07

Tell us about your career. What direct impact did BE have on your professional success?

Bishop England directly impacted my career. I knew God designed me for a life of service, but I wasn’t sure what that looked like. Former principal David Held was my senior-year Government teacher, and through his class and mentorship, he encouraged me to pursue a career in government. I did not consider public service as a pathway initially, but I went on to earn my bachelor’s in political science and my master’s in public administration. I then worked for the next decade as the Chief of Community & Government Affairs for the Town of Mount Pleasant, leading Strategic Planning, Business Development, Communications, and various capital improvements and special projects. During my time there, I learned that public service is invaluable and is most impactful to the people of our community. Though I immensely enjoyed my work in local government, the Lord quietly began prompting me to make a change. When the opportunity arose at Bishop England to use my skills to serve high schoolers and my alma mater, God made it very clear that this is where I was supposed to be. So, I made the jump in 2022 and am delighted to serve as the school’s first-ever Chief of Staff.

What impact did BE have on your faith, friends, and family?

I had some fantastic friends while here at BE, and I still consider many of them friends today. I even work with some of my fellow ’07 peers (Ms. Herbert and Mrs. Quirk). My faith grew tremendously while I was a student here thanks to our robust campus ministry program, and it has strengthened even more since I started working here. I thank God every day that not only was I able to attend school where I could freely and openly worship Him, but now I get to work here, too. My family has been blessed in so many ways by this school throughout my life. I’ve had one sibling and six cousins attend BE, and we’ve all had incredible experiences. Whether it was the school hosting a fundraiser to support my cousin, Coach Spence, and Mrs. Rosebrock providing unending guidance and encouragement for my brother, or President Finneran taking a chance on me with a new position- the blessings on our family from this school, have been numerous.

What impact did BE have on your work in the community?

I knew that after leaving high school, whatever profession I chose, I wanted to serve others. The sense of service had been instilled in me during my childhood and time at BE, and I longed for that to continue. It gave me purpose in a way nothing else could. God has been gracious enough to lead me to two career opportunities in service. He has placed me in positions where I could connect with others, uplift them, and ultimately work for their betterment. I’ve never worked towards the “bottom line.” I’ve always worked to serve others, and I hope that I have made some difference, no matter how big or small. In my current role, I am thrilled to continue serving and be able to give back to the school that gave me so much. Knowing that the work I do every day benefits students just like me gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.

How are you serving BE today? Why did you choose to come back to your alma mater?

Today, I serve BE as the Chief of Staff. I assist President Finneran in his role and responsibilities and lead strategic planning efforts, including capital improvements and special projects.

I came back because God wanted me here. He prompted me to leave the local government to focus more on my family, but I could tell in my discernment process that God wanted me to wait for something very specific. When the opportunity at Bishop England came about, it all fell into place very quickly and easily. I brought my skills and expertise to my alma mater to serve in a new way and have been blessed to learn many new skills since arriving here. As a bonus, I’ve gained a better schedule to spend more time with my family. I knew God wanted me here, so I just listened and did what He wanted me to do!

What advice would you give to the class of 2024?

I’d advise them to cherish every moment here. You don’t want to look back on these days and have regrets. Dive deep into your faith because you’ll need it next year. You’ll be overly prepared for college academics, but ask yourself if you are prepared for an environment that challenges your faith. Get to know both who you are and whose you are. Remember, you are a child of God and He loves you!

 

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Jamie Kerr

Tell us about your career. What direct impact did BE have on your professional success?

After graduating from the Citadel in 1991, I have worked with my father, Jimmy Kerr ’61, since 1992. Our company, AMCS, is an investment real estate and property management firm, which manages a large residential apartment portfolio mainly in the Charleston region and also throughout the Southeast. My first business class was at BE and it was an accounting class, which was my first exposure to debits and credits which I have used everyday since. I must admit that I wasn’t a great student as I am sure my teachers might remember, but as senior class president, I learned about leadership. I also learned important lessons in Mrs Heath’s economics and government classes, which I still apply to interpreting today’s news. The structure of BE was good for me.

What impact did BE have on your faith, friends, and family?

My junior year, a great friend of mine, Chad Church ‘85, died as a passenger in a car accident. As difficult as that time was, it was also amazing how the school supported everyone. I still see the school supporting others today when tragedies occur. It is reassuring to be around people who are so strong in their faith because when something shakes your world, faith is an important touchstone.

I definitely enjoyed my time at BE, and I have lifelong friends from high school that I still see weekly. It’s been rewarding that both of my sons, Collin ‘18 and Jack ‘24, have attended BE.

What impact did BE have on your work in the community?

Both my family and BE have instilled in me a desire to give back to the community, by giving our “time, talent and treasure” at whatever level possible. I have served on boards and supported several community organizations in the Charleston area. I also serve on professional organizations supporting affordable housing. I have also been in lay leadership positions in my church for over 20 years. Currently, I am the chair for the Citadel Business School Advisory Board. I also enjoy serving

as an assistant coach for the Ashley Hall swim team. Through volunteering and giving back, we focus on others.

How are you serving BE today? Why did you choose to come back to your alma mater?

I have been on the BE Advisory Board since 2018, serving on the advancement, finance and executive committees. I currently chair the strategic plan committee. The strategic plan committee has alumni, parents, students, faculty, and coaches providing input on how to improve our school. This plan should give BE guidance on long-range campus building needs, education, encouraging giving, Catholic identity, improving existing facilities, financial strength, athletics, and transportation. The Charleston Tri county continues to grow, and BE needs to consider how to best serve the community.

 

What advice would you give to the class of 2024?

Be proud of where you are from and the education you have received. Someone cared enough about you to send you to BE. Even if you don’t appreciate it today, I believe you will one day in the future.