Lauren Ketchum
Spring 2022 John Jay Fellow
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
College: Baylor University
Degree: B.A. Political Science, Minor in History
Lauren Ketchum graduated summa cum laude from Baylor University Honors College with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in history. Lauren concentrated her studies in political philosophy and American history and is still interested in the development of ideas as influenced by historical forces. She wrote her Honors Thesis under Dr. David Corey on the relationship between national identity and ethnic diversity with regards to democratic citizenship. She was a member of both Alpha Lambda Delta and Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Societies, and well as the local Kappa Chi Alpha service sorority.
During her final semester as a student, Lauren participated in the Baylor in Washington program, living in Washington, D.C. and working full-time as an intern in the Center for American Studies at the Heritage Foundation while taking classes in public policy. There she participated in first principles lectures and policy briefings on a wide range of topics. Lauren also participated in AEI’s 2021 Summer Honors Program, studying how Christianity informs civic nationalism under Dr. Peter Meilander. She served as a Baylor orientation leader during the summer of 2019, through which she got involved in leadership opportunities on campus and in the Waco area.
Lauren enjoys serving in the youth ministry at her church during her free time, volunteering as a camp sponsor during the summer, and leading bible studies for college students on campus. She particularly enjoys reading books about theology and history and engaging in challenging discussions that require critical thinking and intellectual humility and charity.