One of the reasons Lauren Gardner chose Midwestern State University was small class sizes. It wasn’t because she wanted to hide, but because she was seeking relationships with faculty and students alike, and an opportunity to grow.

Gardner shined bright at MSU Texas in the classroom, representing the school at conferences and as a member of the cheerleading squad. And twice, she was chosen by her class to be in the homecoming court. She came to campus as a 16-year-old from Christ Academy in Wichita Falls with big goals.  

Gardner’s goals are even bigger in 2020 as she graduated in May with a plan that includes medical school. She will be attending the University of North Texas Health Science Center to obtain her Master in Medical Science, and the Redwine Honors Program honoree is in the process of applying to medical schools.

“MSU Texas provided me with great experiences,” Gardner said. “My best memories include my time as a cheerleader cheering on the Mustangs. MSU Texas also allowed me the opportunity to represent the university at multiple conferences with my research.”

And she appreciated the many professors at MSU Texas who cheered her on the past four years. “Dr. (Margaret) Brown-Marsden inspired me to reach a level of excellence in myself with my academics and future career,” Gardner said. “She takes the time to personally know her students and show them they are more than just a student in a classroom.”

Many in Gardner’s family, including her parents, had previously attended MSU Texas. She kept the family tradition going strong. She graduated with a major in biology and a chemistry minor. She was a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, the Gamma Sigma Epsilon Honor Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Golden Key Honor Society.

“I chose to pursue my undergraduate education here because of small class sizes, the ability to create professional relationships with faculty, and the focus on student involvement.”

Gardner embraced opportunities to attend conferences and perform research. She published a review article, “Evolutionary Geographical Dispersion in the CCR5-Δ32 Gene Mutation.”

"I enjoyed the process of researching and writing the paper with my co-authors,” Gardner said. “It was a great project that introduced me to the world of research.”

When asked what class she was most proud of conquering, Gardner said, “I am most proud of earning an A in Immunology. This course required me to not only learn about immunology but also integrate knowledge from past courses.”

Other memories she’ll take away from her time at MSU are the 5:30 a.m. workouts, “and the fun we had traveling to support the Mustangs,” she added. “I will always cherish the family I gained from the MSU Texas cheer team.”

Gardner understood why Spring 2020 was different than any other semester but said, “it saddens me that I did not get the chance to participate in the Senior Walk or in-person graduation. Graduation was supposed to be the cumulation of my college experiences.”