CBC Alumni Story

Lauren Gammel did not have a conventional path to Central Baptist College. “I came here to play softball and experience the small college Christian atmosphere,” Gammel said. She would end up playing two years of softball at CBC (2009-10) and was part of the team that won the first NCCAA National Championship.

Medical School

Gammel, who graduated in 2012 with a degree in biology, is doing huge things in her life. She is currently in her second year as a surgery resident at the East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City. After finishing her residency (she has two years remaining), Gammel will take her boards to try and officially become a surgeon.

My CBC Experience

“My experience at CBC is what set me on my career path,” Gammel said. “Mrs. Gabbard gave me a job in the science department and people made me comfortable working in there. That instilled in me the need to put forth an effort to pursue a science related career. I had an excitement about learning biology and my job as a lab coordinator, which became like a full-time job after I quit softball, it was great! I really enjoyed doing it! Even though I didn’t know I wanted to be a doctor until after my sophomore year, everyone was very encouraging even when I didn’t think I would qualify for med school.”

On Campus Service

Serving in many different areas, including founding the Medical Profession Society, Gammel was progressive in trying to start clubs on campus, including Athletes in Action and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Additionally, she was part of the President’s Leadership Council and was one of the first inductees into the White Coat Society.

Favorite Experiences

When asked about her favorite experiences at CBC, she responded: “I enjoyed the friends and relationships that I formed in the science department, and the friends that I made playing softball, including my best friend, Kurtsy Oswald.”

CBC Connections

Gammel said that if she could leave advice with today’s students it would be to “take advantage of the close relationships you can have with the leaders (i.e. President Kimbrow). You are not just a number at CBC. You can make great relationships with mentors, professors and campus leaders. That’s not common at other colleges. Study what you love and figure out how to make it work.”

Written by Erik Holth, PR Officer

To learn more about how you can start your CBC story visit cbc.edu/WhyCBC