Dr. Lauren Lunsford joins distinguished NetVUE program focused on helping students discover purpose and calling
Dr. Lauren Lunsford, senior capstone coordinator and professor in Belmont's College of Education, was recently selected to participate in the 2026 Enhancing Vocational Exploration Seminar hosted by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE).
Lunsford was one of only 10 educators nationwide chosen through a competitive nomination process for the seminar, which took place June 1-5 in Indianapolis, Ind. Sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) through NetVUE and supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., the seminar brings together educators who are helping shape the national conversation around vocation, calling and student formation in higher education.
Participants engaged in discussions focused on vocational exploration in undergraduate education, examining research, teaching practices and institutional approaches that help students better understand their purpose and direction in life.
Advancing Student Formation
For Lunsford, the seminar offered a unique opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across the country who share a commitment to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.
"The NetVUE seminar was an amazing and unique opportunity to spend a week with a small group of other faculty members who are committed to supporting student formation," said Lunsford. "Together we were able to examine and share current research and practices that help our students find their purpose and pursue meaningful lives."
The week-long experience encouraged participants to reflect on how institutions can create meaningful opportunities for students to explore questions of ambition, identity and contribution.
"I left with so many new ideas and insights about how we can support our students," she said.
Helping Students Discover Their Calling
At Belmont, vocational exploration is closely connected to the University's mission of helping students cultivate wisdom, character and transformational leadership.
As senior capstone coordinator, Lunsford works closely with students as they prepare to transition from college into their next season of life. While many seniors are focused on securing their first job after graduation, she encourages them to think more broadly about how their values, experiences and strengths can shape the way they contribute to the world.
"We hope that those conversations help students see their education as more than preparation for a professional career," she said.
Meeting a Growing Need in Higher Education
Lunsford believes these conversations are especially important as students navigate increasing pressure to map out their futures.
"Today's students are under a lot of pressure to have everything figured out, especially when it comes to their professional careers," she said. "Conversations about vocation create space for them to slow down and ask bigger questions about who they are, what matters to them and how they want to contribute to their communities."
Fostering that sense of direction in students, she said, can provide a valuable perspective beyond academic achievement and career preparation by helping them understand not just what they want to do, but who they want to become.
Learn more about the program in this story