April 7, 2026

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Lauren Teller, director of alumni engagement and event services at Augustana University.

Name: Lauren Teller

Age: 24

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was raised in Sioux Falls, graduated from Lincoln High School and then Augustana University. After living and working in Washington, D.C., I moved back to Sioux Falls to be closer to family and friends. The slower-paced lifestyle and friendly, down-to-earth people also heavily influenced my decision to move back to the Midwest! 

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

A majority of my favorite people live in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area, so they were a large part of my decision to move back. I also love that Sioux Falls provides the benefits of both a big city and small town. I enjoy running into familiar faces at the grocery store, downtown, my workout studio and everywhere in between. Sioux Falls is a special place that is home to some awesome people!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The people! I am responsible for keeping alumni, families and friends connected to and actively engaged with Augustana University through programming and event management. Augustana has a well-connected alumni network in and outside of Sioux Falls and South Dakota, and those individuals are passionate about supporting the university as it advances under the Viking Bold strategic plan. My job allows me to support alumni and friends as they advance in their careers, grow their families, reconnect with friends and relive some nostalgic moments in their lives. 

How did you get connected to your industry?

I graduated from Augustana in 2024. During my time as an undergraduate student, I served as a senator for student government, the Augustana Student Association. During my senior year, I was able to serve as president, which allowed me to work collaboratively with the administration. Therefore, I was able to develop deep connections that led me to this role and continue to shape my work today.

Describe Augustana University in three words.

Community. Bold. Excellence. 

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m in the process of getting ordained! One of my best friends is getting married in October, and I’m excited to officiate her and her fiance’s wedding ceremony. 

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I recently began mentoring through Lutheran Social Services. After seeing advertisements around Sioux Falls, I decided to sign up. Having lunch and hanging out with my mentee is something that I look forward to each Tuesday! If you have an hour to spare each week, mentoring is a fantastic way to give back to your community. 

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Cava. It’s a similar restaurant concept to Qdoba/Chipotle, but instead they serve Mediterranean dishes! 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I hope to continue to find myself in a professional role that fills my cup and allows me to work directly with a wide variety of people on a daily basis. I also hope to have crossed a few more countries and states off of my travel bucket list alongside my friends and family.