“My parents taught me to never settle for average, be helpful to others, and go to school as long as I wanted to,” said Cynthia Warren. “And I did.”
A counselor, a principal, mentor, and overall friend is what many refer to when they think of Warren. She has served numerous roles in education for over 31 years, with Saint Louis Public Schools holding a special place in her heart.
“I grew up in Saint Louis, I have a passion to educated the underprivileged, as well as the privileged,” said Warren.
At her current position, as extended site coordinator for Lindenwood University, she works with a diverse set of students.
Warren discussed her steps for everyday preparation: “I research and study to prepare myself to teach or train individuals regardless of race or religion. Respect is paramount when encountering diversity.”
Another unique part about Warren teaching college-age students is the learning curve.
“Younger children will reach their potential in time. However, the adult learner has mastered certain techniques to learning and study habits that will help them excel in education,” Warren said. “Teaching is a skill that, once learned, can be implemented at any academic level.”
Her responsibilities at Lindenwood University include monitoring the retention of the student population within the North County and St. Louis city regions. When asked how she motivates students, she said she makes sure she shows no favoritism, but is equally loving and respectful to all.
“I show them love and respect at all times,” she said – “just love and understanding of cultural differences.”
As a child, Warren grew up in a loving, religious household. Her father was a pastor, and her mother stood right by his side. Through the patience love, and support her parents showed her, she began at an early age searching for her passion and helping other students.
“When I was a young lady, I worked and taught youth classes in the church and volunteered in other service programs,” said Warren.
She continues to find strength and direction in her Christian faith, and now she supports her own clergy husband, Pastor Nathaniel Smith.
“Salvation delivered me from danger and suffering, an eternal and spiritual deliverance,” Warren said.
She lives by her favorite scriptures for encouragement and inspiration. Warren quoted this scripture, Romans 10:9-10 NIV “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
Warren played a significant role in helping with the accreditation of the Dwight McDaniels Theological Seminary and the Blackwell Institute of Biblical Leadership and Evangelism.
She also currently holds the position of the Midwest Regional Epistoleus of The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
Warren sees a great need for supporting educational leaders, as the St. Louis American Foundation does with its Salute to Excellence in Education program, which includes financial awards to educators as well as scholarships for students. According to a survey by National School Supply and Equipment Association, most educators spend at least $500 of their own money on school supplies.
She is pained that not everyone who wants to pursue higher education has the funds and resources needed to do so. “If I had lots of money,” she said, “I would create a scholarship fund and award students scholarships to go to school, just as this organization is doing.”
