Four outstanding professionals from Lawson State Community College were recently honored with the prestigious 2025 Chancellor's Awards. Presented by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) at the annual Alabama Community College Association (ACCA) Conference in Montgomery, the awards recognize the dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment of employees across the state.
This year's honorees from Lawson State represent a diverse range of departments and decades of service, each contributing uniquely to the college's mission of student success.
The 2025 honorees are:
For many of the recipients, their work is driven by a deep personal connection to the college and its mission.
Becky Austin, Executive Administrative Assistant to the President, recognized for her nine years of dedicated service to the college's administration where so many initiatives and programs originate.
Lori Chisem, who has served Lawson State for 36 years, is not just an administrator but also one of its graduates. "I am an alumna of Lawson State, formerly known as Bessemer Tech," Ms. Chisem shared. "Being a first-generation grad, this school gave me the opportunity to develop my skills in a smaller setting."
What has kept her at the college for over three decades? She pointed to the "close-knit group of coworkers turned family" and the reward of student success. "Being able to provide assistance so that they can graduate" remains the best part of her experience.
For Dr. Rhonda Branch, a 22-year veteran of the Languages & Literature Department, her role is a true calling. "The best part of my working experience at Lawson is, without question, the students," said Dr. Branch. "What a blessing it has been to have my life touched by so many of them."
And because of her colleagues, work is generally a great place to be, she said, adding that her enthusiasm has never waned. "Usually, there is joy in my heart when I awake and prepare for work. That is how I know that I truly enjoy my life as an educator!"
Gleb Scosyrev, who leads the Radiologic Technology program, highlighted the broader impact of community college education as a driving force for his commitment.
Mr, Scosyrev, who has been with the college for four years, noted that he is "blessed to work every day alongside like-minded individuals who truly care about making a difference." Citing Steve Jobs, he summarized his philosophy: "The only way to do great work is to love what you do."
