News

Lawson State Community College celebrated its Fall Commencement 2025, honoring 160 graduates as they stepped into the next chapter of their lives. President Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony encouraged students to embrace boldness and possibility, reminding them that their degrees mark a beginning-not an end. The ceremony also featured an inspiring message from student speaker Belline Semanyo, whose journey from GED to a 4.0 graduate embodied the theme: “No excuses.”

Cathy Pon turned challenges into opportunities through Lawson State’s Cosmetology program. From overcoming financial setbacks to planning a future salon, her inspiring journey includes learning alongside her daughter Savannah.

Discover how Lawson State is shaping graduate Daniel Burrell's path to leadership and entrepreneurship. From balancing school, work, and military service to preparing for Army ROTC at Alabama A&M, his story is at the intersection of discipline and consistency.

A chance meeting in a hospital ER put Abigail Smith on the path to earning a degree and learning life lessons she’ll keep forever. The Lawson State art major landed at the college after her dad, a nurse, struck up a random conversation with an art professor at a Birmingham hospital. The rest is history.

Togo native Belline Semanyo had a goal and found a way to reach it at Lawson State. She moved from West Africa to Birmingham, learned English, enrolled in a GED program at Lawson, and upon completion, immediately started her degree studies in nursing.

Alona Powell turned financial challenges into opportunity by transferring from Auburn University to Lawson State Community College. Her inspiring journey led to scholarships, leadership experiences, and a renewed sense of purpose as she prepares to continue her political science studies at Mississippi State University.

Ashley Lowe's graduation from Lawson State is a tribute to her mother's resilience and her own determination. After years of challenges, motherhood, and full-time work, Ashley came back to college at 40 and is continuing her studies. Her story is one of faith, family, and perseverance.

Lawson State Community College will host an evening art exhibition with Birmingham muralist Dewon Moton on December 3, featuring 20 original works, live music, and light refreshments in the Birmingham Campus Library, with the collection on display through the end of December.

Lawson State celebrates four outstanding professionals honored with the 2025 Chancellor's Awards for their dedication to student success and college excellence.

Lawson State's Cougar W.A.T.T.s won the 2-year college prize at the Birmingham HBCU Energy Hackathon by creating an innovative app to promote energy stewardship and financial savings.