Est. 1949 · Birmingham, AL
ABOUT LAWSON STATE
Birmingham's HBCU — over 70 years of academic achievement, community leadership, and transforming lives across Jefferson County.
Our Purpose
MISSION & VISION
Mission
With a focus on student success, Lawson State Community College provides affordable and quality educational opportunities, promotes economic growth, and enhances the quality of life in the communities it serves. Through innovative instruction and lifelong learning opportunities, the College prepares students for college transfer, employment, and career advancement.
Vision
Cultivating success through excellence and innovation.
Motto
"It's All Here!"
What We Stand For
CORE VALUES
- Student Success — Recruitment, persistence, graduation, and career development at the center of everything we do.
- Excellence — High standards in leadership, instruction, processes, and customer service.
- Innovation — Embracing technology, creativity, and curriculum development to serve the community.
- Integrity — Stewardship, accountability, and ethical practices in all we do.
- Engagement — A caring campus culture focused on student support and belonging.
Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony
5th President, Lawson State CC
First Female President · Appointed March 15, 2021
A Message From Our President
WELCOME TO LAWSON STATE
Welcome to Lawson State Community College! Lawson State is an institution with a rich history of academic achievement and an unmatched record of community leadership and service.
As President, I am committed to student success and excellence in teaching and learning. The College offers an affordable and flexible education that is comprehensive, innovative, technology-rich, and designed to meet the diverse needs of constituents in Jefferson County.
The College has positioned itself to equip, engage, and empower students to be active and responsible participants in the educational process as well as in future endeavors — through face-to-face instruction, as well as virtual and online courses.
"It's All Here!"
Our Story
70+ YEARS OF HISTORY
- 1949
Founded as Wenonah State Technical Institute with 75 students, 11 instructors, and an initial investment of $75,000. Dr. Theodore Alfred Lawson named first president.
- 1965
Academic division established as Wenonah State Junior College.
- 1967
First commencement exercise — 33 graduates.
- 1968
Received SACSCOC accreditation from the Commission on Colleges.
- 1973
Renamed T.A. Lawson State Community College.
- 2005
Merged with Bessemer State Technical College, expanding to two campuses and doubling our reach across Jefferson County.
- 2011
Named one of the Top 50 Community Colleges nationally — the first community college in Alabama history to receive this honor. Also recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change.
- 2013
Rose from #33 to #5 on the Top 50 Community Colleges in the nation list.
- 2015
Selected to host a visit by President Barack Obama.
- 2019
Opened the Academic Success Center — the newest and largest building on campus. Achieved SACSCOC reaffirmation.
- 2021
Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony named 5th President — the first female to lead this historic institution.
Leadership Legacy
COLLEGE PRESIDENTS
Quality Assurance
ACCREDITATIONS
Lawson State holds institutional and program-level accreditations that ensure the highest standards of education.
Giving Back
LAWSON STATE FOUNDATION
Incorporated February 9, 1995, the Lawson State Community College Foundation is a separate nonprofit that empowers, encourages, and administers gifts for the exclusive benefit of the College, its students, and its staff — with a focus on funding scholarships and building a permanent endowment.
The Foundation awards generous scholarships and financial assistance to nearly 400 students each year, ensuring continued access to education for the community Lawson State serves.
One College
TWO CAMPUSES
Approximately nine miles apart — both campuses are open Monday–Friday with a full range of services and programs.
Birmingham Campus
3060 Wilson Road, SW Birmingham, AL 35221
Near I-65 and Lakeshore Drive, heading towards Hwy 150
205.925.2515
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bessemer Campus
1100 Ninth Avenue SW Bessemer, AL 35022
Near I-59 and Academy Drive, off the Bessemer Super Highway
205.925.2515
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
READY TO BEGIN?
Your first step toward a new career, a degree, or a better future starts here.