OUR HISTORY

Alabama’s two-year College system was founded in May 1963 through Act Numbers 92, 93, and 94 of the state Legislature. The system was created largely through the leadership of Governor George C. Wallace, who wanted to enhance the quality of life in Alabama by making postsecondary education accessible, affordable and responsive to the unique needs of individuals.

Lawson State Community College (LSCC), one of Alabama’s oldest state supported community colleges, opened its doors in 1949. The technical division was first established as a result of the Wallace-Patterson Trade School Act of 1947. This act established Wenonah State Technical Institute in 1949.   The academic division began as Lawson State Junior College. The College was created in 1965 and was named after its first President, Dr. T. A. Lawson. On October 1, 1973, Wenonah State and Lawson State merged and became one institution known as the Lawson-Wenonah State Junior College and Technical Institute. Shortly, thereafter, the name was changed to its present name, Lawson State Community College.

Physical resources, including buildings and equipment both on and off campus, must be adequate to serve the needs of the institution in relation to its stated purpose, programs and activities.  The physical environment of the institution should contribute to an atmosphere for effective learning.  The College’s main campus consists of both an East and West Campus, separated by approximately a quarter of a mile. The East Campus is situated on thirty acres of rolling hillside and consists of twenty-one acres of land leased out to the City of Birmingham. The West Campus is situated on forty-five acres of gently sloped land, which consists of forty-one acres of highly groomed land and four acres of pavement.

LSCC primarily occupies 14 major buildings. The following buildings are located on the West Campus: The Administration Building (net area 10,297 square feet) is  devoted solely to support; the Academic Building (net area 22,638 square feet) utilized for instruction, teleconferencing, faculty offices, and support services; the Science/Mathematics Building (net area 7,928 square feet) used for instruction and faculty offices; the Learning Resource Center (net area 16,562 square feet) dedicated to instruction, audiovisual, and library facilities; the Arthur Shores Fine Arts/ Gymnasium (net area 56,615 square feet) devoted to instruction (Physical Education, Music, Art); and the Leon Kennedy Student Center (net area 15,615 square feet) houses the bookstore, cafeteria, Counselor’s offices and other support services. Total West Campus net assignable square feet are 129,555.

The College’s East Campus consists of eight major buildings: The A.G. Gaston Building ( net area 36,626 square feet) is used for instruction and houses an auditorium, multi-purpose room, faculty and staff offices, and classroom laboratories; the Fob James Building (net area 8,994 square feet) is used by the Alabama Department of Corrections for Criminal Justice Training (two rooms) and also houses the Workforce Investment Program and the One Stop Center; the George Howard Building (net area 11,040 square feet) devoted at this time to instruction; the Small Business Building ( net area 2,483 square feet) provides offices for (business) support services; the Shop I Building (net area (18,748) square feet) utilized for a Day Care, a Health Clinic, and Carpentry instruction; the Shop II Building ( net area 18,746 square feet ) is used for Plumbing and Auto Body instruction and storage; the Ethel Hall Health Professions Building (net area 7,600 square feet) used for nursing instruction and faculty offices; and the Fred Horn High Technology Building ( net area 14,750 square feet) utilized for Drafting and GM-BSEP Auto Body instruction, faculty offices and Star Wars Teleconferencing room. Total East Campus net assignable square feet are 119,187.  The assessed new square footage does not include the two Guard Houses and the Boiler Plant.

Dr. T. A. Lawson served as President until September 1971. Dr. Leon Kennedy as President of Lawson State Junior College and Director of Wenonah State Technical Institute succeeded him. At that time, there were approximately 800 students.

Under the leadership of Dr. Kennedy, there was an increase in both the number of faculty members and enrollment. Academic and technical programs were added to assist in the growth potential. Vietnam veterans pushed the enrollment to an all-time record. While the benefits provided educational experiences for the nontraditional student, federal student aid became readily available for low-income families. During the administration of Dr. Kennedy , a new student center was erected and named in his honor.

In September 1978, Dr. Jesse J. Lewis was appointed President of Lawson State Community College. His primary goal was to put the school on sound financial ground although the enrollment of the College decreased. Some of the accomplishments under his administration include the expansion of the outdoor physical educational and recreational facilities to include a soccer filed, baseball field, tennis courts, and jogging track.

Dr. Perry W. Ward was appointed President of Lawson State Community College effective June 11, 1987, and assumed the position July 1, 1987. Since his arrival  on campus, the enrollment has increased more than sixty percent under his administration.  A new Health Professions facility opened in 1999. Partnerships with Mercedes, General Motors, and Honda have enhanced the community outreach programs of the College. As of August 2001, the One-Stop Center has opened to further enhance community outreach programs. The outlook for the future of LSCC is extremely favorable, as the facilities are being upgraded to enhance the learning process.