African University Leaders Visit Lawson
Lawson State College recently hosted more than a dozen African university leaders
representing countries across the continent. The inquisitive group had a chance to
hear from college President Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony and from STEM Director Dr. Shawanda
Thomas.
The guests joined Lawson as part of "Developing University Partnerships: Connecting
African Universities with HBCUs," a program sponsored by the International Visitors
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs within the U.S. State Department. While
here, the group worked with Global Ties Alabama to visit college campuses and other
organizations focused on collaboration, research, partnerships, and building capacity.
Dr. Anthony and Dr. Thomas shared insights on everything from the offerings of comprehensive
two-year colleges like Lawson State to the critical role business and industry partnerships
play in college students' success. The inquisitive group also was impressed by the
work of Lawson's STEM Center of Excellence, including its pre-college programs for
girls interested in science and technology.
"Overall, business and industry advisors and partners are integral to what we do,"
Dr. Anthony said, highlighting the ways Lawson has interacted with Apple, Smucker's,
FedEx, and others. "They help ensure we are preparing students for the needs of the
workplace, sometimes even before new products and services are released to the public."
