Welcome to Lawson State Community College – an institution with a storied history of academic achievement and an unmatched record of community leadership and service.  Lawson State is on the move in ways you would never imagine.  We recently merged with Bessemer Technical College in Bessemer, Alabama.  You’ll be noticing new programs and facilities on the campuses, including the new Alabama Center for Advanced Technology and Training (ACATT).  ACATT is a state-of-the-art Center that will provide training programs that are both developed and delivered through collaboration between local businesses and industries.  ACATT will benefit the entire State and Birmingham business community. 

The Alabama Center for Advanced Technology and Training (ACATT) mission is to develop and provide training in advanced technologies and applications that will expand Alabama’s highly skilled information and emerging technology workforce.  Furthermore, through its training programs, ACATT will enhance economic growth and development.  ACATT is a member of the Alabama College System and a division of Lawson State Community College.

Furthermore, we are also constructing new residential facilities for students and have added a new baseball field for our new team (cougars). 

We offer our students and the community an exceptional opportunity to obtain an education of high quality built on the basis of solid academic and career programs in an environment that is truly both supportive and challenging with our comprehensive selection of highly relevant instructional programs. Moreover, we offer a broad spectrum of majors in academic, professional-technical and community programs. The quality of our product—your education—is nationally recognized.  Our first-class faculty and staff are lending their high-powered expertise to the social, economic, government, business and educational issues that matter most—they truly cherish the learning process.  We do our best to help every individual succeed and grow in every way on the campuses—intellectually, socially, and physically. At the same time, we ask students to take responsibility for their own education and to take advantage of the opportunities that are here, both in and outside the classroom.

The faculty and staff are responsible for and committed to making Lawson State a place of real distinction and a place where the students/clients come first.  Programs of study at Lawson State have kept abreast of advancements in technology.  We believe in preparing our graduates to be lifelong learners and citizen leaders able to handle the challenges of a global world. Our students develop critical thinking and communication skills along with a sense of community and responsibility.  We take great pride in our mission.  We strive each day to carry out our mission statement, which says, in part, that we seek to educate students, the metropolitan area, surrounding communities, and city schools "at an affordable, high-quality postsecondary education that prepares them to enter the job market; allows them to transfer to senior colleges and universities; and assists them in achieving their professional and personal goals."  We have enjoyed success as we have carried out that mission and continue toward an even brighter future.  I invite you to peruse our new Student Catalog, Student Handbook, Corporate and Community Education Catalog - Learning for Living, and Small Business Center. 

In addition, Lawson has the leading edge in automotive services.  We have trained, certified technicians in all areas of car care.  We have partnered with Ford/ASSET, Toyota/T-Ten, GM/ASEP, and have an I-CAR and diesel technician on staff.  Please visit our Alabama Center for Automotive Excellence site as you peruse the various Websites of Lawson State Community College.  The catalogs, and websites are full of valuable information about degree programs, certifications, courses, workshops, and offerings that will help you design the best strategy for your educational goals.   The publications are the official guides to programs and services and are key references for policies and procedures to assist you in gaining the education and training necessary for a lifetime of success. 

As you review all of the information above, you will discover, like others, that Lawson State Community College has “it all here”.   We understand that educating individuals requires theoretical knowledge and real-world experience—you'll get both here.  Our number one goal is to prepare YOU with new opportunities.  The selection of which college or training center to attend is a very important one and needs to be considered very carefully.  We welcome you to choose Lawson State Community College and ACATT to pursue your goal(s).  We look forward to having you join us as you work toward your future. 

We hope you enjoy exploring the web site and join us in discovering your education—your life—here at Lawson State Community College.

Dr. Perry W. Ward