Northwest Mississippi Community College DeSoto Center Dean Richie Lawson thought he was going on a routine errand with campus policeman Jerry Webb March 17. When he returned, he was greeted by a lobby full of well-wishers—there to celebrate the announcement of the Richie E. Lawson Endowed Scholarship through the Northwest Foundation.

“I’m completely surprised,” said Lawson. “I have the best job in the world. Northwest is a great place to work, a great institution. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Among those paying tribute to Lawson were Northwest President Dr. Gary Lee Spears. “This is a special day for all of us,” he said. He described Lawson as a man of patience, calmness. “Richie has a special demeanor. We can all learn a lot from the way he deals with people.”

Assistant Dean Elizabeth Burns, who has worked as Lawson’s assistant for six years and who has worked with him for more than 20 years, introduced special guests including his wife Nila Lawson, son Justin Lawson and members of the Seeker’s Sunday School Class at Christ United Methodist Church.

Also paying tribute to Lawson was former DeSoto Center Dean and retired Northwest administrator Keith Godbold. “When I think of Northwest, I think of Richie. Northwest is the great institution it is today, largely in part because of his leadership.” Godbold went on to describe Lawson as a man who brings normalcy to situations dealing with students, a man of wisdom, of character, and a Christian.

George Hertl, education and psychology instructor at DeSoto Center, spoke on behalf of the faculty. DeSoto Center faculty support for the Lawson endowment was shown by 100 percent participation in donating to the fund.

Dr. Bonnie Buntin, dean of The University of Mississippi-DeSoto, who has worked side-by-side with Lawson, both in the facility they share on Church Road and in the educational partnership that exists between the two institutions, also spoke. “The 2+2 program was started in Northwest’s previous administration, but we have seen it grow under Mr. Lawson’s and Dr. Spears’ leadership. There are many events that take place to make this partnership work. Richie is at all of them. We are thankful for this partnership and for the kindness that he shows us.”

Friend and fellow Sunday School member Jay Turner concluded remarks and introduced Lawson.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Lawson. “The success we have had here at DeSoto Center is nothing I’ve done by myself. The Northwest group is just a fantastic group to work with.”

According to Sybil Canon, Northwest director of Development, approximately $6,500 was raised for the scholarship. Donations came from employees at DeSoto Center, Senatobia’s main campus, and Oxford campus. Other contributions came from Lawson’s church and from friends at The University of Mississippi. “The Foundation will provide $5,000 in matching funds when they become available,” said Canon. The first award is expected to be made in the 2009-2010 school year.

Lawson came to DeSoto Center as a Funeral Service instructor in 1983. In 1987 he went to the Olive Branch Center as director in charge of four vocational and two technical programs. The following years when the two DeSoto County locations were combined under one administrative umbrella, Lawson was put in charge of vocational and technical programs for both campuses. He was promoted to dean in 2002 when he succeeded Keith Godbold.

A graduate of Corning High School in Corning, Ark., Lawson is a graduate of the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. He holds a B.A. in journalism and public relations from Memphis State University where he also earned his M.A. in communications. He has done advanced study at Mississippi State University in educational administration and supervision. He recently completed a graduate certificate in Community College Teaching and Leadership from The University of Memphis.

The Lawsons are also parents of another son Aaron, who recently graduated from Mississippi State University with a B.A. in philosophy/religion. Justin Lawson, also an MSU graduate, is a landscape contracting graduate. They reside in Germantown.