Lawson State Community College Expands on Legacy of Excellence through Caring Campus

Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, AL, a Historically Black Community College (HBCC) with a legacy of academic excellence and community impact, continues to reaffirm its dedication to providing quality and accessible educational services to students by embracing Caring Campus in everyday activities.

“It just makes sense for us to have another tool to ensure our institution is the best it can be,” president Dr. Cynthia Anthony said. “We strive to keep the Caring Campus philosophy at the forefront of all of our daily operations.” 

One of Lawson State’s ongoing priorities is improving cross-departmental communication. By fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of each department’s role in advancing the college’s mission, faculty and staff are better equipped to guide students through any challenges they face. This collaborative culture also extends to celebrating personal milestones among colleagues – whether it is earning a degree, becoming a grandparent, or a child’s college acceptance – helping to build a workplace rooted in connection and care.

Staff have also identified ways to anticipate questions that new and potential students may not think to ask, offering proactive guidance during what is often a challenging transition. From hosting activities like finals week refreshment stations to organizing pizza and movie nights in the library, Lawson State ensures students feel supported both academically and personally. This level of care and attention has contributed to an increase in student enrollment and retention at Lawson State during a time when many colleges are seeing declining enrollment.

Through Caring Campus, Lawson State faculty and staff are empowered with actionable strategies and behavioral practices designed to foster stronger connections with both students and each other and elevate the effectiveness of other student success initiatives across campus.

“I was privileged to have some of the most patient instructors on campus, who pushed me and molded me into the person that I am today,” student Justin Grant said. “Because of the friendly encounters I've had with both the faculty and staff, I know that this institution truly cares for the well-being of students. Lawson makes it their mission to see every pupil walk across the stage on graduation day.”

Dr. Anthony said that Caring Campus offers a vital framework for other colleges across Alabama to reimagine their approach to fostering student success.

“Caring Campus has helped us look at ourselves as an institution, step back, and really embrace where we can do better,” Dr. Anthony said. “It’s all about cultivating relationships that will advance student success – relationships between faculty, staff, and students. Every college could benefit from adopting Caring Campus.”

From cafeteria workers who know which students cannot eat certain foods, to facilities department personnel that work to keep learning spaces clean and operational, to faculty who call students by name both inside and outside the classroom, Lawson State staff and faculty are truly embracing Caring Campus.

“We are so thankful for Lawson State and how they are exemplifying what it means to go beyond the basics, truly embedding care into the fabric of their institution,” Caring Campus CEO and founder Dr. Brad Phillips said. “Their success in fostering connections and breaking down barriers between departments demonstrates the transformative impact of Caring Campus in action, and is an excellent example of what we hope for all our Caring Campuses to achieve in the new year.”

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