Delores B. Lawson: Her own excellent record of accomplishments
Delores Lawson
By Dorothy Inman-Johnson
Special to the Outlook
Dr. Delores Lawson has often been content to let the spotlight shine on her husband, U.S. Congressman Alfred Lawson Jr., during their 47 years of marriage; providing enormous support as he served Florida for 28 years in the Florida House and Senate, and now as a recently elected U.S. Congressman. However, this lady has an excellent record of achievements of her own. Delores was born in Tallahassee, graduated from FAMU High in 1966, received both her B.S. degree (1970) and her M.A. degree (1984) in Nursing from Florida A&M University (FAMU), and her PhD in Nursing from the University of Alabama in 2004. She and Al have two adult children, Alfred Lawson III and Shani Lawson Wilson, and they are the proud grandparents of three grandchildren. She has been a lifelong member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, a vestry member, past Senior Warden, Altar Guild Chairman, and member of the Episcopal Women Club.
She retired from Florida A & M University in December 2016 after an impressive 35 year career. Among her positions were Nurse Educator at the FAMU School of Nursing, Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Nursing Program, Assistant Professor, and Administrator. Her professional service includes the FAMU Faculty Senate, University Space Committee, University Childcare Committee, University Assessment Committee, Big Bend Clinical Space Committee, School of Nursing Assessment and Evaluation, and Curriculum Chair.
With the demands on the wife of a high profile elected official, it is hard to believe how well she has juggled her successful career, the needs of her family, and still found the time to provide volunteer service to her community. Her community service is varied and extensive. It includes member and Vice President of The Links, Incorporated, member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Alumnae Chapter, former Board member of the Bond Community Health Center, Member of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, member/ treasurer of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, member of the Black Nurses Association Big Bend Chapter, Florida A & M University Alumni Association, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Alumni Association.
Her commitment to her profession and the community is evident from the many recognitions she has received. Among them is the FAMU Distinguished Alumni Award in Health Care, the Capital Regional Hospital Nurse Leadership Award, Nursing Honor Society Award for Leadership, selection for the FAMU School of Nursing Wall of Distinction, and numerous community service awards from a wide range of community-based agencies.
Al Lawson, Florida’s U.S. Representative of the 5th Congressional District, has had the support of a strong, accomplished woman beside him throughout their marriage and careers, making them an unbeatable team for their family, our community, and Florida. The Capital Outlook Newspaper is, now, proud to add another recognition to the list by naming Dr. Delores Lawson this week’s Person of the Week.
Please submit your recommendations for Person of the Week to dotinman-johnson@hotmail.com.
