Lawson State President Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony Participates on National Panel
WASHINGTON, DC (09/26/2023) — Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, president of Lawson State Community College, was a panelist at the Annual National HBCU Week Conference that addressed as one of its many featured topics, Black Community Colleges: Celebrating the Untold Story of America's "HBCCs" and PBCCs." The panel discussion that centered on the value and importance of community colleges in educating and training students in the current ecosystem was led by Dr. Nia Haydel of Complete College America.
Approximately 13% of Black students in the U.S. attend community colleges. Nationally, there are 12 historically Black community colleges and 49 predominantly Black community colleges. The Alabama Community College System has six of 12 HBCCs - Lawson State, Bishop State, Drake State, Trenholm State, Gadsden State, and Shelton State. These institutions have played a vital, yet often overlooked, role in creating opportunities for social and economic mobility in the Black community.
The panel delved into the underappreciated role that Historically Black and Predominantly Black Community Colleges have played in empowering Black student success, particularly for adult learners of color. The panel discussed the challenges and systemic resource barriers and constraints that these institutions have overcome. This discussion illuminated the rich legacy, challenges, and potential of HBCCs and PBCCs in America's educational landscape, while offering insights into how these institutions continue to thrive and serve as catalysts for positive change in the Black community.
Dr. Anthony was recognized by Dr. Haydel of Complete College America as the "go to community college president for all things" because of her experience working in the community college world for more than three decades.
Panelists included Dr. Cynthia T. Anthony, president, Lawson State Community College; Dr. Kayla Elliott, director of Workforce Policy, The Joint Center; Dr. Margaret Montgomery-Richard, partner, DMM & Associates, LLC, and retired chancellor, Louisiana Technical College System; and Dr. Rosline Sumpter, vice president of Academic, Student Affairs and Research, South Carolina Technical College System.
In addition, Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State Community College, and Dr. Kemba Chambers, president of Trenholm State Community College, along with several other ACCS college administrators, attended the White House Initiative on HBCUs and took advantage of the professional development opportunity.
Media Attachments
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Kayla Elliot, Dr. Rosline Sumpter, Dr. Nia Haydel, Dr. Cynthia Anthony and Dr. Margaret Montgomery-Richards.