Texas Southern University Launches Rev. William A. Lawson Scholarship Endowment for Future Leaders

Texas Southern University Establishes the William A. Lawson Endowment

Texas Southern University (TSU) has officially announced the formation of the William A. Lawson Endowment, a scholarship initiative designed to honor the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson, who was a prominent civil rights leader and community advocate. This endowment has been made possible thanks to an initial gift of $200,000 from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, which was subsequently matched by an additional $200,000 from the university's Office of Civil Rights, resulting in a total commitment of $400,000.

Rev. Dr. Lawson was not just a spiritual figure but also a pillar in the Houston community, and his values of education and faith will be perpetuated through this endowment. James W. Crawford III, the president of TSU, emphasized that through this initiative, future generations will be encouraged to stand up for justice and serve their communities with humility and grace, true to the spirit of Rev. Lawson.

The William A. Lawson Endowed Scholarship will cater specifically to full-time undergraduate students at Texas Southern University. To qualify for the scholarship, candidates must meet certain requirements: they should be in good academic standing with the university, possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, and be pursuing a degree in one of several designated fields including Political Science, Theology, Psychology, Sociology, or Education.

Beyond the financial assistance, scholarship recipients will embody the ideals that Rev. Lawson stood for—academic excellence, community service, and social justice. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, the Senior Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, expressed the church's excitement about this partnership, noting that the endowment is a significant step toward honoring the legacy of their founding pastor. Furthermore, he highlighted the church's continual commitment to the development of TSU students since the church's establishment in 1962.

Rev. Lawson's deep-rooted connection with Texas Southern University dates back to 1955 when he arrived in Houston as the director of the Baptist Student Union and professor of Bible at TSU. He played a crucial role in organizing the church within his home's living room on the university's campus. The values instilled by Rev. Lawson in the community resonate deeply, inspiring a legacy that spans generations. Through the establishment of this endowment, TSU and Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church aim to carry forward his vision of education, equality, and justice.

Texas Southern University itself, established in 1927, is dedicated to serving urban communities and ensuring equal access to quality education. It stands as a beacon for diverse students, preparing them to enact positive change in society. The university's commitment to tackling critical urban issues through research and educational programs makes it a key institution in Texas.

As TSU embarks on this vital journey with the William A. Lawson Endowment, the university community eagerly anticipates the future impact on students who will benefit from the scholarship and continue the invaluable work and legacy of Rev. Lawson. His vision of a more just and educated society is set to thrive within the university, empowering students to become leaders and advocates for change.