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Lawson State Community College announced Wednesday that a Lowndes County native earned her place on the school’s dean’s list.

Johnae McGhee of Hayneville was among the 186 students named to the college’s Fall 2023 Dean’s List. She works as the Federal Programs Secretary for Lowndes County Public Schools and is pursuing higher education online at Lawson State while working full time to serve Lowndes County school.

“I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree,” McGhee said. “I will be getting my associate degree and will then transfer to obtain my bachelor’s degree.”

McGhee grew up in the Mosses community and is a Junior at Lawson. She began her education journey at Lawson in 2013, right after graduating from Central High School.

“I attended Lawson back in 2013 when I graduated from high school,” McGhee said. “But life happens. I had some deaths in my family that kind of distracted me. So, I have finally got the opportunity to go back and pursue my dreams, so I’m 

McGhee has two daughters, LeiLani and Harleigh, and said her return to college was inspired by her desire to set an example for them to follow.

“I wanted to further my knowledge,” McGhee said. “I have two beautiful daughters and I want to make sure I create a better life for them.”

At Lawson State, students like McGhee earn dean’s list placement for attaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher with a minimum of 12 semesters of college-level course work.

The community college has campuses in Bessemer and Birmingham and supports two-main divisions — an academic division and career/technical division — to prepare students for employment and career advancement. Offerings include college transfer, workforce development, adult education, and dual enrollment programs.

To learn more about what Lawson State Community College offers, visit www.lawsonsta.com.