HOUSTON, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Texas Southern University (TSU) is pleased to announce the establishment of the William A. Lawson Endowment, a scholarship initiative that honors the enduring legacy of the late Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson, a revered civil rights leader, spiritual icon, and longtime community advocate.
The endowment is being established through a generous initial gift of $200,000 from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, matched by $200,000 from the university’s Office of Civil Rights, for a total value of $400,000.
“Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson was a pillar in our community who embodied the values of education and faith,” said Texas Southern University president James W. Crawford III. “Through this endowment, we celebrate his legacy while empowering future generations to follow in his footsteps to fearlessly speak truth to power while operating with humility, grace, and commitment to service over self.”
The William A. Lawson Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to full-time undergraduate students at TSU who meet the following criteria:
- Be in good academic standing with the University
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Pursuing a degree in Political Science, Theology, Psychology, Sociology, or Education
Scholarship recipients will not only benefit from financial support but will also carry forward the ideals Rev. Lawson championed—academic excellence, community service, and social justice.
“This endowment is a testament to the commitment of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and the Lawson family to academic excellence,” said Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Senior Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. “Texas Southern University students have been a part of the fabric of our church’s life since our inception in 1962. We are delighted to partner with Texas Southern to honor the legacy of our Founding Pastor through this most meaningful initiative. Additionally, we look forward to the impact this endowment will make on the lives of each scholarship recipient and the countless lives they, in turn, will touch.”
Through Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson, a beloved pastor, civil rights champion, and founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, the University and the church are inextricably linked. He moved to Houston in 1955 to serve as the director of Texas Southern’s Baptist Student Union and professor of Bible. The Lawsons organized the church in the living room of their home on TSU’s campus, which also served as the Baptist Student Union.
Rev. Lawson’s dedication to equality, faith, and education inspired countless individuals across generations. Through this endowment, his vision for a more just and educated society will continue to thrive within the Texas Southern community.
About Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. As such, TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities with academic and research programs that address critical urban issues and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. A distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas.
CONTACT:
Tracy Clemons
713-313-7371
832-986-9101 [cell]
Tracy.Clemons@tsu.edu
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SOURCE Texas Southern University
