Dr. Suzanne Holt, vice president for Student Life at Lee, with Dr. Dan Lawson, right, holding the 2025 Rahamut Award
Lee University’s Dr. Dan Lawson has been named the recipient of the 2025 Janet Rahamut Award. This award is given in recognition to the faculty member who exhibits a heart for students, evidenced by frequent interaction and positive involvement with them outside of the classroom.
The award is named in memory of Dr. Janet Rahamut, a veteran English professor whose tragic death in 2000 shocked the campus and left a tremendous void in the collective heart of the Lee family. The award was created to honor Dr. Rahamut’s dedication to her students, in and out of the classroom.
“I am blessed beyond measure,” said Dr. Lawson. “Dr. Rahamut established an extraordinary standard for professional behavior and personal interactions at Lee University. Like my peers, I take seriously the expectation of relationship building and modeling her legacy. Our students welcome genuine interactions and provide me a place and space to share life lessons, professional experiences, and an ever-growing faith. While I hope that my student interactions and relationships help to refine and support them, I know those interactions improve me!”
Dr. Lawson has served at Lee University for the past seven years, as a professor of educational leadership. He has not only faithfully taught in Lee’s graduate programs but has also invested wholeheartedly in undergraduate students. His presence extends beyond the classroom, where he encourages and mentors students at ball fields, basketball courts, the recreation center, and even in the cafeteria.
“This professor spends more time with students outside of the classroom than within: Lunches, ballgames, advising sessions that turn into life-coaching – he has always been ‘all-in’ when it comes to students,” said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of Lee’s College of Education. “Not only does he know his students; he knows them deeply, their desires, and their immediate needs. He challenges us all to be better mentors in our professional work.”
Dr. Lawson was presented the award during a special chapel service.