James Raymond Lawson facts for kids

James Raymond Lawson (January 15, 1915 – December 21, 1996) was an important American physicist and university leader. He served as the president of Fisk University, a well-known historically Black university in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1967 to 1975.

Early Life and Education

James Raymond Lawson was born on January 15, 1915, in Louisville, Kentucky. His father, Daniel LaMont Lawson, had also attended Fisk University. He was a member of the famous Fisk Jubilee Singers and worked as a dean at Simmons College of Kentucky.

Lawson went to Fisk University himself. There, he studied infrared spectroscopy, which is a way to study materials using light. His mentor was a scientist named Elmer Imes. Lawson was part of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and was chosen for the Phi Beta Kappa honor society because he was a great student.

In 1935, he became the first student to earn a bachelor's degree in Physics from Fisk. He then received a special scholarship called a Rosenwald Fellowship. This allowed him to study at the University of Michigan, where he earned his PhD in Physics in 1939.

A Career in Physics and Education

After finishing his studies, Lawson worked as a physics professor. He taught at Southern University from 1939 to 1940. Then, he taught at Langston University from 1940 to 1942.

In 1942, Lawson returned to his old school, Fisk University. He became an associate professor and led the physics department. At Fisk, he created the Fisk Infrared Research Laboratory. In 1950, he and another physicist, Nelson Fuson, started the Fisk Infrared Spectroscopy Institute. This institute helped many students learn about this field.

Lawson was a great mentor to his graduate students at Fisk. They presented their research at big science conferences, like those held by the American Physical Society and the American Chemical Society. This helped them connect with other scientists.

From 1955 to 1957, he led the physics department at Tennessee A & I University, which is now called Tennessee State University. In 1957, he came back to Fisk University as a full professor and head of the physics department. He later became the vice president of the university from 1966 to 1967.

Leading Fisk University

James Raymond Lawson became the president of Fisk University in 1967. He was the first person who had graduated from Fisk to become its president. During his time as president, Fisk University had the highest number of students ever.

However, the university faced financial challenges during the late 1960s. Many students were involved in important civil rights demonstrations. This led to a decrease in financial support from some donors. As a result, the university had to make budget cuts. Lawson resigned in 1975. His obituary later stated he resigned for health reasons.

After leaving Fisk, Lawson continued his work in science. He worked for the Energy Research and Development Administration and NASA in Washington, D.C. He also served on the board of the Oak Ridge Associated Universities. He was a member of several important science organizations, including the American Institute of Physics.

In May 1996, Fisk University honored Lawson with a special honorary PhD. They even offered him a place to live on campus during the last few months of his life.

Personal Life and Passing

James Raymond Lawson was married to Lillian Arcaeneaux. They had two sons and two daughters. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee, where he passed away on December 21, 1996, at the age of 81. His funeral was held at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.