A six-month nationwide search to fill the role of president at Northland Pioneer College (NPC) has successfully ended. At a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 25, the Navajo County Community College District Governing Board approved a contract with Dr. Von Lawson, naming him as NPC’s next president. He will start at the college on January 1.
The selection of Lawson is the culmination of a joint collaborative effort with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), NPC’s District Governing Board, community stakeholders, and a search committee made up of NPC staff, faculty, students, and Indigenous community representatives. In October, three candidate finalists visited the area, spent time at NPC’s locations, and participated in public panel discussions.
Reflecting on his visits to the area, Lawson said, “It was incredible. The people at the college and in the region are friendly, gracious, and welcoming.” He noted, “What struck me is that from the Kayenta Center to the Whiteriver Center, I encountered people who have an incredible passion for serving students and their communities. The people at NPC are proud of the work they do and are excited about seeing students succeed. It showed in everything they did.” He said, “I am excited and honored to join them. I will be their biggest cheerleader.”
Lawson explained that during his visits, he approached students and staff, who he admits “didn’t look like they expected me to talk to them.” But he said, “It was very rewarding. Everyone had a common goal of making NPC the best institution they could, each and every day,” he said. “I had an opportunity to talk with several students and ask them how they felt and what they expected from their president.” He continued, “They were very forthcoming. Their energy level was phenomenal. They laughed and enjoyed talking. They were actively engaged with me.” He said, “That tells me that NPC has created an environment conducive to learning and experiencing the world.” Lawson added, “In my many years of doing this, I’ve learned that students don’t just go to school to learn, they go to school for the relationships they build. And that is what is happening at NPC.”
On selecting Lawson, NPC District Governing Board and Search Chair Everett Robinson said, “The board’s decision was based on extensive background checks, a review of comments from community members and NPC employees, and on personal observations of the candidates’ interactions with students, faculty, and administrators.” According to Robinson, “the process was exhausting at times, but produced excellent candidates.” He explained, “Dr. Lawson is a strong relationship builder. “You will soon discover that nobody is a stranger to him. You just haven’t formally met him yet.”
Lawson is excited to be relocating to Arizona. His aptly named 135-pound Saint Bernard, ‘Fat Boy’ will join him on the new venture. He laughed, “I think we are both looking forward to exploring the wide open spaces of Northeastern Arizona.”
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Lawson is coming to NPC after serving as the Dean of Instruction for the People, Culture, and Public Service pathway at Mt. San Jacinto College in California, a position he’s held since 2019. With over 23 years of higher education teaching experience, he has a Doctorate in Education from the American College of Education, a Master of Arts in Political Science from Central State (OK) University, and a bachelor’s with dual majors in Gerontology and Sociology from Langston (OK) University. Lawson also has extensive experience working for and with underserved populations. He has developed programs and initiatives to combat food insecurity, build institutional inclusivity, and provide accessibility to program offerings through the use of technology. Having worked with African American/Black students as well as several Indigenous nations in Oklahoma and California, he is looking forward to learning about the communities and cultures NPC serves and is ready to get to work at NPC.
