LowCountry Spotlight Highlighting Local Black History

Dr. JacQueline E. Lawton was born in Jacksonville, FL but now hails from the Lowcountry of Beaufort, SC.

A 6th grade English teacher at Robert Smalls International Academy with 28 years of experience. Dr. Lawton has extensive experience as a Title I and Reading First Coach and grant writer, ELA and Reading Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal and Classroom Teacher.

She has twice been honored as Teacher of the Year at two schools - Toney Elementary School in Decatur, GA and most recently Robert Smalls International Academy in 2018.

Dr. Lawton is also an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. where she serves as vice president of her local chapter, Phi Phi Zeta in Ridgeland, SC.

JacQueline earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from SC State University, in Orangeburg, SC, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a doctorate in Administration and Supervision for - K-12 Schools from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

In 2022, at the Zeta Boule’, JacQueline was elected by the body to serve as the International Second Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Lawton is passionate and very dedicated to her local community serving as the Corresponding Secretary for the Beaufort-Jasper Chapter of the South Carolina State University National Alumni Association, an appointed Commissioner for the Port Royal Elections Commission and as a deacon and Financial Administrator for Lighthouse Christian Center. JacQueline is the daughter of Michael and Ozell Richardson, the devoted wife to Roycie Lamont and GiGi to Master Collin White.