Posted by Mary Wimberley on 2006-01-30

Samford University music professor Dr. Sharon Lawhon was named winner of the school's 2005-06 George Macon Memorial Award during the opening convocation of the spring semester Thursday (Jan. 26).

The honor recognizes a Samford educator who, through outstanding performance as a teacher, counselor and friend to students, demonstrates the ability to inspire students to greatness.

Dr. Lawhon was presented a silver tray and $1,000 check by Samford Provost Dr. Brad Creed, who cited her ability to expect the most of her students, to inspire them to achieve their goals, and to challenge them to become responsible students and persons of integrity.

Dr. Lawhon, who joined the Samford faculty in 1994, is chair of the voice department in the university's School of Performing Arts. She teaches voice, diction and music ministry with children. She also conducts the 70-voice University Chorale.

She holds a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance from Belmont University, and master of church music and doctor of musical arts degrees in vocal performance from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.