By Aron Smith
Karen Howard-Dawson, an education major, is now a three-time graduate of Jackson State University. As a loving mother, she realized her long-held dream of obtaining a specialist degree from her alma mater. Dawson said she paused her future education plans to focus on being a mom.
“My son was the center of my world. I was determined to see him succeed, especially in defiance of the stereotype that single mothers cannot raise successful children. I wanted to prove that he could thrive and achieve greatness despite having only his mother to guide his future,” Dawson said.
An educator with eight years of teaching experience, Dawson devoted eight years to teaching, two decades working in federal programs, and three years to serving as an assistant principal within the school system. She completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from JSU in 1992 before receiving her master’s degree in 1994 from the HBCU.
“I’ve always had a deep love for children. Even as a child, I remember playing with a chalkboard and declaring I would be a teacher one day,” Dawson reminisced. My passion is ensuring the success of the next generation. That’s always been my main reason for becoming an educator.”
The JSU alumna shared that her educational journey paused after discovering she was pregnant. She put her plans on hold to focus entirely on her son’s upbringing and education.
“There came a point when I realized I needed to take a new path. My son became my top priority, and I wanted to ensure he had everything he needed in life,” she explained. “If that meant putting aside my goals and dreams, I willingly made that sacrifice. I wanted to give him the world, essentially.”
Her son’s academic success culminated in his receiving a Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Mississippi, and this moment served as a turning point for Dawson. With her son’s education complete, it became time to focus on her aspirations.
Turning back to her alma mater, Dawson enrolled in the JSUOnline specialist degree program in 2021. She credits the program’s flexibility with allowing her to effectively pursue her professional and personal responsibilities.
Dawson devoted herself to fostering a stronger bond between parents and the school system when not in school. As a home-school community partnership manager, she works tirelessly to engage parents in their children’s education.
“My main duty is to help parents understand and nurture their children’s educational potential,” she explained. “Engaged and informed parents are key to creating an environment where students can flourish.”
She received her education specialist degree at the Fall 2023 commencement ceremony at Jackson State on Friday, Dec. 8, but her academic pursuits continue.
Dawson has her sights set on a doctorate in the very near future. Reflecting on her journey, she said, “Right now, I’m planning the next big thing on my list. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that everything falls into place. I’m making strides in my career, potentially moving into upper-level K-12 administration. I’ve been eyeing this goal for a while and am ready to leap.”