Vita

Professional Objective: My greatest skill is an ability to assess the situation, establish systems and put resources in place to address challenges.  I want to continue building institutions that enable participants to prosper for life.

Major Accomplishments

Major Accomplishments

  • Forty years of global experience working in secondary and higher education intuitions as an educator, designer and supporter of life long learning.
  • Specialized in developing global programs that target needs in the local and business community to ensure graduating students are prepared to be productive citizens.
  • Since 1975, served as consultant to corporate, military and student personnel with overseas assignments to Europe and Asia.
  • Founder of Oklahoma Women in World Trade and instrumental in the establishment of Bermuda Women in World Trade. Both organizations focused on preparing women to be successful in global trade ventures.
  • Significant experience expanding the capabilities of local programs, agencies and organizations to build self-sustaining higher education programs.

Leadership in Education

Summary of Leadership in Education

  • Demonstrated success working with or for non-profit, quasi-governmental and educational institutions to create programs that address local educational needs world-wide. Achieved a 100% graduation rate for programs.
  • Established/facilitated Certificate in Theology program (San Antonio campus) for the Interdenominational Theological Center; established The Multitude Experience Certificate in Ministry program. (Graduated 26 participants total)
  • Developed teacher education training for 60 educators in SWAZILAND & LESOTHO
  • Led efforts to fill libraries and schools in UGANDA, KENYA, GHANA and SOUTH AFRICA with teaching materials and books.
  • Facilitated and negotiated discussions to create national training programs for African and European participants i.e. German Marshall Fund of the S., U.S. Information Agency and Phelps-Stokes Fund.
  • Member of management team that developed and launched a training and development certificate program for College of Continuing Education at University of Oklahoma which is now being conducted in 3 states.

University Experience

Summary of University Experience

  • Member of Founding Faculty, member of Master Planning Committee, participant in SACS accreditation process – Texas A&M University Kingsville-San Antonio.
  • Served on university search committee. Initiated a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) project as a course requirement.  Experience with integrating competencies (designated by professional organizations/state education agencies) into course work. Supervised student, post Bac and pre-service teachers.

Education

Education

  • Ed.D.  Adult and Higher Education/Emphasis: Training and Development University of Oklahoma, Chair: Dr. Gary Green Dissertation topic: An analysis on the effects of teamwork training on the proficiency of high performance teams in the international exhibiting industry.
  • M.A.   Curriculum and Instruction, Michigan State University Masters  level studies completed in Japan and England
  • B.S.   Home Economics, Lincoln University (Missouri)

Certificates/Certifications

Certificates/Certifications held

  • Certification # 352558, Vocational Home Economics, Florida Department of Education
  • Certification  # 10004, Home Economics, Social Studies, Work Experience Coordinator, Department of Defense Overseas Dependent Schools
  • Certification # 146632, General Home Economics, Democracy, Sociology/Anthropology, American History, Oklahoma Department of Education
  • Certificate, Central Oklahoma  American Society for Training and Development
  • Certificate,  Indianapolis Entrepreneurship Academy

Higher Education Experience

1989 – present

Principal, Lawton International

Started and grew company to be a premiere organization serving the educational needs in disenfranchised communities and helped small to mid-sized companies find innovative ways to train and develop workforces.

  • Provided technical assistance for educational program to be conducted in Namibia
  • Secured corporate financial and in-kind service donations for community projects.
  • Provided educational instruction to clergy and lay ministry leaders at faith-based schools in Swaziland, Lesotho, Kenya and Ghana.
  • Developed marketing and training programs for clients such as City of San Antonio, University of Oklahoma, Federal Express Corporation, Halliburton Company, Center for International Trade Development, Southwestern Bell Telephone, Federal Aviation Administration and Bermuda Employer’s Council.
  • Served on the educational advisory boards for Jamaican and Ghanaian institutions.
  • Founding Faculty member, member of Master Planning Committee and participant in SACS accreditation process at Texas A&M University – Kingsville – San Antonio
  • Accomplished and sought after speaker on educational issues in Argentina, Austria, Jamaica, Bermuda, Swaziland, Lesotho and throughout the US.
  • Featured speaker on super station WGN’s Minority Business Report, co-host Creating the Future and host/producer of Oklahoma World View on Cox Cable.
  • Contributing editor and writer on educational and contemporary human resource issues.

2006-2008 

US and International Higher Education Experience

Teaching, Curriculum Development and Design, and Student Support

 

UTSA University of Texas at San Antonio,

  • Served as faculty at one of the fastest growing 100 young colleges. This innovative university system uses the latest and most effective on-line, principles of adult learning system wide.
  • Recruited to develop and teach several courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.  Developed/Taught African American Modes of Expression (explored Foodways of the African Diaspora & Topics in African American Studies (researched the black elite). 

Additional Experience

Additional Experience

1994-2003

Taught English as a Second Language, marketing, secondary education and culinary arts.

  • University of the Incarnate Word, School of Business & Applied Arts and Sciences – San Antonio TX
  • Defense Language Institute English Language Center – San Antonio TX
  • Indiana University (IUPUI), Kelley School of Business – Indianapolis IN
  • University of Oklahoma, College of Education – Norman OK

1972 – 1980

  • Department of Defense Overseas Dependent Schools (Japan) – Yokohama NB & Yokota AB
  • Dade County Public  Schools – Miami FL

Honors & Professional/Community Organizations

Honors

  • Inductee, Talented Tenth Exceptional Scholars (now San Antonio Ladies of The Talented Tenth (SALTT), Delta Sigma Theta Arts and Letters Committee (Texas)
  • Honoree, Salute to Outstanding Women in Action, Religion Award, LaPrensa Foundation, Inc. (Texas)
  • Graduate, Inaugural Class, African American Leadership Institute, Alamo City
  • Chamber Education Foundation, Inc. (Texas)
  • Recipient, Ameritech Scholarship, Indianapolis Entrepreneur Academy (Indiana)
  • Member, Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women (Oklahoma)
  • International Judge, Yamaha World Music Festival (Japan)
  • Distinguished Alumni, Lincoln University (Missouri)

Professional/Community Organizations

  • Crosspoint, Inc., Board Member 2007 – 2008, Chair, Nominating Committee
  • Doyle School Community Center, Board Member and Treasurer 2005-2006
  • Sistas in Business, Board Member 2005 – 2007; Chaplain 2005 – 2007
  • TexTesol II, President 2002 – 2003
  • Indiana World Trade Club, Board Member, 1997
  • Oklahoma Women in World Trade (OWWT), Founder and Past President
  • Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), Board Member
  • Oklahoma City International Trade Association (OCITA), Vice President 1994
  • American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)
  • Valuing Differences National Committee Member 1994
  • National Affirmative Action Committee Chair 1992-1993
  • Central Oklahoma Chapter President 1990
  • Regional Conference Planning Committee 1988-1990
  • Recipient, ASTD Region 7 James E. Wallace Chapter Service Award 1989

Publications

 Publications

    • Cowell, N., & Boxill, I. (1995). Working in a Multicultural Framework. In Human Resource Managment. (1st ed.). Canoe Press.
    • Grupe, PhD, R. (1993). Integrating Ethnic Cultures into the Team Environment. In The Change. (2nd ed.). (p. Chapter 25). Koinonia Press.
    • Lawton, L. (1992, January 1). Conducting Business Japanese Style. Sozialpsyychologie und Gruppendynamik.
    • Lawton, L. (1998, May 29). Following protocol can help you clinch a deal in Japan. San Antonio Business Journal.
    • Lawton, L. (1997, March 1). I.E.H.A. Goes Global: cultural nuances can cause confusion. Executive Housekeeping Today.
    • Lawton, L. (2000, January 1). In the House. Executive Housekeeping Today.
    • Lawton, L. (1994, October 1). It’s Time for a Change in Mindset. International Journal of Human Resource Development & Management.
    • Lawton, L. (1996, October 1). Leadership Programs with a Global Thrust. International Journal of Human Resource Development & Management.
    • Lawton, L. (1993, June/July) Playing Men At Their Own Game. Caribbean Labour Journal.
    • Lawton, L. (1993, July 14). Women Abroad. Front Page News.
    • Lawton, L. (1995, October 1). Women on Work: Japan and the USA. International Journal of Human Resource Development & Management.

Presentations

Presentations/Training provided

  • Title: Effective verbal and non-verbal communication City of San Antonio San Antonio TX Nov 03
  • Title: Lesson plan preparation: teaching effective lessons Deltas in Southern Africa Manzini SWAZILAND & Teya-Teyaneng LESOTHO Mar 02
  • Title: Understanding the influence of culture on trade shows Trade Show Two Chicago IL Jul 02 Anaheim CA Aug 01 Washington DC Jul 00 Philadelphia PA Jul 97
  • Title: Cross cultural nuances in the adult education classroom TexTesol San Antonio TX Oct 99
  • Title: .. and goodies, too ESL Mini-Training Festival San Antonio TX Feb 99
  • Title: Intercultural Communication International Executive Housekeeper’s Association (IEHA) Las Vegas NV Jul 98
  • Title: Verbal and non-verbal communication National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) Houston TX Mar 98
  • Title: International Etiquette International Association of Credit Managers (IACM) Indianapolis IN Sep 97 Indianapolis IN Mar 96
  • Title: Tips on international business protocol & The art of adult education Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Indianapolis IN Feb 97 San Francisco CA Jan 97 Indianapolis IN Feb 95
  • Title: High performance international team at work here, Trade show success in Japan & Is an international career for you? Exhibitor Show Las Vegas NV Feb 99 Baltimore MD Sep 98 Las Vegas NV Feb 98 Las Vegas NV Feb 97
  • Title: Are you prepared to be part of Lilly’s global presence? Eli Lilly and Company Indianapolis IN Apr 96 Indianapolis IN Feb 96
  • Title: International business protocol Economic Development Institute (EDI) Norman OK Aug 97 Indianapolis IN Apr 97 Norman OK Aug 96 Indianapolis IN Mar 96
  • Title: Jump start your career National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Boston MA Sep 95
  • Title: Growing Minority of Minority Entrepreneurs: black women The Bermuda Masters Hamilton BERMUDA Oct 95 Hamilton BERMUDA Oct 94
  • Title: International business protocol National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Orlando FL Oct 93 Houston TX Oct 90
  • Title: Women in the international arena Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG) Austin TX Nov 93
  • Title: Women in the international arena Network of Women in Business Indianapolis IN Aug 94
  • Title: Women in the international arena Prudential Newark NJ Nov 95 Newark NJ Sep 94
  • Title: International business protocol United Way of Central Indiana Indianapolis IN Oct 94
  • Title: Alliances: your key to international markets Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Hamilton BERMUDA Mar 95 Phoenix AZ Oct 94
  • Title: Executive etiquette for global transactions Ohio Department of Development Salt Fork Lodge OH Sep 93
  • Title: Executive etiquette for global transactions Center for International Trade Development (CITD) Stillwater OK Quarterly 91/92
  • Title: Women in the international arena Business and Professional Women (BPW) Hamilton BERMUDA Feb 92 Oklahoma City OK Dec 90
  • Title: Women in the international arena & Cross cultural nuances in the adult education classroom American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Atlanta GA May 93 Los Angeles CA Jan 92 Alexandria VA Nov 91 Gatlinburg TN Oct 90 San Antonio TX Oct 88
  • Title: International business protocol Oklahoma Vocational Association (OVA) Tulsa OK Aug 93
  • Title: International Etiquette Hospitality Society Stillwater OK Mar 93
  • Titles: Playing men at their own game & Taking the plunge Woman Inc, Kingston JAMAICA Oct 92
  • Title: International business protocol U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Tulsa OK Sep 92
  • Title: International business protocol International Training in Communication (ITC) San Antonio TX Jul 92
  • Title: Doing business with your Japanese neighbors Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Dallas, Inc Dallas TX May 91
  • Title: Cultural Sensitivity Oklahoma Association of Extension Home Economists (OAEHE) Tulsa OK May 91
  • Title: International business protocol Halliburton Company Austin TX Quarterly 91/92
  • Title: International business protocol Mid America World Trade Center Wichita KS Mar 91
  • Title: Women in the International Arena International Federation of Training and Development Organizations (IFTDO) Vienna AUSTRIA Jul 91 Buenos Aires ARGENTINA Aug 90