Former NFL Lineman establishes new grant fellowship

A pro football lineman and his wife have established a new graduate fellowship at the UK College of Education. This fellowship, the third for the college, will provide financial assistance to minority or non-traditional students seeking an advanced degree in education.

Dermontti Dawson, former UK football lineman and star center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his wife, Regina, created the graduate fellowship out of their respect for education and their desire to support minorities entering the field.

Dermontti Dawson is well known for his athletic prowess. He was an all-state athlete at Bryan Station High School and a highly regarded lineman for the University of Kentucky Wildcats. In 1988, he was a second round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dawson went on to fame as one of the NFL's most outstanding linemen. He participated in seven consecutive pro bowls and received accolades from the leading sports journals as one of the great centers in NFL history.

Regina has a degree in business and economics from UK and is pursuing her elementary education certification to teach. They are the parents of two children; a son, Brandon Neil, and a daughter, Brianna. Among all the accomplishments Dermontti has achieved in his athletic career, he is most proud of his commitment to his family and his activities as a role model to children. Those achievements have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his work with children and other philanthropic activities, Dermontti Dawson was the recipient of two very significant honors. His Steeler teammates unanimously named Dawson as the recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award for the 2000 football season. Earlier that year, Dawson was named to the University of Kentucky College of Education's Hall of Fame.

Over the years, Dermontti and Regina Dawson have stressed the value of a good education with their children and have sought opportunities to be advocates for education. It was because of their strong beliefs that they established the Dermontti F. and Regina M. Dawson Graduate Fellowship in Education. It is the Dawson's hope that by establishing this fellowship, a minority or non-traditional student at the college will become an outstanding educator to touch the lives of young people.

For more information about the Dermontti F. and Regina M. Dawson Graduate Fellowship in Education, contact Mary Ann Vimont.