A.C. Dawson, Jr., graduated from Atlantic Christian in 1937 with a degree in history. Born in Jacksonville, N.C., Dawson grew up in Zebulon and graduated from Wakelon High School in 1933.

He won the Tennis Cup, signifying the Most Valuable Player, four years.

Bud Rose coached Dawson in baseball and basketball while W.A. Hodges was the tennis coach. He was an All-State Conference choice in basketball.

After AC, Dawson moved on to the University of North Carolina, where he received his master’s degree in education.

Dawson then moved on to Southern Pines. He served two years as a teacher, 12 years as a principal and eight years as superintendent of the Southern Pines City School System.

In 1959, Dawson moved to Raleigh and took the position of Executive Secretary for the North Carolina Association of Educators. He held that post for 19 years until his retirement in 1978.

In 1954 Dawson received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from AC.

Dawson and his wife, Margaret Hilburn, have four children: Donna Van Ness, A.C. Dawson, III, Linda Burton; and Pamela Dawson.a