MMA History

Joseph Dawson, Jr, was born in Charleston, SC where he attended Buist Elementary, Simonton Middle, Rhett Middle, and Burke and Bonds-Wilson High Schools. He entered the US Army in February 1964 and served in many positions of leadership, such as Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Platoon Leader, First Sergeant, and Command Sergeant Major.

In July 1992, he retired in Germany and returned to Charleston, South Carolina. In September 1992, he wanted to help young people in his community, therefore he volunteered to mentor at Norman C. Toole Middle School. In 1993, he worked with a group of 43 students who showed great improvement in their schoolwork and community involvement. This group grew to over 125 students with many more wanting to join. This was the genesis of the concept that a military-type environment in an academic setting for middle school students would have a positive impact on the school. In 1996, the Charleston County School District Board was petitioned to establish a Public Military Academy at Norman C. Toole Middle School. The Board approved the concept, and the Military Academy was started in June 1997. Dawson was hired as the Commandant and was commissioned as a captain in the South Carolina State Guard. He attended an Officer Training Course which qualified him for subsequent promotion. Dawson advanced to the rank of Colonel. He retired from the Military Magnet Academy and the South Carolina State Guard in June 2013.

Colonel Dawson now serves on The Military Magnet Academy’s Military Advisory Board, The Military Magnet’s Foundation Board, and School Improvement Council. He is an advisor to the Interact Club (20 - 30 cadets), and a member of North Charleston’s Rotary Breakfast Club. Dawson has also been instrumental in raising more than $25,000.00 for the Military Magnet Academy which helps provide uniforms for many families that cannot afford to purchase them. He has also spearheaded a program to provide parents with training in the Hospitality industry helping them to earn certificates and find jobs.