Byron Dawson named Top Business Professional of the Year
Shreveport - Centenary head football coach Byron Dawson was named "Top Business Professional of the Year" at the 2025 Minority Business Opportunity Awards Dinner, presented by Willis Knighton Health, last Thursday at Sam's Town Hotel & Casino.
The Business Development Connection (BDC) of the Greater Shreveport Chamber proudly recognized a distinguished group of minority business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers at the 2025 Minority Business Opportunity Awards Dinner. The evening celebrated individuals and organizations whose contributions are driving economic growth and community advancement across the Shreveport-Bossier region.
Each year, the BDC honors those who exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, and service. These honorees inspire others by fostering opportunities, championing progress, and building a more inclusive and dynamic business environment. Their stories reflect a commitment not only to professional success, but to uplifting others and strengthening the communities they serve.
"Our 2025 honorees truly represent the best of our business community," stated Chamber Chairman Tom Simms. "They exemplify resilience, vision, and service—and we are proud to recognize the remarkable ways they are making a difference in Shreveport-Bossier."
Dawson, a distinguished football coach and respected community leader, has built a career defined by mentorship, leadership, and lasting impact. Through his work as a coach, public speaker, and trusted advisor, Dawson has inspired athletes, business professionals, and communities across the country. He empowers others with a powerful message rooted in purpose, resilience, and faith. Demonstrating that true success is measured not just by personal achievement, but by the lives we uplift along the way.
The Centenary football program completed its historic 2024 season 4-6 overall and 4-4 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play as the sport returned to campus for the first time in over a half-century under the leadership of the Shreveport native Dawson.
Dawson is one of the most recognizable names in local football at any level. He put together an impressive high school career at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, where he was selected as the USA Today High School All American Defensive MVP for Louisiana, named Class 3A All-State and Defensive MVP, and helped lead Evangel to a 15-0 record in 1997, three state championships, and a No. 17 national ranking, among other accolades. Dawson was also the back to back state champion in the shot put his junior and senior year.
Dawson is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he was a four-year letterman on the LSU defensive line, recording 86 tackles and four sacks while playing for Nick Saban, Pete Jenkins, Will Muschamp, Karl Dunbar, and Bo Davis. Dawson was part of LSU's nationally-ranked defense during the 2001 season, during which the Tigers upset Tennessee to win the SEC Championship and then defeated Illinois in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
The Gents will open their season on Sept. 6 against Westgate Christian University at Atkins Field and are scheduled to play nine regular-season games – five at home and four on the road. Centenary will play Millsaps College on Sept. 13 in Jackson, Miss. and return home to face East Texas Baptist University on Sept. 20. The Gents will have a bye week on Sept. 27 and then open conference play at Austin College on Oct. 4 in Sherman, Texas.
Centenary's first league home game is Oct. 11 versus Texas Lutheran University, on Oct. 18 the Gents are at Lyon College in Batesville, Ark., and they close the month of October at home versus McMurry University for a conference contest on Oct. 25. Centenary will face Hendrix College on Nov. 1 in Conway, Ark. and are back home on Nov. 8 to face the 'Roos of Austin College again to close the regular season.
The SCAC will feature a new and exciting format for determining its league champion next season as all six schools (Austin College, Centenary, Hendrix, Lyon, McMurry, and TLU) will meet on Nov. 15 in Little Rock, Ark. for championship weekend held at War Memorial Stadium with an exciting day featuring three games - the No. 5 versus the No. 6 seed, the No. 3 seed versus the No. 4 seed, and the top two seeds playing each other.
See the complete Gents' season schedule here: https://www.gocentenary.com/sports/fball/2025-26/schedule
Season Tickets and single game tickets will go on sale at a date TBD soon and game times will also be announced at a later date. All times and dates are subject to change.
For more information or to donate to Centenary athletics and the football program, visit gocentenary.com/gocentenary/C_Club.