Close-up of a smiling African American woman with short dark hair, wearing hoop earrings and a black turtleneck, against a plain background.

Rena Newson Lott, PhD is an accomplished educator, administrator, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of leadership in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education. A longtime professor and department chair at Alabama A&M University, she guided curriculum development, accreditation, faculty mentorship, and student success while contributing to research, grant writing, and national service in her field.

Dr. Lott began her career as a Special Education teacher in Mississippi before expanding into real estate, small business ownership, and authorship. Her book, Meet Lusia (Lucy) Harris-Stewart: The Amazing, Amazing Basketball Player, reflects her passion for storytelling and preserving historical legacies.

Known for her strong leadership, organizational skills, and commitment to lifelong learning, Dr. Lott continues to serve her community in Huntsville, Alabama, through education, entrepreneurship, and service.

Get to know Dr. Lott

Page from a newspaper. The top left shows a basketball player from Mississippi State during a game. The top right features an article titled 'Meet Luisa (Lucy) Harris-Stewart', with a black and white photo of basketball players in action. The bottom left displays an advertisement for a red RAM truck with a service appointment offer. The bottom right contains an article about a book honoring a basketball legend.
Badge with a silver and black design that reads 'FINALIST' in large bold letters, surrounded by the words 'The Ian Book of the Year Awards' and 'The Independent'.
Collage of black-and-white and color photos of a young woman, a basketball player, and a group of people, with a trophy on the right side.