After playing several sports at John Carroll University, he served as a coach and athletic director for the South Carolina State Bulldogs from 1935 to 1976.

[3] He played at fullback in football for three seasons, at guard in basketball as a starter for three years, and participated in several track and field events.

"[4] Playing fullback in football, he finished with a career average of 5.5 yards-per-carry,[3] and led the team in scoring as a junior and senior.

[4] Dawson was inducted into the John Carroll University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984, the first African-American ever to earn the honor.

[6] Dawson was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 1974, the first black person ever to receive the honor.

[11][6] Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, South Carolina State's home football venue, was renamed in his honor in 1984.

[6] Dawson attended St. Luke Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder, and was a member of the Hillcrest Recreational Facility Commission for 17 years.