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Dallas College
View on WikipediaThis article may be confusing or unclear to readers. (December 2023) |

Key Information
Dallas College is a public community college with seven campuses in Dallas County, Texas.[2] It serves more than 70,000 students annually in degree-granting, continuing education, and adult education programs.
Dallas College offers associate degree and career/technical certificate programs in more than 100 areas of study,[3] as well as a bachelor's degree in education.[4] It is one of the largest community college systems in Texas.
History
[edit]Dallas College was founded as the Dallas County Junior College District in 1965, and became known as the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) in 1972. The first campus, El Centro College, was established in 1966 in downtown Dallas. Bill J. Priest served as the founding chancellor from 1965 until his retirement in 1981.[5]
Consolidation
[edit]In February 2020, the Dallas County Community College District announced a plan to consolidate its seven constituent institutions, which at the time were separately accredited, into one accredited institution with multiple campuses. The move was primarily aimed at simplifying the enrollment process and graduation requirements. Students originally needed to complete at least 25% of credits at one campus; the merger removed this requirement.[6]
The merger was approved by accreditor SACSCOC on June 12, 2020.[7] In tandem, the district changed its name to Dallas College, repositioning its former constituent institutions as campuses (e.g., Brookhaven College became Dallas College Brookhaven Campus).[8]
The merger was controversial among faculty, as it resulted in layoffs, changes to campus culture,[9] and a more centralized governance structure. In particular, the college eliminated its rolling three-year faculty contracts in favor of one-year contracts, which substantially weakened job security for full-time faculty.[10] In October 2021, roughly a year after the consolidation, full-time faculty passed a resolution of no confidence against then-chancellor Dr. Joe May.[11]
Service area
[edit]As defined by the Texas Legislature, the official service area of Dallas College consists of Dallas County and the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, a portion of which is in adjacent Denton County.[12]
Dallas College maintains an "open-door" admissions policy regarding new students, allowing many people to attend college who otherwise might not be able to do so.
Campuses
[edit]Dallas College has seven primary campuses. Prior to the 2020 consolidation, each of these institutions were separately accredited.
| # | Campus | Opened | City/neighborhood | Mascot | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brookhaven | 1978 | Farmers Branch | Bears | |
| 2 | Cedar Valley | 1977 | Lancaster | Suns | |
| 3 | Eastfield | 1970 | Mesquite | Harvester Bees | |
| 4 | El Centro | 1966 | Downtown Dallas | Eagles | |
| 5 | Mountain View | 1970 | Oak Cliff, Dallas | Lions | |
| 6 | North Lake | 1977 | Las Colinas, Irving | Blazers | |
| 7 | Richland | 1972 | Lake Highlands, Dallas | Thunderducks |
Centers
[edit]In addition to the seven campuses, Dallas College has centers which either serve surrounding communities or are used for specific purposes.[13] Prior to the 2020 consolidation, each center was associated with a specific campus.
| Center | City/neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Bill J. Priest | Deep Ellum, Dallas |
| Cedar Hill | Cedar Hill |
| Coppell | Coppell |
| Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality | Northwest Dallas |
| Downtown Design | Downtown Dallas |
| Downtown Health Sciences | Downtown Dallas |
| Garland | Garland |
| Irving | Irving |
| Lancaster Workplace Development | Oak Cliff, Dallas |
| Pleasant Grove | Pleasant Grove, Dallas |
| South Dallas Training | South Dallas |
| West Dallas | West Dallas |
| Workforce | Redbird, Dallas |
Administration
[edit]The Dallas College board of trustees consists of seven members who are entrusted with governing the district. The board defines the vision of the district, serves as a liaison between the district and the community, approves annual budgets and sets policies, among other responsibilities. Board members are elected officials who serve six-year terms without compensation.[14]
References
[edit]- ^ "Maps and Locations". Dallas College.
- ^ "Degrees, Certificates and Classes for Credit". Dallas College. Retrieved 2015-11-23.
- ^ "Dallas College launches a 4-year bachelor of education program". KERA News. 2021-11-17. Retrieved 2021-11-17.
- ^ "History of Dallas College". Dallas College. Retrieved 2020-07-03.
- ^ Avala, Eva-Marie (2020-02-03). "DCCCD wants to make college degrees easier for students by uniting campuses". The Dallas Morning News. DallasNews Corporation. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ "Accreditation Actions taken by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees" (PDF). Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 2020-06-12. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ Wallis, Jay (2020-03-04). "'Dallas College' approved as new name for community college district". WFAA. Tegna, Inc. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ Forney, Fiona; Duff, Ryan (2021-12-01). "Dallas College merger: gains and growing pains". Richland Student Media. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ Carter, Simone (2022-04-20). "McCollege: As Dallas College Consolidates Its Campuses, Some See Crisis". The Dallas Observer. Voice Media Group. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ Carter, Simone (2021-10-05). "As Battle Heats Up at Dallas College, Faculty Vote 'No Confidence' in School Chancellor". The Dallas Observer. Voice Media Group. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ Texas Education Code, Section 130.176, "Dallas County Community College District Service Area".
- ^ "College Locations". Dallas College. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
- ^ "Board of Trustees". Dallas College. Retrieved 2015-11-24.
External links
[edit]Dallas College
View on GrokipediaDallas College is a public community college system in Dallas County, Texas, comprising seven campuses—Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake, and Richland—that provide associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, certificates, and career training programs to over 100,000 students annually.[1][2] Originating from the Dallas County Community College District established in 1965 with the opening of El Centro College, the system consolidated its seven independently accredited colleges into a single institution in 2020 to enhance operational efficiency, enable unified accreditation, and expand offerings like bachelor's degrees.[3][4][5] The consolidation, approved by the Board of Trustees, sought to streamline administration and better align with workforce needs through initiatives like the $1.1 billion bond for infrastructure and innovation hubs, but it sparked significant controversy, including hundreds of layoffs, over $12 million in severance packages tied to nondisclosure agreements, and concerns over diminished campus autonomy and organizational disarray.[6][7][8] Among its achievements, Dallas College has been recognized for excellence in online education and, historically, Richland College received the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2005 as the first community college honoree.[9][10] With tuition at $99 per credit hour for residents, it emphasizes accessible education contributing over $200 million annually to the local economy.[11][12]
History
Origins and Early Expansion (1965-1980s)
The Dallas County Junior College District was established by voter approval in May 1965 to address the growing demand for affordable postsecondary education in the rapidly expanding Dallas metropolitan area, following advocacy from local business leaders and educators who recognized the limitations of existing four-year institutions.[13] The district's creation enabled the development of junior colleges offering associate degrees and vocational training, aligned with Texas statutes authorizing such systems to serve community needs without the selectivity of universities.[13] El Centro College, the district's inaugural institution, opened in fall 1966 in a repurposed eight-story Sanger Brothers department store building in downtown Dallas, initially enrolling over 2,000 students in credit and non-credit courses focused on technical skills and transfer programs.[14] This flagship campus emphasized accessibility for urban working adults, reflecting the district's mission to democratize education amid Dallas's postwar economic boom. In 1970, the district expanded northward with the openings of Eastfield College in Mesquite and Mountain View College in Dallas, each designed to serve suburban populations with projected enrollments supporting local workforce development.[14] The 1972 renaming to Dallas County Community College District coincided with further growth, including Richland College's opening that fall on a 200-acre site in North Dallas, which quickly reached 8,257 students by 1974 through programs in liberal arts and emerging technologies.[3][14] Bond issues, including $85 million approved in the early 1970s, funded infrastructure for additional campuses, leading to Cedar Valley College and North Lake College commencing operations in 1977 in Lancaster and Irving, respectively, followed by Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch in 1978.[10] These expansions responded to population surges and industrial diversification, with each new college planned for a capacity of 10,000 students to accommodate vocational training in fields like manufacturing and data processing.[13] Throughout the 1980s, the district prioritized facility enhancements and enrollment scaling at existing campuses, driven by sustained regional growth and state emphasis on community colleges for economic mobility, though specific construction projects remained incremental rather than establishing new sites.[13] By the decade's end, cumulative enrollment across the seven colleges exceeded 100,000 annually, underscoring the system's role in addressing educational access without diluting academic standards.[15]Period of Independent Colleges (1990s-2010s)
During the 1990s, the seven colleges of the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD)—Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake, and Richland—operated as semi-autonomous institutions, each focusing on localized programs while sharing district resources for initiatives like distance learning. In 1990, DCCCD established Dallas TeleLearning for national course licensing and broke ground on the R. Jan LeCroy Center at Richland College, enhancing workforce training capabilities.[3] The district launched its first televised advertising campaign filmed at El Centro College, and Dr. Bill Wenrich assumed the role of chancellor, overseeing expansions such as Brookhaven College's receipt of a $2.5 million Title III grant in 1992 for program development.[3] Cedar Valley College achieved independent accreditation in 1993, underscoring the colleges' distinct administrative growth.[3] Sports achievements highlighted institutional vitality, with Eastfield College's men's basketball team securing the NJCAA Division III National Championship in 1997.[3] The late 1990s and early 2000s saw innovations in accessibility and technology, including the 1998 launch of the Rising Star program, which enrolled its first 693 students in 1999 to support developmental education, and the founding of the Virtual College of Texas in 1997 for statewide online collaboration.[3] Individual colleges pursued specialized expansions: Richland College initiated its Women in Technology program in 1999; Brookhaven opened the Ellison Miles Geotechnology Institute in 2001; and El Centro College expanded with a Student and Technology Center in 2002, coinciding with Brookhaven reaching a record enrollment of over 10,000 credit students that year.[3] District-wide enrollment grew significantly, totaling approximately 59,819 students across the seven campuses by the early 2000s.[16] In 2004, Dallas County voters approved a $450 million bond package, funding 28 new buildings and five community campuses, which bolstered facilities at multiple sites including renovations at Mountain View and new centers at North Lake.[3][10] Awards and partnerships marked institutional maturity in the mid-2000s, with Richland College receiving the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2005 for excellence in education and operations—the first community college to earn it.[3] All DCCCD colleges signed the Presidents’ Climate Commitment in 2007, reflecting environmental priorities, while Early College High Schools opened at Brookhaven and Mountain View in 2006.[3] The 2010s brought further diversification, such as the debut of the Ready2Go online degree at Cedar Valley in 2014 and El Centro's installation of wind turbines that year for sustainability.[3] High-profile visits included President Barack Obama at Eastfield College in 2011, emphasizing workforce development.[3] By 2019, voters approved a $1.1 billion bond for additional infrastructure, supporting ongoing independence amid rising demands for flexible learning options like Dallas Colleges Online, formerly Dallas TeleCollege.[3] These developments maintained the colleges' distinct identities while addressing enrollment pressures and technological shifts.[3]Consolidation and Rebranding (2018-2020)
In late 2019, the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) initiated plans to consolidate its seven independently accredited colleges—Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake, and Richland—into a single institution to reduce administrative redundancies, streamline operations, and improve efficiency in serving over 100,000 students annually.[6][17] The effort, led by Chancellor Joe May, sought to create a unified structure that could better align resources with regional workforce demands while maintaining the distinct identities of the campuses as instructional sites.[18][19] On February 3, 2020, DCCCD officials announced the formal start of the consolidation process, with completion targeted for March and full implementation by the fall semester, including a shift to single accreditation under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).[20][21] The board approved the name "Dallas College" on March 4, 2020, replacing the district model with a single-college framework that granted greater operational flexibility through a "level change" in accreditation status.[22][19] This restructuring eliminated duplicate administrative roles across the former colleges, potentially saving costs amid declining enrollment trends observed in the district during the 2010s.[6] Rebranding accompanied the consolidation, involving a multi-phase process to develop a cohesive visual identity that integrated elements from the legacy colleges while emphasizing unity and forward focus.[23] The new logo and branding guidelines were finalized and implemented in 2020, supporting the transition to Dallas College as the official name.[24] On June 15, 2020, SACSCOC granted approval for the single accreditation, formalizing the unified institution effective for the 2020-2021 academic year.[25][5] Supporting the transition, Dallas County voters approved a $1.1 billion bond package in May 2019 to fund facility improvements, expansions, and equipment across the campuses under the new structure.[3] The consolidation faced some internal resistance over potential loss of campus autonomy but proceeded as a strategic response to fiscal pressures and the need for enhanced transfer pathways and program coordination.[6][8] By the end of 2020, Dallas College operated as one entity with seven campuses, marking the completion of the rebranding and structural overhaul.[26]Post-Consolidation Developments (2021-Present)
In the years immediately following the 2020 consolidation, Dallas College adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to primarily online learning starting in Spring 2021, while continuing efforts to integrate operations across its seven former independent colleges.[3] This transition supported ongoing enrollment amid national disruptions to higher education, with the institution maintaining accreditation and launching initiatives like the Campus Race to Zero Waste Hub in January 2021 to promote sustainability in arts, construction, and public safety programs.[27] Facility expansions emphasized workforce development, including the opening of a 97,000-square-foot Construction Sciences Building in Fall 2021 at the Brookhaven Campus, equipped with high-tech classrooms and labs to train students for high-demand construction and skilled trades roles.[28] [29] In April 2022, the college merged nursing programs from El Centro, Brookhaven, and Mountain View campuses into a unified offering under the Board of Nursing's approval, aiming to streamline administration and enhance program quality.[30] Administrative changes included the adoption of a Leadership Accord in 2022 to standardize behavior, collaboration, and decision-making institution-wide.[31] By August (year unspecified in source but post-2021), a restructuring eliminated dean positions across four schools, redistributing responsibilities to foster efficiency.[32] Campus leadership saw updates, such as the appointment of Rick W. Smith as North Lake Campus president in February 2025, bringing over 30 years of experience in higher education administration.[33] [34] Health sciences initiatives gained traction, with the School of Health Sciences receiving over $2.5 million in U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration funding (date unspecified but recent) and a July 2025 federal grant exceeding $1.3 million for workforce training in partnership with area community colleges, focusing on career pathways in healthcare.[35] [36] Student engagement programs expanded via the SPACE initiative, offering cost-free events and innovative experiences to boost retention and involvement.[37] Board policies evolved, with amendments in September 2025 addressing faculty senates and employee processes to align with post-merger governance.[38]Service Area and Enrollment
Geographic Service Area
Dallas College's designated service area encompasses Dallas County, Texas, and the territory within the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, as established by Texas Education Code §130.176.[39] This district spans primarily Dallas County—home to over 2.6 million residents according to the 2020 U.S. Census—but extends into adjacent portions of Collin and Denton counties via the school district's boundaries. The area includes the city of Dallas and its expansive suburbs, covering a diverse urban and suburban landscape within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region. The service area aligns closely with the college system's taxing district, which funds operations through ad valorem property taxes levied on properties within these boundaries.[40] Each of the seven main campuses is positioned to address regional needs: Brookhaven Campus serves northern areas like Farmers Branch and Carrollton; North Lake Campus covers western suburbs including Irving; Richland Campus addresses northeastern Dallas; Eastfield Campus focuses on eastern communities such as Mesquite; El Centro Campus is central in downtown Dallas; Mountain View Campus targets southwestern neighborhoods like Oak Cliff; and Cedar Valley Campus supports southern locales including Lancaster.[1] These locations facilitate accessible education for residents across the county's approximately 909 square miles. While the core service area is legally tied to Dallas County and the specified school district, Dallas College admits students from throughout Texas and out-of-state, though priority for certain funded programs and in-district tuition rates applies to those within the defined boundaries.[4] The system's geographic focus reflects its origins as the Dallas County Community College District, emphasizing local workforce development and transfer pathways for the region's growing population.[26]Enrollment Statistics and Trends
Dallas College enrolled 103,241 unduplicated credit students and 28,284 continuing education students across Fall 2023 through Summer 2024, yielding a total of 127,854 unique students served annually.[1] These figures represent headcounts from official district reporting, which emphasize unduplicated annual participation rather than semester snapshots, a metric common in community college systems to capture workforce-aligned and non-traditional student pathways.[41] Prior to the 2020 consolidation of its seven predecessor colleges, the system collectively enrolled approximately 85,000 credit students per semester in the late 2010s, with historical data from 2015-2016 indicating nearly 80,000 credit enrollees.[42] Post-consolidation, annual credit enrollment rose to 101,000 in 2021-2022, suggesting initial administrative efficiencies and program streamlining contributed to modest gains amid broader sector challenges.[28] The COVID-19 pandemic triggered significant enrollment declines across U.S. community colleges, with Dallas College experiencing a 16.4% drop from 2019 to 2021—a contraction steeper than the national average but partly attributable to reporting shifts from the merger rather than purely exogenous factors.[43] Retention rates, a key indicator of sustained engagement, bottomed at 52% during the height of disruptions in 2020-2021 before recovering to 58% by 2022-2023, aligning with Texas-wide rebounds in two-year institutions as in-person instruction resumed and economic pressures eased.[44] Stabilization near 100,000 credit students in recent years reflects resilience, though ongoing national trends of declining traditional-age enrollees pose risks without targeted interventions like expanded dual enrollment.[45]Student Demographics
Dallas College's student body is predominantly composed of racial and ethnic minorities, reflecting the demographics of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Hispanic students constituted the largest group at 45% of the credit student population, followed by Black or African American students at 19%, White students at 16%, Asian students at 8%, and international students at 2%, with the remaining 10% categorized as other or not reported.[1][41] This distribution aligns with the institution's status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, where underrepresented minorities comprise over 77% of enrollees.[12]| Race/Ethnicity | Number of Students | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Hispanic | 58,093 | 45% |
| Black/African American | 24,169 | 19% |
| White | 20,774 | 16% |
| Asian | 10,380 | 8% |
| International | 2,015 | 2% |
| Other/Not Reported | 12,423 | 10% |
Campuses and Facilities
Overview of the Seven Main Campuses
Dallas College comprises seven main campuses, originally developed as independent institutions within the Dallas County Community College District before their consolidation into a unified system in 2020. These campuses—Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake, and Richland—serve diverse regions of Dallas County and surrounding areas, offering associate degrees, workforce training, and pathways to bachelor's programs while sharing centralized administrative resources. Each campus maintains distinct facilities, program emphases, and community ties, with historical roots tracing to the mid-20th century expansion of community education in the region.[1][10] Brookhaven Campus, established in 1978, is situated in Farmers Branch in northwest Dallas County, serving areas including Carrollton, Addison, and North Dallas. It enrolls over 13,000 students per semester and features programs in fields such as nursing and information technology, with a focus on credit and non-credit courses tailored to local workforce needs.[48][10] Cedar Valley Campus, opened in 1977, spans 300 acres in Lancaster, addressing southern Dallas County and northern Ellis County. Known for its logistics, supply chain management, and advanced manufacturing programs, the campus emphasizes practical training aligned with regional economic demands in transportation and industry.[49][10] Eastfield Campus, founded in 1970, is located in Mesquite in eastern Dallas County. It specializes in automotive technology, digital media, advanced manufacturing, and mechatronics, providing hands-on labs and facilities that support vocational certificates and associate degrees for entry-level employment.[50][10] El Centro Campus, the system's inaugural institution established in 1966, operates in downtown Dallas. It caters to urban students with offerings in culinary arts, hospitality, and health sciences, leveraging its central location for partnerships with city employers and access to public transit.[10][51] Mountain View Campus, also opened in 1970, serves Oak Cliff and southwestern Dallas County from a site straddling a limestone ridge. The campus hosts programs in public safety, information technology, and business, with facilities including specialized training centers for emergency services and cybersecurity.[52][10] North Lake Campus, established in 1977, occupies 276 wooded acres in Irving, northern Dallas County, complete with a lake and DART rail access. It focuses on areas like aviation maintenance, environmental science, and performing arts, benefiting from its expansive grounds for outdoor and technical simulations.[53][10] Richland Campus, founded in 1972, is positioned in the northern Dallas area, serving a diverse student body with emphases on liberal arts, sciences, and community engagement. Operating for nearly 50 years prior to consolidation, it prioritizes teaching excellence and transfer pathways to four-year universities.[54][10]Instructional Centers and Additional Sites
Dallas College maintains a network of instructional centers and additional sites that extend educational access beyond its seven primary campuses, emphasizing workforce training, continuing education, and community-specific programs in underserved or specialized areas of Dallas County and adjacent regions. These facilities, often smaller than full campuses, deliver targeted credit and non-credit courses, dual enrollment options, and vocational skills development to support local economic needs and student pathways to further study or employment. As of recent listings, the system includes at least 11 such centers, though operational details may vary with program demands and partnerships.[55][56] Key instructional centers include the Pleasant Grove Center in southeast Dallas, a 40,000-square-foot facility equipped with seven smart-technology classrooms and three state-of-the-art computer labs, primarily offering workforce training and continuing education units (CEU) classes in partnership with local entities.[57] The Coppell Center, situated in Coppell, houses programs in construction management, logistics, dual credit courses for high school students, and foundational core classes applicable to associate degrees, catering to the area's growing industrial and supply chain sectors.[58] Similarly, the Irving Center, a 33,000-square-foot site affiliated with North Lake Campus operations, provides English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction alongside other academic and workforce offerings tailored to the diverse Irving community.[59] Other notable sites encompass the West Dallas Center, which delivers academic coursework and workforce development in the West Dallas neighborhood to address regional barriers to higher education; the South Dallas Training Center, focused on vocational skills and job placement training; and the Garland Center in downtown Garland, supporting both credit-bearing academics and professional upskilling.[56] Specialized facilities like the Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality Center in North Dallas specialize in hands-on training for food service industries, while the Downtown Health Sciences Center advances health-related education through clinical simulations and partnerships with urban medical providers.[56] The Lancaster Workforce Development Center and Workforce Center at RedBird further prioritize employability skills in south Dallas areas, including certifications in trades and technology.[56] Additional sites such as the Forney Center extend services to eastern suburbs with community education and workforce programs, and the Bill J. Priest Center in downtown Dallas integrates general education with rapid-entry workforce pathways.[56] These centers collectively enhance Dallas College's reach, enrolling thousands in non-traditional settings and fostering collaborations with local businesses for apprenticeships and customized training, though enrollment data specific to centers remains aggregated with campus figures in district reports.[56] Facilities like the R. Jan LeCroy Center in Richardson supplement instruction through district-wide continuing education and professional development, bridging administrative functions with learner access.[56]Academic Programs
Associate Degrees and Transfer Pathways
Dallas College offers three primary types of associate degrees: the Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.). The A.A. and A.S. degrees emphasize transfer preparation, requiring completion of the 42-credit-hour Texas Core Curriculum plus additional field-of-study coursework tailored to disciplines such as business, computer science, engineering, and sciences, enabling students to fulfill lower-division requirements at participating four-year institutions.[60] [61] These degrees total 60 semester credit hours and are available across all seven campuses, with Dallas College guaranteeing the transferability of A.A. and A.S. credits to Texas public universities and colleges upon meeting a 2.0 GPA minimum.[60] [62] A.A.S. degrees, also requiring 60 credit hours including 15 in general education, prioritize workforce entry in fields like nursing, business administration, and information technology, though select programs incorporate articulated transfer options for students seeking bachelor's completion.[63] Guided Pathway Maps outline degree plans for over 100 associate-level programs, grouped into seven meta-majors such as health sciences and STEM, to streamline progression and reduce time to completion.[64] Field-of-Study degrees within A.A. or A.S. frameworks—such as in engineering (e.g., electrical, mechanical) or allied health—align with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board standards for block transfer, ensuring 100% credit acceptance at aligned universities without loss.[65] [66] Transfer pathways are facilitated through partnerships with over 15 major universities, including the University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at Dallas, and Texas Woman's University, via tools like Transferology for credit equivalency mapping and customized guides.[67] The Dallas Transfer Collaborative, launched with the University of North Texas, Texas Woman's University, and Texas A&M University-Commerce, provides frictionless meta-major pathways, reverse transfer credit, and guaranteed admission for qualifying Dallas College graduates pursuing bachelor's degrees in aligned fields.[68] These initiatives, supported by Texas Direct legislation, promote seamless mobility, with Dallas College advising transfer-focused students to complete core and field-of-study requirements early to maximize credit portability.[69][61]Bachelor's Degree Offerings
Dallas College provides three applied bachelor's degree programs designed for students with prior associate degrees or equivalent credits, emphasizing workforce preparation in high-demand fields at community college tuition rates of $99 per credit hour for Dallas County residents.[70] These programs total approximately 120 semester credit hours, with upper-level coursework building on technical associate degrees, and require at least 25% of credits (30 hours) to be completed at Dallas College.[71] The offerings include the Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN track), and the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development.[70] The Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching (BAS ECE) prepares educators for roles in early childhood settings or PK-12 teaching, incorporating a year-long teacher residency and pathways to Texas teacher certification.[72] Launched with upper-level courses starting in fall 2021, it is delivered 100% online and costs $11,880 total (including books) for eligible residents; it was the first such education bachelor's from a Texas community college.[72][73] Admission requires an associate degree in a related field, with the program focusing on practical teaching skills rather than traditional certification prerequisites.[72] The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN to BSN track, targets registered nurses holding an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and an active RN license, offering flexible online coursework with clinicals at student-selected sites.[74] It spans 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time, totaling $11,880 or less for RNs (including materials), and requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and "C" grades in prerequisites.[74][75] The program enhances clinical leadership and professional roles, with a recent 2025 dual-degree option partnering with the American College of Education for seamless BSN-to-MSN progression at low cost (estimated $3,000 for locals).[76] The Bachelor of Applied Technology in Software Development (BAT) equips students for tech careers in coding, application development, and systems analysis, available 100% online or in-person at the Richland Campus for $11,880 total.[77] It requires Texas Success Initiative completion and targets those with associate-level IT credentials, emphasizing practical, industry-aligned skills for high-paying roles.[78][77]Workforce Training and Continuing Education
Dallas College's Continuing Education division delivers non-credit workforce training and professional development programs designed to equip individuals with job-specific skills in high-demand sectors. Offerings include certificates and short-term courses in allied health, business management, computer applications, food service, and creative arts such as dance, music, and visual arts.[79] These programs emphasize practical, employer-aligned competencies, with options for concurrent enrollment allowing non-credit access to select credit-bearing courses.[80] Through the WorkReadyU initiative, Dallas College provides free adult education services to Dallas County residents, encompassing GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction, and targeted career training for in-demand occupations like healthcare and information technology.[81][82] In the 2024-2025 academic year, continuing education enrolled 28,284 students, contributing to a total unduplicated enrollment of 127,854 across credit and non-credit programs.[41] Workforce development efforts feature customized training via the Skills Development Fund, partnering with businesses to deliver tailored programs that address local labor market needs.[83] Notable collaborations include employer partners such as AAR Corp., AT&T, and Amcor for skills awards and occupational training.[84] Recent initiatives encompass a July 2025 federal grant exceeding $1.3 million for healthcare workforce pathways in partnership with regional community colleges, and an August 2025 $5.7 million award to expand equitable health training across North Texas.[36][85] Additional programs, such as the Center for Reigniting the Educator Workforce launched in August 2025 with Texas state agencies, focus on upskilling educators through targeted professional development.[86] The RedBird Workforce Center, opened in May 2025 with over $1.3 million in corporate funding from partners like Arcosa, supports community-based training labs and alliances aimed at elevating workforce capabilities in underserved areas.[87] These efforts integrate with broader U.S. Economic Development Administration programs, including Good Jobs Challenge partnerships with employers like Children's Health Medical Center to foster career ladders in biologics and medical distribution.[88]Administration and Governance
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of Dallas College consists of seven members, each elected by voters within one of seven geographic districts covering Dallas County, Texas, to oversee the institution's governance.[89] Trustees serve staggered six-year terms without compensation, with elections conducted in even-numbered years; for example, Districts 1 and 7 held elections on May 4, 2024.[89] Candidates must meet state qualifications, file necessary forms such as an application for place on the ballot and appointment of a campaign treasurer, and adhere to fair campaign practices as outlined in Texas election law.[89] The board exercises broad authority, including defining the college's strategic vision, approving annual operating and capital budgets, establishing operational policies, hiring and evaluating the chancellor, and maintaining accountability for institutional performance.[90] It also facilitates communication between Dallas College and community stakeholders, ensuring alignment with local educational and economic needs.[90] Board meetings are held regularly, with agendas, minutes, and videos publicly available to promote transparency.[91] As of October 2025, the current trustees are:| District | Trustee | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catalina E. Garcia, M.D. | |
| 2 | Philip J. Ritter | Chair, Chancellor Performance Review Committee |
| 3 | Paul Mayer | Chair of the Board |
| 4 | Monica Lira Bravo | |
| 5 | Cliff Boyd | Vice Chair of the Board |
| 6 | Diana Flores | |
| 7 | Kesha N. O'Reilly | Elected May 2024; term expires 2030 |
Chancellor's Office and Key Leadership
The Chancellor's Office at Dallas College functions as the central executive authority, directing the institution's strategic initiatives, resource allocation, and policy implementation across its seven campuses and serving approximately 100,000 students annually in Dallas County, Texas.[93] The chancellor, appointed by and accountable to the Board of Trustees, leads efforts to align educational programs with workforce needs, foster partnerships, and drive operational efficiencies following the 2020 consolidation of the former Dallas County Community College District.[94] Dr. Justin H. Lonon has served as chancellor since March 2022, succeeding interim leadership after his prior roles as executive vice chancellor and interim president of the Brookhaven Campus.[94] Holding a B.S. in Public Administration from Missouri State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas, and a Doctorate in Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus, Lonon has prioritized innovations such as the 22nd Century College framework, which emphasizes competency-based education and expanded bachelor's degrees in fields like nursing and early childhood education.[94] His tenure has also seen the development of sector-based strategies targeting nine high-demand industries and the establishment of the Dallas Transfer Collaborative to improve pathways to four-year institutions.[94] Supporting the chancellor are key central administrators, as outlined below:| Position | Name | Role Overview |
|---|---|---|
| Provost | Dr. Shawnda Floyd | Oversees academic programming, curriculum development, and faculty affairs.[93] |
| Vice Chancellor of Student Success | Dr. Beatriz Joseph | Manages enrollment, retention initiatives, and support services for diverse student populations.[93] |
| Interim Vice Chancellor of Advancement and Innovation | Dr. Iris Freemon | Directs fundraising, partnerships, and emerging technology integrations.[93] |
| Vice Chancellor of Operations; President, El Centro Campus | Dr. Bradford Williams | Handles facilities, budget execution, and operational logistics while leading the El Centro Campus.[93] |
Faculty and Staff Structure
Dallas College maintains a centralized faculty and staff structure following the 2020 consolidation of its seven predecessor institutions into a single unified system, overseen by the Chancellor's Office and Provost for academic affairs.[93] Full-time employees totaled 3,301 in fiscal year 2023, encompassing instructional, administrative, and support roles across campuses and the central administrative office in downtown Dallas.[95] Instructional faculty, numbering 921 in 2023, are predominantly in non-tenured, teaching-focused positions without traditional academic ranks, consistent with community college priorities on practical instruction rather than research output.[96] These faculty are organized into discipline-specific departments—such as Mathematics Faculty 3, Biological Sciences Faculty-5, and others aligned with broader academic schools like Business, Hospitality, and Global Trade—facilitating curriculum delivery across credit, workforce, and continuing education programs.[97] Adjunct faculty supplement full-time staff to accommodate fluctuating enrollment, which reached 103,241 credit students in the 2023-2024 period, though exact adjunct counts are not publicly detailed in annual reports.[1] Non-instructional staff support operational functions, including human resources, counseling, IT, facilities management, and student services, with dedicated onboarding and policy resources centralized via the Human Resources division and employee portal.[98] This structure emphasizes efficiency post-merger, with mid-level leaders bridging campus-specific needs and district-wide initiatives, though employee feedback has noted occasional organizational confusion from the transition.[99] Total workforce estimates, including part-time roles, approach 7,000 personnel to sustain multi-campus operations.[100]Funding and Financial Operations
Tuition, Fees, and Cost Structure
Dallas College tuition is tiered by residency status, with Dallas County residents classified as in-district and charged the lowest rates. Effective Spring 2025, in-district students pay $99 per credit hour (minimum $99), out-of-district Texas residents pay $169 per credit hour (minimum $169), and out-of-state or international students pay $250 per credit hour (minimum $250).[101] [102] These rates reflect a $20, $34, and $50 per credit hour increase from prior levels of $79, $135, and $200, respectively, enacted after tuition had remained unchanged for 10 years to offset inflation while preserving affordability relative to Texas community college averages.[102] Tuition covers all instructional fees and learning materials, a policy implemented starting in the 2020-2021 academic year that eliminated separate book charges for most courses.[101] [103] For a typical full-time in-district load of 12 credit hours per semester, the tuition cost is $1,188.[101] Additional fees include $50 per credit hour for enrollment in a course attempted three or more times and $50 per credit hour for credits exceeding state-mandated limits toward a degree or certificate.[101] The following table summarizes current per-credit tuition rates:| Residency Status | Rate per Credit Hour (Spring 2025 onward) |
|---|---|
| Dallas County (In-District) | $99 |
| Out-of-District (In-State) | $169 |
| Out-of-State/International | $250 |
Sources of Revenue and Budgeting
Dallas College derives the majority of its operating revenue from local property taxes levied within the Dallas County Community College District boundaries, supplemented by state appropriations from Texas and net tuition and fees collected from students.[105][95] Federal grants and contracts, investment income, and other transfers constitute smaller portions.[106] In fiscal year 2022-2023, ad valorem taxes generated approximately $402.8 million, state appropriations $121.6 million, and net tuition and fees $74.7 million, reflecting the district's reliance on tax-supported funding amid varying enrollment and state aid levels.[95] For fiscal year 2023-2024, the approved operating budget reached $567,989,738, with revenue sources broken down as follows:| Source | Amount (in millions) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Property Taxes | $352.1 | 62% |
| Net Tuition and Fees | $100.4 | 18% |
| State Appropriations | $97.0 | 17% |
| Other (Grants, Investments, etc.) | $18.5 | 3% |
Financial Challenges and Reforms
Dallas College has faced ongoing financial pressures from declining state appropriations, which constituted 28.2% of operating revenue in fiscal year 2012, down from 33.7% in 2008, reflecting a broader Texas community college trend where state formula funding dropped from 68% of revenues in 1980 to 26% by 2020.[107][108] Enrollment volatility, tied to economic conditions and competition from four-year institutions, has compounded these issues, with credit headcount falling by 15,000 students from 2017-2018 to 2022-2023 and anticipated declines noted in bond ratings, such as a 3% drop projected for fall 2013.[109][110] High debt leverage, at 1.0 times operating revenue, and potential federal aid reductions, including proposed $1,500 cuts to maximum Pell Grants, further strain affordability and revenue stability.[107][111] In response, the institution has implemented revenue-enhancing measures, including operations and maintenance tax rate increases—such as to 9.9 cents per $100 assessed valuation—and tuition adjustments, like a $20 per credit hour rise to $99 for in-county students effective spring 2025, approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees on August 13, 2024.[110][112] Cost-control reforms include expense reductions of 9.4% in fiscal 2012 through retirement incentives, faculty pay adjustments, and restructured summer salary schedules, alongside the 2020 merger of seven colleges into a unified system to streamline operations and achieve efficiencies in areas like energy management.[107][110][113] These efforts have maintained prudent fiscal management, diversified revenue streams (with property taxes at 40.5%, state aid at 28.2%, and student charges at 20.9%), and stable credit ratings of Aa1 from Moody's and AA from Fitch, despite criticisms that tuition hikes could hinder enrollment recovery.[107][114] Prior tuition reforms, such as the 2019 increase incorporating learning materials, have yielded student savings of $835 annually per the college's estimates.[115]Student Outcomes and Success Metrics
Completion and Graduation Rates
Dallas College employs the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 150% graduation rate as its primary metric for two-year institutions, tracking the percentage of first-time, full-time, credential-seeking students who complete an associate degree, certificate, or transfer within three years of enrollment.[44] For the most recent cohorts, this rate stood at 30% in both 2022 and 2023, meeting the institution's acceptability threshold of 30% but falling short of its 32% target for 2023-2024.[44] Earlier data show variability: 20% in 2019, a peak of 33% in 2020, and 27% in 2021, potentially influenced by the 2020 unification of the seven former Dallas County Community College District campuses into a single system, which streamlined operations but disrupted some tracking.[44] [116]| Cohort Year | IPEDS 150% Graduation Rate |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 20% |
| 2020 | 33% |
| 2021 | 27% |
| 2022 | 30% |
| 2023 | 30% |
