Our Legacy, Our Impact
Since 1965, more than 3.5 million people have walked through our doors — changing their lives, their families and our region. Dallas College has fueled billions in economic impact and workforce innovation. And we’re just getting started.
Dr. Justin H. Lonon
Chancellor, Dallas College
Shifting Gears: Dallas College Moves Boldly
By Dr. Justin H. Lonon
This year, Dallas College celebrates a major milestone: 60 years of transforming lives and serving the Dallas region. Since 1965, we’ve opened doors for more than 3.3 million students — and we’re just getting started.
As we mark this anniversary, we’re not simply reflecting on the past; we’re preparing for what comes next. In a rapidly changing world, standing still isn’t an option. That’s why we’re shifting gears and accelerating into a bold new era.
The challenges facing higher education are real. From workforce disruption to evolving technologies like artificial intelligence, the landscape is shifting fast. But at Dallas College, we’ve always been built to adapt. We’re proud to be barrier busters — committed to removing the obstacles that prevent people from accessing the education and skills they need to thrive.
We’ve set an ambitious goal: enrolling 180,000 students annually by 2030. That’s not just a number. In Dallas County, only 37% of adults hold a postsecondary credential — leaving nearly a million residents without the qualifications needed in today’s economy. Meeting that need is our mission.
To do that, we’re launching new degree programs in high-demand fields like software development and management, while expanding pathways in aerospace, manufacturing, cybersecurity and AI. We’re aligning education directly with workforce needs, helping students find meaningful careers and helping employers find ready talent.
Innovation at Dallas College goes beyond academics. We’re reimagining how we support first-year students through initiatives like Smart Start, personalized support and clear milestones to begin with confidence, stay on track, finish strong and have fun along the way. Our early alert tool uses real-time data to connect students to help before challenges become roadblocks, earning national attention as a model for proactive student success.
And we’re investing in the people who make this possible — our employees — by keeping compensation and benefits competitive.
We’re also telling our story more boldly — through our Speakers Bureau, community partnerships and Dallas College Enterprise Ventures, a new initiative focused on mission-aligned innovation and revenue generation.
Public confidence in higher education is beginning to rebound, but trust must be earned — and re-earned — through action. At Dallas College, that action is visible every day. Whether it’s in our new downtown workforce labs, our expanded bachelor’s degrees or our continued commitment to accessibility and equity, we are proving our relevance by delivering real results.
Our founders in 1965 didn’t follow a roadmap — they drew one. And today, that spirit of innovation, access and service lives on. We are building a 22nd Century College, one that meets learners where they are, adapts to what’s next and leads with boldness.
Learn more about how we’re shifting gears by checking out our 2025–2026 Strategic Priorities.