David Mahan

Executive Director of the Research Institute

Dr. David Mahan is a curious and compassionate leader who has built his career around a unique niche: using data and research to improve student learning and institutional effectiveness. With more than 20 years in higher education administration, he remains deeply committed to advancing student equity. 

Dr. Mahan serves as executive director of the Research Institute at Dallas College, where he leads efforts to develop regional and national insights that inform strategic decision making. His work focuses on measuring the return on investment in higher education and leveraging data to drive meaningful change for students and communities. 

His path to higher education wasn’t linear, but it was shaped by an early mentor — a college registrar whose simple yet profound advice became his guiding principles: pay attention to detail, listen, stay humble and take career chances. 

When he’s not immersed in research, Dr. Mahan can be found on the courts teaching tennis and pickleball. Whether coaching beginners or refining techniques for seasoned players, he enjoys using sports as a way to connect, teach and inspire. He looks forward to helping the community understand the transformative mission of higher education.