Dallas College Newsroom

Dallas College music professor Victor Soto has taken the role of a piano restoration technician, using his background as a concert pianist and advanced training from piano manufacturers across the world. He recently completed the restoration of an 1865 C. Bechstein piano and now operates a piano restoration business while teaching.

Tairan Lockett describes his journey leading to the culinary arts program at Dallas College. He showcases his passion for learning the "why" in food and how Dallas College gave him the support, guidance, and knowledge to help him grow his skills.

Gerald Davis was a 14-year-old dual credit student when he started at Dallas College. He earned an associate degree from the Eastfield Campus by age 17 and, because he took a few classes from Paul Quinn College while attending Dallas College, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Paul Quinn a year later at age 18 in 2005. Davis' experiences at Dallas College gave him the tools and knowledge to succeed in his journey to becoming a renowned dentist.

Dallas College counselor Nykesha White, who's own positive experience with therapy inspired a career in counseling, is a member of the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team at Mountain View Campus. White provides free mental health support to students facing personal, emotional, and academic challenges. She highlights the importances of counseling during the transition to college and encourages students to take advantage of the resources available to them.

Antoine Silvers Jr. moved from Virginia to Texas with his family in search of better opportunities and a more stable environment, eventually enrolling at Dallas College and becoming a first-generation college student. He credits his grandmother's resilience and the support of mentors for helping him overcome challenges and stay focused on his goals. While studying accounting and business, Silvers hopes to play professional basketball and build a legacy as a mentor, businessman and role model.

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience for students as they explore and immerse themselves in different countries and cultures. Zoe Phillips experienced those benefits as she works toward a bachelor’s degree at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Japan.

Skyler Campbell grew up playing the violin, but always wondered what it would be like to play the cello. That wonder went away at Dallas College when she was given the opportunity to play the cello at the Richland Campus.

Yonata Kidane recounts his journey to Dallas College after attending UNT. As a first-generation college student, Kidane found valuable support, leadership opportunities, and a sense of community through FOCUS and the Student Government Association, experiences that helped define his time at Dallas College.

Ava Stipe, a Dallas College Richland Campus theater student, completed a stage crew apprenticeship with the Sana Fe Opera, where she worked on several professional productions and gained hands-on technical experience. Despite the demanding and sometimes physically challenging work, the experience helped strengthen her skills, work ethic, and appreciation for the teamwork behind live theater productions.

Dallas College graduate Azan Hysn describes her experience on NBC’s hit singing show, “The Voice” Season 24. Hysn’s journey on ”The Voice” may not have happened without Dallas College. She reflects on her time at the college, taking classes on the Cedar Valley Campus and describes it as a pivotal moment in her musical career.

Asked why people should pursue a career in nursing, Vanessa Lozada had a simple message. “You will always have a job,” she said, “and you’ll never be bored.” Lozada would know. She’s worked virtually every nursing job on her road to becoming the director of emergency services at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano.

Jim Stover, Dallas College's longest serving employee, has spent 56 years teaching art and building the Richland Campus art department, where his artwork is displayed throughout the campus. Born in Brazil and educated in the United States, Stover discovered his passion for art in college, earned an MFA from Columbia University. He began teaching at Dalals College after being hired at a college job fair. Stover continues to love teaching students because it allows him to keep learning.

Frida Hutchinson is pursuing a culinary arts degree while working full time. She's driven by a lifelong passion for cooking that began with helping at her family's food business in Mexico. After overcoming lymphoma and significant health challenges, Hutchinson became committed to healthy, made-from-scratch cooking and hopes to one day open a business featuring authentic Southern Mexican cuisine.

As Dallas College’s interim dean of pathway success Paula Guidry, Ph.D., provides opportunities for students by helping make sure they’re set on the path to success.

Kianna Vaughn didn't immediately go to college due to financial reasons, and, instead, got a job in human resources. She felt stagnant there and she knew an education was needed to advance in her career field. Dallas college provided the support and opportunities to help her succeed.