Dallas College Newsroom

Everything is still a little surreal for Alyssa Fox these days. She sometimes does a double take when she hops on the subway and sees her face on a poster, or even featured on the Gershwin Theater entrance in the heart of New York City. But, when you’re the star of “Wicked,” one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, you’ve reached celebrity status.

A member of Joel Klump’s family — himself included — has either taken classes at or worked at Dallas College from the time it was founded until today. “This college has been a part of my life as long as I can remember,” he said. “Its history is my history.”

Pricila Cano Padron, a member of Dallas College's inaugural bachelor's degree in education cohort, overcame initial doubts about the new program and credits it with helping her secure a full-time fourth grade teaching position in Richardson ISD. Inspired by the support she received from teachers during her mother's battle with leukemia, she hopes to provide the same encouragement and guidance for her future students.

Marcus Russel describes his journey through Dallas College. A mechatronics course and hiring event at Cedar Valley led to an amazing job opportunity that pays for college.

Dr. Paul Benson describes his teaching style to "delight and teach" through storytelling. Through the years, Benson has had the opportunity to create and lead several programs, both for Dallas College and nationally.

Texas Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos said that a government course early on at Dallas College Eastfield Campus laid the foundation for her political passions, and boosted her confidence to pursue additional degrees. She said her days at Eastfield proved to be life-changing.

Vonda Bailey began her higher education journey at Dallas College's Mountain View Campus before earning advanced degrees and eventually being elected judge of the 255th Family District Court in Dallas County. She credits her Dallas College experience for helping shape her success and users her story to encourage others to pursue their goals despite obstacles or stereotypes.

When Kathryn Brownlee, Ph.D., professor of music and commercial music, isn’t teaching students at Dallas College’s Cedar Valley Campus, she can be found conducting the New Texas Symphony Orchestra (NTSO), an all-volunteer community orchestra she founded that’s now in its 19th season.

Chancellor Lonon became Principal Lonon this week. Lonon was among the notable participants in this year’s “Principal for a Day” program with Dallas Independent School District, which partners with the Dallas Regional Chamber and Capital One to bring community leaders inside schools across the city.

Thirty-eight percent of the students currently enrolled at Dallas College are first-generation college students, according to student information profile data. As we participate in the National First-Generation College Celebration on Nov. 8, Dallas College students and alumni share their experience of being the first in their families to attend college.

Dallas College alumna Iris Diaz didn’t set out to become the first Latina to serve as a chief marketing officer for an NBA franchise. She simply did her job to the best of her abilities. Eventually, that hard work paid off when she was promoted to CMO of the Dallas Mavericks in 2019.

Blackwell earned $10,000 for winning the “Chopped” episode titled “Chuck Wagon Cook-Off” (Season 52, Episode 7), continuing to establish himself as one of the most recognizable chefs to come out of Dallas College’s Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality program.

When Temika McCaskill joined Dallas College’s culinary program, she had an entry interview with Senior Director Steve DeShazo before taking her first class. DeShazo asked what she wanted to get out of her education and what her goals were. Just two days later, she had a job at one of Dallas’ best restaurants, working for a nationally famous chef mentor.

Ten years ago, Mai Huynh arrived at Dallas College to take English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This May, she completed her educational journey with a doctorate and international acclaim for her pioneering scientific research. With almost all of that journey paid for by scholarships and other grants, Huynh now wants to give back by teaching the next generation of scientists.

Dr. Caroline Ferris is studying to become an elementary art teacher, which will be her “second act” when she retires from medicine.