For immediate release - Sept. 29, 2006
(DALLAS) – Dr. Wright Lassiter, chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District, has announced the appointment of Edward DesPlas as vice chancellor for business affairs, effective Oct. 1, 2006. Members of the DCCCD board of trustees approved the appointment during their regular monthly meeting in September. DesPlas most recently served as El Centro College’s interim president and previously as the college’s executive vice president. He succeeds Bob Brown, who joined Texas A&M University - Commerce earlier this year as vice president for business and administration.
“I am pleased to name Ed DesPlas our new vice chancellor for business affairs. He is a welcome addition to our executive staff, and I know he will draw on his experience and expertise to meet the needs of this demanding position,” said Lassiter. “I am confident that he will build on the outstanding record of his distinguished predecessors.”
DesPlas, who joined El Centro in 1998, previously served as vice president of administrative services at Western Nebraska Community College. He held positions at several DCCCD locations, including Eastfield College, the district office and the LeCroy Center for Educational Telecommunications. He also has taught as an adjunct faculty member in accounting.
DesPlas earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Dallas and a master’s degree in human resources and training from Amberton University. He participated in executive training at Harvard University and advanced training at the American Association of Community Colleges’ Future Leaders Institute.
The vice chancellor for business affairs’ professional affiliations include the Texas Association of Community College Business Officers, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and Community College Business Officers. He received NACUBO’s 2001 Rising Star Award. In 2002, CCBO honored DesPlas with its International Outstanding Business Officer Award. The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development recognized him with its 2003 Excellence in Education Award.
For more information, contact
Ann Hatch in the DCCCD office of marketing and communications at (214) 860-2478.