School of Law and Public Service Student Experiences

No matter where these current or former students are in the process of reaching their goals, we salute them. They have dared to turn dreams into reality through education in the School of Law and Public Service. Could you be next?

Verna L. Jones, M.S.W.

Executive Director Under 1 Roof

“The most important things I learned in Eastfield’s Social Work program was integrity and making sure that you have good follow-through as well as the importance of the social work code of ethics — you rely on these ethics as a social worker.”

Sociology

Veronica Alejandro

Dallas College student and hopeful future police officer

“I want every day to be a new challenge and I want to help people – but not from behind a desk. My criminology classes have all been good and I like the life experience my professors bring to the classroom.”

Criminal Justice

S. Kristine Farmer

Employment Litigation Case Manager Fish and Richardson, PC

“My paralegal classes really gave me the fundamental foundation of what it means to be a paralegal. I had always been the only paralegal in a small law firm and I got a much better understanding of how paralegals are utilized in much larger firms. I got a lot of practical information, particularly in legal research and writing, on how to write persuasively. The overall quality of instruction was really just exceptional.”

Paralegal

Sheila Grace, M.S., LPCI

Counselor Gateway Foundation In-Prison Treatment Center Brownwood

“How did I get to Eastfield’s Substance Abuse program? To be honest, I was in recovery myself. When I got to Eastfield, I did not even know what a semester hour was — I just knew I wanted to do something that would help someone else escape the horrors of addiction.”

Social Work

Leonard Garcia

Check processor with a major mortgage company

“I apply my conflict management skills in all aspects of my daily life: in the workplace with my co-workers, at home with family and in most social environments.”

Conflict Management

Itza V. Murguia

Dallas College student and hopeful future police officer

“My kids keep me motivated and keep me going. Now, they are seeing first-hand that you can achieve your goals and dreams no matter how old you are. I want my three daughters to know they can support themselves without depending on anyone else.”

Criminal Justice

Vonda Bailey

Judge, Dallas County 255th Family District Court

“Along the way, we all get discouraged and might say, ‘Maybe I’m not worthy enough to go to law school.’ Well, I would want people to read my story and see, you know what, I can do this. I can get it done.”

Core Curriculum

Bill Doc Lowden

Reserve police officer, Milford Police Department

“What I like about law enforcement is that no day is the same as another. There is constant interaction with various people and cultures and that’s what makes it both so interesting and so challenging.”

Criminal Justice

Jermaine Lewis

Fire Protection Technology student

“During career day in elementary school, the fire chief said something that I’ve never forgotten: ‘When people call you, they’re at their worst, so you have to be at your best.’ That hit me hard. That’s the kind of strength I want to have. Being a firefighter isn’t about money; it’s about courage and heart.”

Fire Protection Technology

Maggie Brosowske, EMT-P, FF

Firefighter/Paramedic McKinney Fire Department

“The skills that I learned in the classroom, I use in the workplace all of the time. I’m the only female on my shift and one of only three female firefighter/paramedics in McKinney, but as long as I can pull my own weight, I’m fine.”

Fire Protection Technology

Rodolfo (Rudy) Salas

Hopeful future firefighter

“In my Fire Protection classes, I’ve learned a lot about how fire administration works — the chain of command — and it’s really exciting. I’m earning my associate degree because I think it will help me get my foot in the door and move toward my dream career as a firefighter.”

Fire Protection Technology

Roland Tay, M.D.

Special Education Teacher, Naaman Forest High School, Garland Adjunct Faculty, Eastfield

“I was already working on a master’s degree in alternative dispute resolution at SMU when I learned about El Centro’s program, where I earned a certificate in Family Mediation. I was thrilled to find out about their program because it was convenient and affordable. The program was well-designed, and the quality of instruction was excellent.”

Conflict Management

Lt. Kathy Mack

Campus Police Officer, Cedar Valley

“Going back to school with work and a family isn’t easy, but it’s attainable. There were a few times when I wanted to give up, but then I’d get encouragement and keep going. You’re going to have obstacles but you have to fight for your goals.”

Criminal Justice

Rosa M. Berdeja

Paralegal, Locke Lord Bissell and Liddell Texas Wesleyan University Law School student

Paralegal

Nilka (Nicki) Rios

Dallas College student and hopeful future criminal justice teacher

“I’ve got to say, I always wanted to be in criminal justice but I wasn’t sure in what capacity: FBI, SWAT team, what? Being in Bill Drake’s class is the best! He’s the best teacher and he inspires me to think about career possibilities, beyond what I was originally thinking.”

Criminal Justice

Michael Becerra, Ph.D., CRC

Contract Rehabilitation Counseling Services Provider Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Adjunct Faculty UNT Dallas

“My advice to prospective students in this field is to always keep your mind open to new possibilities and to new ideas. That’s the most challenging and rewarding part of my job.”

Social Work

Val Gonzales, Ph.D., LCDC, LPC

Ordained Southern Baptist Minister

“I’m glad that I’m in a profession where I can both help people and teach others how to help people too.”

Social Work

Viridiana Almanza

Dallas College student and hopeful future FBI agent

“My experience in the program has been great. We just started the Criminal Justice Club and I’m the vice president. We’re going to focus on helping each other, tutoring, looking for jobs and visiting universities with transfer programs.”

Criminal Justice

Yolanda Lara

Director of Inmate Programs Dallas County Sheriff’s Department

“My Criminal Justice instructors were just so awesome. One in particular, Len Larsen, was a former police officer who provided such a reality check in our classes. He had information and experience that came from the street, not from a book, and that has helped me all through my career in probation.”

Criminal Justice

Luz Perez Demes

Social Work

“Beyond academic growth, Ascender has been instrumental in developing my leadership, networking, and relationship-building skills—both professionally and personally. Being part of this program has not only expanded my opportunities but has also allowed me to become part of a community that goes beyond academics, turning into a true family.”

Social Work

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Shape the Future. Serve Your Community. Start at Dallas College.

The School of Law and Public Service at Dallas College is where passion meets purpose.

Whether you're driven to uphold justice, advocate for others, or lead in public service, our programs are designed to prepare you for meaningful careers in criminal justice, paralegal studies, public administration and social work.

At Dallas College, you’ll gain hands-on experience, learn from industry professionals, and build the skills for a rewarding career. With flexible learning options, affordable tuition, and strong transfer pathways, we make it easier than ever to start or advance your career.