Dallas College

Student Experience: Lucas Martell

"I grew up in Oak Cliff in a very family-oriented home. I wasn't able to move away from home immediately after high school, but that wasn't something I wanted to do anyway.

"When I attended Mountain View 12 years ago, I was encouraged, motivated, and inspired by my instructors and mentors. As a student, I learned a lot from the dedication of the instructors; their enthusiasm about the subjects they taught inspired me to continue my pursuit of higher education.

"After leaving Mountain View, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas, then a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Dallas. In 2012, during completion of my master's, my worldview expanded as I began teaching fine art at Mountain View and got the opportunity to travel abroad. That shaped me into the person, and the artist I am today.

"Today I am proud to be a part of the Mountain View family as an adjunct instructor, while I continue creating my artwork as a professional artist. I share the same encouragement, motivations and values with my students that I received as a student."


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Levi Palmer

Levi Palmer

Co-founder and Designer, palmer//harding private label
“The best part of my experience there was the incredibly knowledgeable and encouraging faculty, as well as the amazing location that El Centro provided. My education here has provided me with the necessary foundation of skills and knowledge in the fashion industry, which I use on a daily basis today.”
Fashion
Nolan Brett

Nolan Brett

Mastering Engineer, Crystal Clear Sound
“It’s really invaluable to be able to learn from professionals who are a part of the industry. I also really like that it’s an accredited institution of higher learning, not a fly-by-night group of people trying to make a buck.”
Commercial Music
Lindsay Weatherread

Lindsay Weatherread

Fashion Stylist and Designer L. Weatherread Design
“The program has small classes and is very hands-on. When I left El Centro and talked to people in the industry who had gone to other schools, I found that I had learned way more than most of them. Pattern making and sewing are definitely a big strength at El Centro.”
Fashion
Jerry Dean

Jerry Dean

District Manager, Aramark Higher Education
“The experience at El Centro helped establish my career as an executive chef. Now I work in food service administration, where I have the ability to impact the culinary experience of thousands.”
Culinary and Pastry Arts
Lucas Martell
Lucas Martell
Adjunct Instructor, Mountain View
Art
School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design
Updated September 9, 2026