Student Experience: Matt Mitchell

“When the construction market tanked, I was looking around looking for houses to build. Custom building work was so scarce that I figured it was a perfect time to get more education. I wanted to be a better builder and sharpen my skills to be better prepared when the market turns, so I started researching construction programs and found North Lake’s Construction programs. 

“As a builder, you know who to call to get stuff done, but that doesn’t mean you know how to do it. I didn’t come through a big product company with a great deal of practical training, so there are just certain gaps in my knowledge. 

“This program is giving me lots of practical skills. These instructors have been in the business a long time, and they have a lot of practical information to share.” 

Matt Mitchell is earning an Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Construction Management at North Lake's West Campus and taking courses in Construction Technology as electives. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has co-owned his own custom home building company since 2002; is a Realtor for Gilchrist and Company; and is a manufacturer’s representative for Vantem Panels, selling structural insulation panels (SIPs).


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Abdul Jebbar Ali

Abdul Jebbar Ali

Map Specialist Federal Flood Certification Corp./First Horizon Home Corp.
“In my current job as a map specialist, I process a request from clients for flood determination on their property. Someday, I would like to combine my job skills in engineering, construction and CADD, added to the new geospatial technology skills I’m developing.”
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technology
Leonardo Figueroa

Leonardo Figueroa

Pipefitter Refrigeration Design Technology
“The program was excellent, and I learned a lot. For instance, I had absolutely no knowledge of electrical systems, and now I feel pretty comfortable with them. My instructors really pushed me. It’s a program I’ve already recommended to several people.”
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
Vassil Doudov

Vassil Doudov

Coordinator, Client Relationship Management at Dallas College
“I recently completed the USI Dallas College Drone Workshop and gained valuable hands-on experience in just a few days. Mr. Hill’s expertise and passion made the training especially impactful.”
Drone Technology
Theresa Tennyson-Young

Theresa Tennyson-Young

Senior Inventory Analyst Cummins Southern Plains, LLC
“My Logistics classes have given me new ideas on ways to handle things at work. And the convenience of the online courses lets me fit school around my work schedule, which isn’t always easy, but definitely worth the effort.”
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Matt Mitchell
Matt Mitchell
Co-Owner James Andrews Custom Homes, Realtor, Manufacturer’s Rep Vantem Panels

Construction Management
School of Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Updated October 7, 2026