Dallas College Garland Center – Garland, Texas
Dallas College is one of the largest community colleges in Texas. Since 1965, we have helped almost 3 million people on their educational journey. It is a public community college with seven campuses in Dallas County, Texas. It serves more than 70,000 students annually in degree-granting, continuing education, and adult education programs.
Dallas College offers associate degree and career/technical certificate programs in more than 100 areas of study as well as a bachelor’s degree in education. It is one of the largest community college systems in Texas.
History
Dallas College was founded as the Dallas County Junior College District in 1965 and became known as the Dallas County Community College District in 1972. The first campus, Dallas College El Centro Campus in downtown Dallas, was established in 1966. Dr. Bill J. Priest served as the founding chancellor from 1965 until his retirement in 1981. In 2020, the Dallas County Community College District renamed the district to Dallas College, while each campus kept its name.
Dallas College Board of Trustees consists of seven members who are entrusted with governing the district. The board defines the vision of the district, serves as a liaison between the district and the community, approves annual budgets, and sets policies, among other responsibilities. Board members are elected officials who serve six-year terms without compensation.
Citizens of Dallas County have always supported Dallas College with funding and human resources. Dallas College has become an important asset to students and members of the community, and their investment has paid dividends in economic development, workforce training, and undergraduate education.
More than 50 years ago, a visionary board of trustees that included such Dallas luminaries as R.L. Thornton II, Mrs. Margaret McDermott, and Dr. Bill J. Priest, founding chancellor, set a daunting goal: Create the best community college district in the United States.
Vibrant and Growing
Dallas College works to ensure that Dallas County is vibrant, growing, and economically viable for future generations.
Their students benefit from our partnerships with local business leaders, school districts, and four-year universities, and they have over 20 years of experience in online education. In addition, they provide economic benefits to businesses, taxpayers, and the community.
Dallas College originally operated as a district of seven independently accredited colleges. In 2020, those colleges united under a single name in order to offer their students a more streamlined, more convenient experience. The seven original campuses live on as their primary locations.
Garland Campus is about developing partnerships with companies and organizations to create successful career pathways and increase competence in the workplace by providing in-demand, quality training. In essence, their goal is to help build a sustainable community. Here’s how:
- Corporate Services brings the training you need to your company.
- Workforce Training trains individuals for in-demand occupations.
- Evening and weekend classes are available for those already in the workforce who just want to update their skills or obtain certain credentials.
- They even have grants available to help cover training costs.