Dallas College Reimagines the Future of Higher Education

As the institution celebrates its 60th anniversary, leaders look ahead to the next 60 years of preparing students for careers that don't yet exist.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Dallas College, a community college serving Dallas County, Texas, is celebrating its 60th anniversary by reimagining the future of higher education. The college is focused on equipping students with the skills and certifications needed for high-demand, high-wage careers in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and data analytics. Leaders envision a future with personalized learning pathways and a renewed emphasis on critical thinking and ethics to guide the next generation of technological change.

Why it matters

As technology continues to rapidly evolve, Dallas College is positioning itself to be at the forefront of preparing students for the jobs of the future. By embedding industry certifications into degree programs and launching new bachelor's degrees in high-demand tech fields, the college is ensuring its graduates are immediately workforce-ready.

The details

Dallas College has undergone significant changes over the past 60 years, with technology transforming everything from coursework to meeting scheduling. Looking ahead, the college plans to be even more deliberate about building pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers. This includes offering short-term credentials and embedded industry certifications, as well as launching new bachelor's degrees in areas like machine learning and data analytics. The college also recently partnered with Google to introduce data analytics certification as part of a traditional math course for dual credit students.

  • Dallas College was founded in 1965.
  • The college is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025.
  • Dallas College plans to reach its 100th anniversary in 2065.

The players

Dr. Paul Benson

A long-time English professor at Dallas College's Mountain View Campus who has witnessed more than 50 years of change at the institution.

Dr. Greg Morris

The senior vice provost for Academic Services at Dallas College, who is focused on building pathways to high-wage, high-demand careers.

Dallas College

A community college serving Dallas County, Texas, that has been providing accessible education and transforming lives for 60 years.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone gets in, which means everyone has opportunities at Dallas College.”

— Dr. Paul Benson, English professor

“We'll reach a point where we can provide individualized learning pathways for every student.”

— Dr. Greg Morris, Senior vice provost for Academic Services

What’s next

Dallas College plans to continue expanding its offerings in high-demand tech fields, with a focus on personalized learning and critical thinking skills to guide the next generation of technological change.

The takeaway

As technology rapidly evolves, Dallas College is positioning itself as a leader in preparing students for the jobs of the future. By embedding industry certifications, launching new tech-focused degrees, and emphasizing critical thinking and ethics, the college is ensuring its graduates are immediately workforce-ready.