Dallas College Chancellor Justin Lonon and Tarrant County College Chancellor Elva LeBlanc shake hands as they celebrate an agreement to boost regional economic vitality.
Media Contact: Debra Dennis;
DDennis@DallasCollege.edu
For immediate release — Aug. 14, 2024
(DALLAS) — The two largest community colleges in North Texas cemented an agreement Wednesday to address the region’s record-breaking job creation and boost economic vitality.
Dallas College and Tarrant County College (TCC) will consider economic development centers for emerging technologies and a consortium to fill health care vacancies. Think biotechnology, cybersecurity and semiconductor hubs as well as shared opportunities to meet the clinical training needs of medical professionals regionwide.
“There is no question that when community colleges work together, our students and workforce win big,” said Dr. Justin Lonon, Dallas College chancellor. “By strengthening our partnership with TCC, we are creating new opportunities for our students to gain the relevant skills and credentials to succeed now and in the future.”
“We’re proud to fortify our long-standing collaboration with Dallas College,” said TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc. “Together, we’re creating a powerful support system with far more capacity than would be possible for any single organization.”
On average, the colleges serve a combined 115,000 credit students each semester and offer 500-plus degrees and certificates.
As part of the pact, the colleges will consider reciprocal tuition for degree and certificate programs available at only one location, and they will explore joint collaborations with Texas A&M University System institutions. Seamless pathways will enable TCC students to transfer to Dallas College for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
“One vision, two community colleges, countless possibilities,” said Teresa Ayala, president of TCC’s board of trustees. “Organizations that combine perspectives and expertise create a remarkable synergy. We and Dallas College will build stronger communities and create more opportunities to better serve our students.”
In concert with House Bill 8, which ties state funding for community colleges to student outcomes, the Legislature recognizes that the degrees and credentials offered at two-year institutions are instrumental in meeting current and future workforce needs and growing the economy. Community colleges in Texas serve approximately half of all students pursuing postsecondary education.
“We must continue to forge partnerships — like this one today — that connect accessible, affordable higher education opportunities with gainful employment,” said Dallas College board Chair Paul Mayer. “The social and economic health of our students and our region depends on it.”
In 2025, both Dallas College and TCC will celebrate 60 years of community engagement and academic excellence.
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About Dallas College
Dallas College, formerly the Dallas County Community College District, was founded in 1965 and consists of seven campuses: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, El Centro, Mountain View, North Lake and Richland. Dallas College offers online learning and serves more than 122,000 credit and continuing education students annually. It also offers dual credit for students in partner high schools and early college high schools throughout Dallas County. Students benefit from partnerships with local business leaders, school districts and four-year universities. Dallas College offers associate degree and career/technical certificate programs in more than 100 areas of study, as well as bachelor’s degrees in education and nursing. Based on annual enrollment, it is one of the largest community colleges in the U.S.
About Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second-lowest tuition of Texas’ top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.