Dallas College

The Dallas County Junior College District was established in May 1965 and changed its name in 1972 to Dallas County Community College District. The district was established to operate a system of public junior colleges in Dallas County. In the fall of 1966 El Centro College, the first of seven, opened in a remodeled eight-story department store building in downtown Dallas. The school enrolled 4,000 freshman students in 1966 and had a total enrollment of 6,099 in the fall of 1974. The district opened Eastfield College and Mountain View College in 1970; their enrollments were 6,895 and 5,340, respectively, in 1974. Richland College opened in 1972 and had an enrollment of 8,257 in 1974. Three more colleges were opened. Cedar Valley and North Lake began in 1977, and Brookhaven opened in 1978. The colleges were planned for expansion to a capacity of 10,000 each. They offer courses equivalent to the first two years of standard university work, leading to associate degrees in arts and sciences. In addition, courses are offered leading to associate degrees in applied arts and applied sciences in technical and occupational fields, including nursing, data processing, programming, drafting, electronics, culinary arts, mid-management, pattern drafting and draping, chemical technology, dental assisting, secretarial work, and library assisting. By 1981–82 the district had a combined enrollment of 42,374. By the fall of 1999 the students numbered 45,150. In 1981–82 the faculty numbered 2,021 and in 1999, 2,675; the majority were part-time. In 1999 J. William Wenrich served as chancellor.