Dallas College Newsroom

Yonata Kidane recounts his journey to Dallas College after attending UNT. As a first-generation college student, Kidane found valuable support, leadership opportunities, and a sense of community through FOCUS and the Student Government Association, experiences that helped define his time at Dallas College.

Ava Stipe, a Dallas College Richland Campus theater student, completed a stage crew apprenticeship with the Sana Fe Opera, where she worked on several professional productions and gained hands-on technical experience. Despite the demanding and sometimes physically challenging work, the experience helped strengthen her skills, work ethic, and appreciation for the teamwork behind live theater productions.

Dallas College graduate Azan Hysn describes her experience on NBC’s hit singing show, “The Voice” Season 24. Hysn’s journey on ”The Voice” may not have happened without Dallas College. She reflects on her time at the college, taking classes on the Cedar Valley Campus and describes it as a pivotal moment in her musical career.

Asked why people should pursue a career in nursing, Vanessa Lozada had a simple message. “You will always have a job,” she said, “and you’ll never be bored.” Lozada would know. She’s worked virtually every nursing job on her road to becoming the director of emergency services at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano.

Growing up in West Texas, feeding goats and slinging hay bales, Jesse Serrano faced both physical and mental challenges. He felt isolated and longed to be among other creatives.

Jim Stover, Dallas College's longest serving employee, has spent 56 years teaching art and building the Richland Campus art department, where his artwork is displayed throughout the campus. Born in Brazil and educated in the United States, Stover discovered his passion for art in college, earned an MFA from Columbia University. He began teaching at Dalals College after being hired at a college job fair. Stover continues to love teaching students because it allows him to keep learning.

Frida Hutchinson is pursuing a culinary arts degree while working full time. She's driven by a lifelong passion for cooking that began with helping at her family's food business in Mexico. After overcoming lymphoma and significant health challenges, Hutchinson became committed to healthy, made-from-scratch cooking and hopes to one day open a business featuring authentic Southern Mexican cuisine.

As Dallas College’s interim dean of pathway success Paula Guidry, Ph.D., provides opportunities for students by helping make sure they’re set on the path to success.

Kianna Vaughn didn't immediately go to college due to financial reasons, and, instead, got a job in human resources. She felt stagnant there and she knew an education was needed to advance in her career field. Dallas college provided the support and opportunities to help her succeed.

Everything is still a little surreal for Alyssa Fox these days. She sometimes does a double take when she hops on the subway and sees her face on a poster, or even featured on the Gershwin Theater entrance in the heart of New York City. But, when you’re the star of “Wicked,” one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, you’ve reached celebrity status.

Elgrie Hurd has been sharing practical, real-world lessons with Dallas College students since 2016, when he was hired at the Brookhaven Campus. He imparts on his psychology and sociology students the importance of having empathy for other people’s experiences.

By earning her associate degree from Dallas College, Krystal Hamilton had the educational foundation she needed to start moving up in the banking world.

Luz Valle had built a nice little home business making wedding invitations. She was well known throughout the Hispanic community, but her business plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic. She turned a bad situation into good by embarking on a new career with help from Dallas College. She was joined at Dallas College by her son, Kevin.

A member of Joel Klump’s family — himself included — has either taken classes at or worked at Dallas College from the time it was founded until today. “This college has been a part of my life as long as I can remember,” he said. “Its history is my history.”

Through support from his mom and Dallas College MarTello Skyers has become comfortable with his authentic self and plans to launch his own business and clothing line.