The Evolution of the Dallas College Logo: A Visual History

Dallas College, formerly known as the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD), has a rich history deeply intertwined with the Dallas community. The institution's visual identity, particularly its logo, has evolved alongside its growth and transformation. Understanding this evolution provides insights into the college's values, mission, and its relationship with the community it serves.

From DCCCD to Dallas College: A Merger and a Rebrand

Founded in 1965 as the Dallas County Junior College District, the institution became the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) in 1972. The first campus, El Centro College, was established in 1966 in downtown Dallas. For many years, DCCCD operated as a system of seven separately accredited colleges, each with its own distinct identity. In February 2020, a significant shift occurred when the Dallas County Community College District announced a plan to consolidate its seven constituent institutions into one accredited institution with multiple campuses. This move aimed to simplify the enrollment process and graduation requirements. Along with this consolidation came a rebranding effort, including the adoption of a new name: Dallas College.

The Need for a New Visual Identity

The decision to rebrand was driven by the desire to present a unified and streamlined image to students and the community. The previous structure, with seven separate colleges, each had its own logos, mascots, and colors. This decentralized approach created confusion and made it difficult for students to navigate the system. As Jordan stated, "From the very beginning, we wanted to try and be open to anything."

The Design Process: Incorporating Heritage and Moving Forward

The college partnered with the branding agency Push to develop the new logo. The design process involved extensive research, including surveys and focus groups, to understand the needs and preferences of the college community. The goal was to create a logo that reflected the college's heritage while also signaling its commitment to the future. Jordan emphasized, "We wanted to show that we are moving forward without losing the heritage. There’s more than 50 years of history here."

Key Elements of the New Logo

A standout of the new logo is the “D” in Dallas, an intentional decision placing emphasis on the area home of an over five-decade relationship between DCCCD and local learners. The final version, by far the more popular of two options considered by the college community, was supported by the board of trustees in May.

A Symbol of the College's Mission

The rebranding of Dallas College goes beyond mere visual changes. It represents a commitment to removing educational barriers and creating a more accessible and unified institution. As Dr. Joe May, Dallas College’s chancellor, stated, “While we will forever recognize and revere the tremendous role DCCCD has had in shaping the lives of countless students in Dallas County and beyond, we must also acknowledge our responsibility to do more."

A Gradual Rollout

Rebranding an entire institution is a huge undertaking. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and the same is true for the college’s brand rollout. The college’s efforts to remove educational barriers go beyond visual changes.

The Foundation of Dallas College

Citizens of Dallas County have always supported Dallas College with funding and human resources. Almost 50 years ago, a visionary Board of Trustees - whose members included Dallas luminaries such as R.L. Thornton II, Mrs. Margaret McDermott and DCCCD’s founding chancellor, Dr. Bill J. Priest - set an ambitious goal. They, and numerous other Dallas County civic leaders who supported their efforts, were dedicated to providing citizens with access to quality education that was both convenient and affordable. Thanks to their determination and hard work, Dallas citizens created Dallas County Community College District in 1965.

Key Milestones in Dallas College History

1965: Dallas County Community College District was created.
1966: El Centro College, the first campus, was established.
1972: The institution became known as the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD).
2020: The plan to consolidate the seven constituent institutions was announced.
2021: The institution officially became Dallas College.

The Importance of Community Support

Citizens of Dallas County have consistently supported Dallas College through funding and resources. Visionary leaders, including R.L. Thornton II, Mrs. Margaret McDermott, and Dr. Bill J. Priest, were instrumental in establishing the Dallas County Community College District in 1965. Their dedication to providing accessible and affordable education laid the foundation for the institution's success.

Dallas College Today

Today, Dallas College enrolls a total of 85,000 credit and 20,000 continuing education students each semester. The institution has seven primary campuses and offers a wide range of programs and services to meet the needs of its diverse student population. The 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. Explore the college's visual history through our Digital Archives Collection, featuring historical photographs, video recordings and newspapers.

Read also: DCS Tuition Information

The Role of Key Figures

Several individuals have played significant roles in shaping the history of Dallas College. Founding Chancellor Dr. Bill J. Priest was a visionary leader who guided the institution through its early years. DCCCD appointed the district’s first Hispanic chancellor, Dr. DCCCD welcomed its first African American chancellor, Dr. DCCCD welcomed Dr. Joe May as its seventh chancellor.

Expansion and Growth

An additional $85 million in bonds supported DCCCD’s expansion, and construction began on three more colleges. The Bill J. Priest Institute for Economic Development (now Dallas College Bill J. The R. Jan LeCroy Center for Educational Telecommunications opened. Late in the year, DCCCD’s administrative offices moved from 701 Elm St. to renovated historic facilities at 1601 S. Lamar St. The Dallas TeleCollege became Dallas Colleges Online. DCCCD and Dallas ISD moved the Collegiate Academies forward. Dallas College Board of Trustees nominated Dr.

Challenges and Controversies

The consolidation and rebranding process was not without its challenges. The merger was controversial among faculty, as it resulted in layoffs, changes to campus culture, and a more centralized governance structure. In particular, the college eliminated its rolling three-year faculty contracts in favor of one-year contracts, which substantially weakened job security for full-time faculty. In October 2021, roughly a year after the consolidation, full-time faculty passed a resolution of no confidence against then-chancellor Dr.

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