Alongside other Dallas College newspapers, The Et Cetera’s Reggie Miranda-Galvan, Fazy Camara and Professor Erica Taylor were cordially invited by Dr. Justin H. Lonon, chancellor of Dallas College, to a luncheon on Nov. 20.

The group discussed a variety of topics, including the extended services provided by campuses and the possible shutdown of the United States Department of Education.

Chancellor Lonon spoke passionately on the makings of a “22nd Century school.”

“Since 2023, many colleges have shut down. Others will continue to do so until they change the paradigm of education. Dallas College brings an approach to the overall landscape of education that provides help for the needs of every student,” he said. The additional services provided by the campuses are something the Chancellor is proud to be a part of creating.

Lonon said: “Free childcare is one of the biggest issues to address. We hope to expand that aspect to other campuses.” Currently, El Centro campus is the first to offer a completely free childcare program with drop-off times available in four hour increments. This program is unique as there is no application process to utilize it.

Eastfield offers an on-site day-care facility that students can apply for and be able to qualify for deeply discounted rates or even have the fees fully covered.

Emergency aid is another service Dallas College has available to all students, faculty and staff. If something happens to someone’s car, that money can get students back on the road, both literally and educationally.

The nullification of the U. S. Department of Education has been proposed yet again in recent months by the incoming presidential administration. The Chancellor clarified: “That action remains to be seen. Even so, bipartisan support for keeping the department active is to be expected. It provides vital programs from K-12 to higher education.”

Lonon  depends on the feedback of students and faculty to help better the Dallas College community. He said, “We look to student leaders and faculty members to let us know, ‘Where can we be where we are not?’”

The Et Cetera team extends a sincere “thank you” to Chancellor Lonon and the marketing team at Dallas College for the opportunity to meet the leader in person.