Dr. Justin Lonon, Chancellor, Dallas College
Dr. Justin H. Lonon serves as Dallas College’s eighth chancellor and chief barrier buster, leading one of the nation’s largest community colleges at a pivotal moment in its history. Since assuming the role in March 2022, Dr. Lonon has guided the institution into its 60th anniversary with a bold vision to build a 22nd Century College. This innovative, barrier-busting model of higher education is one designed to ensure institutional relevance and meet the rapidly evolving needs of students, employers, and communities.
A Legacy of Impact, A Future of Boldness
Under Dr. Lonon’s leadership, Dallas College has accelerated its transformation from a traditional community college system into a forward-thinking, unified institution. His 22nd Century College framework challenges the status quo, focusing on innovation, workforce alignment, and a founder’s mindset that reimagines what higher education must become for the next generation.
Key innovations and initiatives during his tenure include:
- Bachelor’s Degree Expansion: Building on the successful launch of bachelor’s programs in early childhood education and nursing, Dallas College continues to add new four-year degrees, opening new career pathways for students in high-demand fields.
- Sector Strategies: Implementing a campus president-led, regional model that connects Dallas College directly with nine key industries like aerospace, construction, health care, finance & business, and technology, ensuring students are prepared for workforce opportunities across North Texas.
- Dallas College Speakers Bureau: Launching a new platform to amplify Dallas College voices and expertise across the community.
- Strategic Partnerships: Forging groundbreaking collaborations to create co-enrollment programs that offers students a seamless path to earn both an associate and a bachelor’s degree including the Dallas Transfer Collaborative, a first-of-its-kind initiative to improve transfer pathways for students across North Texas.
- Philanthropic and Civic Engagement: Leveraging partnerships to expand resources and visibility, from an innovative Student Care Network to national stage recognition, including representing Dallas College at the New York Stock Exchange. .
Career and Service
Prior to becoming Chancellor, Dr. Lonon served in various leadership roles at Dallas College, including Executive Vice Chancellor, where he oversaw nearly every operational and strategic area of the institution as well as serving as the interim president of the Dallas College Brookhaven Campus. His experience uniquely positioned him to lead the transition from a seven-college system to a single, unified Dallas College.
Beyond Dallas College, Dr. Lonon has been recognized nationally for his leadership in urban higher education. In 2024, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU). He also serves or has served on the boards of the Presidents Forum, United Ways of Texas, the North Texas Crime Commission, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, Texas Association of Community Colleges Executive Committee, Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Workforce Solutions Board, Rebuilding America’s Middle Class (RAMC), and University of Maryland Global Campus Doctor of Management in Community College Policy and Administration (DMCCPA) Advisory Board.
Education
An Arkansas native, Dr. Lonon earned a B.S. in Public Administration from Missouri State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas, and a Doctorate in Management from the University of Maryland – Global Campus. Before joining Dallas College in 2005, he served as press secretary in the Dallas Mayor’s Office and held various public affairs roles.