About Bill J. Priest

A Continuing Legacy

Dr. Bill J. Priest, the late founding chancellor of DCCCD (now Dallas College), left a continuing legacy for Dallas.

From 1965 until 1981, Dr. Priest guided the creation and development of the seven colleges of DCCCD, which have served more than 3 million individuals since the district's inception.

Under his leadership, DCCCD grew to seven colleges that together, enroll more undergraduate students than any other college, university or community college system in the state.

A native of California, Dr. Priest attended Modesto Junior College before completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and doctorate in education at the University of California at Berkeley.

A nationally recognized leader and consultant in the field of education, Dr. Priest has served community/junior colleges through his involvement with many professional organizations, including his role as board chairman of the American Council on Education and the American Association of Community Colleges.

The Bill J. Priest Legacy Society commemorates his extraordinary contributions to community colleges in Dallas and across the U.S. It recognizes the philanthropic leadership and vision of individuals who have made a planned gift or have included a commitment to Dallas College in their estate plans.