April 25, 2022
Educate Texas, an initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, announces the naming of Joe May, former Chancellor of Dallas College, to advance its 2025 Strategic Plan
CFT’s Educate Texas is honored to announce Dr. Joe May as Chancellor in Residence. In his role, Dr. May will forge new relationships with key stakeholders in higher education across the state and nation to enhance the programmatic portfolio of Educate Texas. He will also bring forward new initiatives centered on leadership development and policy innovation.
May’s vast experience and dedication to building communities where students thrive will elevate Educate Texas’ 2025 Strategic Plan. This plan includes a goal to contribute 85,000 new higher education degrees and certificates to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s "Building A Talent-Strong Texas" goal by 2025, primarily focusing on African American, Latino, and economically disadvantaged students.
“I’m excited about working with Educate Texas to increase statewide postsecondary attainment, especially as Educate Texas’ work has transitioned from being important to extremely essential in meeting the needs of individuals, employers, and our entire state,” said May. “Additionally, this is a critical time for Texas Community Colleges. With the work of the Community College Finance Commission underway, we have a unique opportunity to reshape the funding structures of these institutions to meet both the current and future needs of Texans.”
May comes to Educate Texas after serving eight years as Chancellor of Dallas College. May helped shape what was previously known as the Dallas County Community College into Dallas College, which serves over 150,000 students in North Texas, today. Under his leadership, Dallas College restructured and consolidated seven separate community colleges into a single institution to better serve students across Dallas and surrounding counties.
May grew up in East Texas and holds a Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M-Commerce. He has also earned a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.
“I am delighted to welcome Joe May to our Educate Texas team,” said John Fitzpatrick, Educate Texas Executive Director. “His experience developing innovative solutions to expand postsecondary opportunities for students is admirable, and his leadership will help Educate Texas think bigger as we grow our portfolio of work in the area of higher education.”
May’s dedication to improving higher education is strong, and his experience is deep. He has previously served as president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College system, president for the Colorado Community College System, and president of Pueblo Community College before accepting the system’s CEO position.
Additionally, May’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion has inspired him to serve as the founding president of Rebuilding America’s Middle Class (RAMC), a national consortium of community colleges. As RAMC’s president, May’s work included encouraging the United States Congress to reinstate year-round Pell Grants and second-chance Pell Grants for individuals who are currently incarcerated.
As Educate Texas continues to work with communities and partners across the state to enhance student learning experiences and opportunities, the organization is thankful to have May’s passion, experience, and expertise on its team.