Near the midpoint of the twentieth century, many Texas Christians recognized the need for leadership in their churches and for starting new churches. On May 10, 1949, former missionary Vernon Newland met with forty concerned Texas church leaders. They discussed establishing a Bible college in Texas to train leaders for the Christian ministry.

Dallas Christian College (DCC) thus opened for classes onSeptember 12, 1950, DCC has flourished over the years. It has grown from two downtown Dallas locations... to its third location, on twenty-two acres in the historic northwest Dallas county community of Farmers Branch. With over two thousand students in DCC's history, many graduates serve in various ministries throughout the nation and the world.to educate the evangelistic leadership of Texas and the Southwest. Currently, DCC combines Biblical and theological studies, general education courses from a Christian world view, and courses in different professional areas with an active program of Christian service and chapel attendance. Students serve in volunteer and internship capacities at area churches and on ministry teams of praise and proclamation to churches, youth groups, and the inner city. Also, DCC faculty and staff lead in their home congregations, provide counsel to metroplex churches, and speak throughout Texas and the Southwest. Dallas Christian College strives to meet the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student body and to encourage evangelistic leadership of churches and Christian organizations in Texas, the Southwest, and around the globe. With the Spirit's providential guidance, DCC serves Christ in the hope of building God's kingdom.

Dallas Christian College welcomes Dr. Ray Kelley as the new vice president for academic affairs and dean. Dr. Kelly has the Bachelor of Arts degree from Kentucky Christian College, the Master of Arts degree from Morehead State University, and the Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University. He served in various administrative capacities at Mid-South Christian College and for the past 16 years as president of Winston-Salem Bible College in North Carolina. He has conducted research, written numerous articles, and presented workshops on topics related to urban and cross-cultural ministry.

President Derry stated, "We are very fortunate to have someone of his background and professional experience to fill this vital role of academic leadership." Dr. Kelley’s wife, Shirley, also joined DCC in the capacity of associate library director, a position for which she is well qualified. Shirley has the Master of Library Science degree from University of North Carolina at Greensboro and was library director at Winston-Salem Bible College. Dr. Kelley chose to come to DCC for several reasons. He has a heart for ministry in the African-American and urban communities. He knew of DCC's emphasis in urban ministry and wanted to be a part of that program. Dr. Kelley says that as he and Shirley were praying for a possible new area of service, they wanted a place where they both could be involved in Christian ministry. When they learned that DCC was looking for both a vice president for academic affairs and an associate librarian, they knew that God had opened a new door of service for both of them.

The Quest program was another reason for Dr. Kelley's interest in DCC. "I believe we have a great opportunity to reach into the diverse communities of greater Dallas through the Quest program. By providing quality Christian education in a degree-completion program, DCC will be able to impact numerous churches and individuals for the cause of Christ," says Dr. Kelley. The Kelleys have only been in Dallas for a few weeks and are looking forward to many years of service and ministry at DCC. Dr. Kelley stated, "I look forward to getting to know the many faithful alumni and friends of DCC and working with them to continue to provide excellence in Christian education at Dallas Christian College."

DCC alumni are serving the Lord literally all around the world. It is encouraging to see how God has blessed their ministries in a variety of settings including churches, mission works, parachurch organizations, schools, corporations, and social-service agencies. One of the challenges we face is keeping up with all they are doing and letting them know what is happening at their alma mater. That is one of the purposes of this Web Page. We are pleased to announce another step in enhancing our communication efforts with the addition of a director of alumni relations. Mr. Johny Kautt is familiar to many alumni. He graduated from DCC in 1957 and has served on the faculty as a professor of Christian education, academic dean, regent, and trustee. Johny’s wife Faye and all three of their children also graduated from DCC. Few people have had more association with the college for as long as Brother Kautt. He is eager to begin his new role on October 1 and to contact as many DCC alumni as possible.

Through the leadership of recent graduate, Mrs. Donna McCright, the DCC Alumni Association is making significant changes. She and the alumni steering committee drafted association by-laws to present to the Board of Trustees at the October board meeting. The committee has been on campus to greet new students and attended commencement to encourage our most recent graduates. We are looking forward to implementing their ideas on ways to serve alumni better.