A closer look at the new chancellor - (6/13)
by Irasema Romero, Reporter
Last month, the DCCCD board of trustees named Dr. Wright Lassiter chancellor of the district and is the first African American in the position.
After being president of El Centro for ten years, Lassiter brings experience in higher education to the chancellor position and has multiple goals for the district.
“He has wrapped his arms around the task of leading the Dallas district in such a remarkable way that we concluded that a lengthy search process was not necessary,” said chair of trustees Jerry Prater concerning Lassiter’s time as interim chancellor. “We had our man already here.”
The new chancellor welcomes the opportunity to continue the work of the preceding chancellor. “Through our collective efforts we will continue to move forward,” said Lassiter in a letter. “Keep in mind the mantra that under girds my very well being, ‘the largest room in my house is the room for improvement.’”
Lassiter has a three-year plan for the district. It includes supporting student’s success and prepares them for careers in the 21st century. Lassiter also wants to demonstrate strength through diversity, promoting community participation and leadership.
“We have always been willing to look critically at whom we are in relation to helping students succeed,” said Lassiter in a letter to the district. “We should develop cultural
competence to the extent that we have a deep appreciation for different
cultures and people”
Lassiter plays various roles in the community besides his chancellor position. His involvement includes being chairman of the board for the African American Museum in Fair Park. In 2002, he was nominated by President Bush and approved by the U.S. Senate for membership in the National Advisory Council to the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions. Before becoming president of El Centro, he was president of Schenectady County Community College in New York. He said he views that experience as his outstanding accomplishment because it was his first attempt to be selected as college president.
Not only is he recognized nationally, but also has international exposure.
In 2005, Lassiter was one of 47 international educators to be selected for the Oxford Round Table at Oxford University, according to his online bio.
Due to his current and past duties in education administration, he has found a passion for public speaking.
“My work demands that I be an accomplished public speaker, therefore public speaking is a major interest” said Lassiter. “This includes my being a Baptist minister and am caused to deliver sermons and other messages.”
Lassiter has also earned the title of Distinguished Toastmaster for his public speaking skills.
In addition to public speaking, Lassiter has communicated by authoring seven books.
He attributes his motivation to God and his parents.
“My parents said to me, ‘if you want to get ahead, get something in your head – continually,’” said Lassiter.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Alcorn State University in Mississippi, his home state. Lassiter went on to obtain a doctorate degree in educational administration and finance from Auburn University in Alabama.
Lassiter is married and has two older children and two granddaughters.
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