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.

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.

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.