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As part of its Dallas College 2035 vision, Dallas College today announced the launch of Dallas College Enterprise Ventures, a Texas non-profit corporation established by the Dallas College Foundation to enable mission-aligned revenue opportunities, pursue strategic investments and partnerships, and support the institution’s long-term sustainability.
Dr. Justin H. Lonon, chancellor of Dallas College, has named Michelle Williams as executive director of Dallas College Enterprise Ventures.
Through Dallas College 2035, Enterprise Ventures will build a self-sustaining portfolio of ventures and investments across technology, real estate, workforce innovation and other mission-aligned sectors. The organization will serve as a platform for identifying, evaluating and scaling opportunities that strengthen Dallas College’s long-term sustainability and extend its capacity to serve students and the region. Revenue generated through these efforts will be reinvested in student success initiatives, workforce programs and community impact efforts across North Texas.
“As we advance Dallas College 2035, we are challenging ourselves to think differently about how institutions create long-term value for students and communities,” said Dr. Justin H. Lonon, Chancellor of Dallas College. “Enterprise Ventures gives Dallas College a new mechanism for putting our assets, expertise and partnerships to work in ways that can generate sustainable resources and accelerate innovation. At the heart of this effort is a fundamental question: How can we use the full strength of Dallas College to help more people achieve their potential through education?”
Lonon added, “Michelle brings entrepreneurial experience, strategic leadership and a demonstrated ability to build partnerships and turn innovative ideas into measurable results. Her experience will be instrumental as we establish Enterprise Ventures and explore new approaches to creating long-term value for Dallas College, our students and the communities we serve.”
As executive director, Williams will lead the development and execution of the organization’s strategy, overseeing investments, partnerships and initiatives designed to generate financial and mission-aligned value. She will also work across the business, investment, technology, education and civic communities to identify opportunities that can strengthen Dallas College while expanding pathways for students and the regional workforce.
“Higher education has extraordinary assets, talent, expertise, infrastructure and partnerships, that can be activated in new ways,” William said. “Our opportunity is to bring those strengths together with an entrepreneurial mindset: building ventures, investing strategically and developing partnerships that generate new resources for Dallas College while expanding what is possible for our students and the communities we serve.”
Williams brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, economic development, and strategic partnership development. Throughout her career, she has connected startups, investors, educational institutions, and community leaders to create scalable opportunities that drive growth, foster innovation, and expand access to opportunity.
One of Dallas College Enterprise Ventures' first initiatives is a partnership with Axio, an education technology company developing AI-supported course modernization tools. Through an innovative partnership structure, Dallas College Enterprise Ventures has invested in the company while simultaneously piloting its technology within the college, creating an opportunity to support innovation while exploring solutions that enhance teaching and learning.
The launch of Dallas College Enterprise Ventures reflects Dallas College's commitment to innovative approaches that expand opportunity, strengthen workforce competitiveness, and create lasting economic and community impact for future generations.
The Dallas College Enterprise Ventures Board is composed of distinguished leaders in business, investment and entrepreneurship:
Jim Adams, Board Chair, brings more than 20 years of experience leading family offices and managing investment portfolios, with expertise spanning venture capital, education technology and growth-stage investments. Adams’s leadership includes advancing social innovation through nonprofit incubators and accelerators, along with service on multiple government agency boards.
Valerie Freeman, Board Member, is Co-Founder and CEO of BravoTECH and FreemanLeonard, and a co-founder and investor in AnserTEAM and Prime Women Media. A technology executive and entrepreneur, Freeman has built, scaled and invested in companies across technology, banking and women-owned business ventures.
Wendy Lopez, Board Member, is an entrepreneur and corporate executive who built and scaled successful businesses across both the entrepreneurial and corporate sectors. Lopez is a venture capital investor, supporting high-growth companies and emerging innovators.
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