Dona Ana Community College (DACC)
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| Dona Ana Community College (DACC) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Dona Ana Community College |
| Established | 1973 |
| Type | Public community college |
| Parent | New Mexico State University |
| City | Las Cruces, New Mexico |
| State | New Mexico |
| Country | United States |
| Campuses | Multiple locations across Doña Ana County, New Mexico |
| Colors | Maroon and gold |
| Mascot | Aggies |
Dona Ana Community College (DACC) is a multi-campus public two-year institution affiliated with New Mexico State University serving southern New Mexico, with campuses and centers across Doña Ana County, New Mexico and partnerships extending into El Paso, Texas. Founded in the early 1970s, the college provides transfer, career, technical, and workforce education to a diverse regional population drawn from urban and rural communities. DACC’s programming aligns with regional employers, local school districts, tribal communities, and state workforce initiatives.
History
DACC was established during a period of expansion in community colleges in the United States and the midst of statewide higher education reorganizations involving New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico. Early development connected DACC to regional economic shifts tied to agriculture in the Mesilla Valley, cross-border commerce with Ciudad Juárez, and military presence at White Sands Missile Range and Fort Bliss. Throughout the late 20th century, DACC added vocational programs responding to demand from institutions and employers such as Memorial Medical Center (Las Cruces), Rockwell Collins, and regional utilities like El Paso Electric. In the 21st century DACC expanded partnerships with entities including the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, Head Start providers, and the Gadsden Independent School District to create dual-credit and adult-education pipelines.
Campus and Locations
DACC operates multiple instructional sites across Doña Ana County, New Mexico, including major campuses in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Anthony, New Mexico, Chaparral, New Mexico, Sunland Park, New Mexico, and outreach sites in Hatch, New Mexico and Nutt, New Mexico. Several centers coordinate with regional healthcare providers such as MountainView Regional Medical Center and training facilities near Las Cruces International Airport. The college’s footprint supports commuting students from El Paso, Texas, Hidalgo County, New Mexico, and tribal areas including the Isleta Pueblo and Mesorcilla communities. Campus facilities have been modernized with funding aligned to state bond initiatives and collaborations with institutions such as the New Mexico Higher Education Department and federal programs administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Academics and Programs
DACC offers associate degrees, certificates, and transfer curricula in fields that reflect regional labor markets and university transfer tracks to New Mexico State University and other institutions including University of Arizona, Texas A&M University, University of Texas at El Paso, Northern New Mexico College, and Central New Mexico Community College. Academic divisions encompass allied health pathways aligned with employers like Memorial Medical Center (Las Cruces), law enforcement and public safety training relevant to Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office and Las Cruces Police Department, manufacturing and applied technology programs connected to companies such as Lockheed Martin and Honeywell, and agriculture courses tuned to producers in the Mesilla Valley Irrigation District. Workforce programs include nursing, welding, automotive technology, culinary arts, business administration, cybersecurity, and early childhood education with articulation agreements involving New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium and regional school districts including Las Cruces Public Schools.
Student Life and Organizations
Student life at DACC features student government associations that interact with statewide student coalitions like the New Mexico Student Association, campus clubs tied to professional organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa, and cultural groups that collaborate with community institutions including Las Cruces Museum of Art and Plaza de Las Cruces. Activities include service-learning projects with Habitat for Humanity affiliates, student-run publications modeled on community journalism networks, and performing-arts events staged in cooperation with venues like the NMSU Center for the Arts. Athletics and intramurals connect students to regional conference play and fitness programs coordinated with facilities such as the Pan American Center and local YMCA chapters. Outreach programs support nontraditional students through partnerships with TRIO programs, veterans services linked to Veterans Affairs Albuquerque Healthcare System, and bilingual student resources aligned with Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities initiatives.
Administration and Governance
DACC operates under the governance structure of New Mexico State University with local advisory boards that include representatives from county government, business sectors, and K–12 districts such as the Las Cruces Public Schools and Gadsden Independent School District. Institutional leadership liaises with statewide agencies including the New Mexico Higher Education Department and regional workforce entities like the Southwest Workforce Development Board. Accreditation, curriculum oversight, and compliance follow standards set by the Higher Learning Commission and national accrediting bodies for specific programs such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and trade-certifying organizations. Funding streams involve state appropriations, federal grants from agencies like the U.S. Department of Education, and local economic development partnerships with Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce.
Community Partnerships and Workforce Development
Community and workforce initiatives at DACC are coordinated with entities such as the New Mexico Economic Development Department, Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce, regional healthcare systems, and municipal governments including the City of Las Cruces. Employer-driven training leverages relationships with employers including Doña Ana County, City of El Paso, and manufacturing partners such as Intel Corporation and small-business networks supported by the Small Business Administration. Collaborative projects include apprenticeship programs registered with U.S. Department of Labor, customized training funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act frameworks, and adult-education partnerships with organizations like Goodwill Industries and Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce affiliates.
Notable Alumni and Faculty
Alumni and faculty associated with the college and its network include professionals who have advanced to roles in regional government, healthcare, education, and business—some later affiliated with institutions and organizations such as New Mexico State University, Las Cruces City Council, Doña Ana County Commission, New Mexico Legislature, Memorial Medical Center (Las Cruces), Texas A&M University, University of Texas at El Paso, Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and regional nonprofit leadership in groups like Mesilla Valley Community of Hope. Faculty collaborations have included scholars and practitioners who also work with entities such as the New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service, National Science Foundation, and regional arts organizations including the Las Cruces Symphony.