Joe D. May

Having served seven years as Chancellor of Dallas College, Dr. Joe May brings a strong commitment to improving the Dallas economy and growing regional jobs.  Under his leadership, the College is taking responsibility for many of the community’s most challenging issues, including regional workforce needs, growth of minority-owned businesses, the negative impacts of income disparity, and providing opportunity equality.  

Because of his commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, May serves as founding president of Rebuilding America’s Middle Class (RAMC), a national consortium of community colleges.  As the President of RAMC, he was involved in pushing Congress to reinstate year-round Pell Grants and second chance Pell Grants for the currently incarcerated.

As a community leader and educator, May strongly believes in collaborative efforts and has worked closely with public school districts, sponsored charter schools, career academies, early college high schools, and P-TECH high schools.  To meet the early childhood teacher shortage in North Texas, he sought authorization for Dallas College to offer a baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education.  

May previously served as president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, president for the Colorado Community College System, and Pueblo Community College president before accepting the system’s CEO position.  He also served in leadership roles at Sul Ross State University, Navarro College, and Vernon College.

A native of East Texas, May earned his Doctorate in Education from Texas A&M-Commerce.  He also holds a Masters of Education and Bachelor of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

May has been married for over 46 years to his wide, Jeanne.  They have two children and three grandchildren.