After more than five decades in higher education, Dr. Kay Eggleston announced to faculty on April 8 that she would retire as president of Dallas College Richland. This step marks the end of a Richland tenure that has been defined by leadership and lasting institutional impact.
Eggleston, who celebrated her 16th anniversary as campus president in January, began her journey with Dallas College in 1973 as a nursing faculty member at El Centro College. She later held multiple leadership roles, including as executive dean of Health and Legal Studies and executive vice president and chief operating officer at Richland.
Her time at Richland transformed the college’s standing, even while it was a separate institution. Under her leadership, Richland College became the first community college in the nation to receive the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2005, which is a recognition of excellence in performance and institutional effectiveness. Even beyond Richland, Eggleston’s influence has extended nationally. She currently serves as board chair of the Foundation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award where she continues her work in advancing performance excellence across organizations.
In an email announcing Eggleston’s retirement to Dallas College students the same day, Chancellor Justin Lonon emphasized both her impact and what comes next for the college.
“As we honor Dr. Eggleston for her contributions, we will soon begin the process of conducting a national search for a new president to lead the Richland Campus,” Lonon said. “There will be opportunities for students, employees, and the local community to provide input.”
He added that the college community looks forward to celebrating her legacy in the coming months ahead of her official last day on Sept. 1.
For Eggleston, the decision to step away reflects both reflection and optimism for the future.
“I have loved the work we continue to do together as faculty, staff and administrators in inspiring and shaping the lives of our amazing students,” Eggleston said. “It is the right time for me to welcome a new era of leadership for Richland Campus in which Richland Campus and Dallas College will continue to thrive and excel in our purposeful work.”
