Ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for Aug. 15 in Coppell
Dr. Hinojosa
Executive Director
North Lake College’s North Campus is scheduled to open in Coppell in August, four years after Dallas County voters approved a $450 million bond package to expand the community college district.
The new campus is near the corner of Royal Lane and Sandy Lake Road, just off State Highway 121. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 15.
Photo by Ed Arnold
The North Campus will have 13 smart classrooms, three computer
labs, a comprehensive learning resource center and more.
Dr. Marco Hinojosa, executive director of the new campus, said it will be “contributing to the overall success of North Lake College by serving this part of our county and community in a manner that is unprecedented.”
The 37,228-square-foot building is one of five expanded campuses approved for the district four years ago, and Hinojosa said it is the only one that will offer core-credit classes. The others, including North Lake’s South Campus, are focused on continuing education courses.
To guarantee the best possible instruction, Hinojosa said, the building includes 13 “smart classrooms” that are equipped with a computer, screen, projector and VHS/DVD player. The campus also has three computer labs, one multi-purpose room with presentation technology, and a comprehensive learning resource center. Students with wireless laptops will have easy Internet access throughout the building.
Hinojosa also explained that all basic main-campus services will be available at the new site in Coppell. Those services include admissions, registration, advising and financial aid, even dropping classes.
The executive director understands the importance of two-year colleges. Before he transferred to four year schools, he earned his associate-of-arts-and-science degree from the Dallas County Community College District.
“If I can help one person achieve a higher education… he or she will positively impact his [or her] whole family tree,” he said, adding that he is ready to “help, support, and guide those individuals who are serious about getting a higher education and perhaps a college degree.”
The North Campus will serve freshmen and sophomores working toward an associate’s degree or planning to transfer credits to a four year school for a bachelor’s degree.
Hinojosa also said the campus will accept dual credit students – high school juniors and seniors earning college credits in advance of graduation – and offer workforce development courses to older students.
Some continuing education classes – including career English for speakers of other languages – also will be offered.