Brenda Welcome
Brenda Welcome believes so deeply that education changes lives that she was worried about the strength of her own educational background. She already had two associate’s degrees under her belt, but believed that she would have a stronger educational testimony, especially to her young son, Adonis, if she had a bachelor’s degree.
With associate’s degrees from McNeese State University in Louisiana in 1990 and Richland College in 2002, Brenda pursued her dream by transferring coursework to the University of Phoenix (Dallas location). She reached her goal and completed a Bachelor of Science in Management degree in 2005 – all while shouldering the responsibility of being a single mom; attending her son’s swimming lessons, science fairs, basketball and baseball games; going to PTA meetings; working a full-time job; serving in her church; and volunteering in the community.
Brenda truly is a Richland College success story – not only as a student, but also as an employee. Her career with the Dallas County Community College District started in the Chancellor/Board of Trustees’ office. She later came to Richland as a student services specialist and academic advisor.
Today, Brenda is the DCCCD’s only Curriculum Management Web Specialist in the Vice Chancellor of Educational Affairs/Curriculum Management office. She manages the production of the DCCCD’s Web and print catalogs.
Brenda’s hard work and can-do attitude has paid off: She was part of the team that won the DCCCD’s 2005-06 Innovation of the Year award, and part of the team that won a national award for Web design. She was named the DCCCD’s Administration Office’s Employee of the Year for 2003-04 and Employee of the Month (twice); nominated for Richland College’s Advisor of the Year; named Employee of the Month at Word of Faith Ministries.
She serves the community with the same zeal. She is a volunteer for the Dallas area’s African American Read-In, Upward Basketball in Garland, and Girls and Boys Club of America in Mesquite. She is a member of Disciples of Faith Worship Center in Arlington.
Brenda said her student experience at Richland marked a turning point in her life and has given her the competitive edge she needed professionally.
For all of Brenda’s academic and professional accomplishements and so much more, Adonis can be proud of his mom – Richland College is.