Your Future at South College Dallas
When South College made its bold western move into the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, expectations were high. But just six months after opening its doors, the newest—and westernmost—South College campus is already exceeding every projection, evidencing strong enrollment, drawing high interest from healthcare partners, and building a foundation that’s poised to serve one of the nation’s fastest-growing medical hubs.
In a lively and forward-looking episode of Live From South College, host Kathleen Stockham sat down with two leaders steering the Dallas surge: Mr. Turner South, Campus President, and Dr. Christine McCracken, Dean of Academic and Student Services. Together, they offer a candid look into what’s happening behind the scenes, what’s coming next, and why Dallas may just become one of South College’s most exciting success stories yet.
Building Bigger in Texas: A Campus Designed for Growth
South College Dallas is located in Farmers Branch—a fast-growing hub just north of downtown. And in true Texas fashion, the footprint is large, modern, and intentionally built for expansion.
“We’re at about 55,000 square feet between the first and fifth floors,” Mr. South explains. “It’s one of our biggest openings yet, and the classroom seating ranges anywhere from 24 seats to 84 seats.”
The campus boasts:
- Large-scale nursing lab with 12+ beds
- Simulation center
- Expansive classrooms optimized for hybrid instruction
- A new dental clinic and dental hygiene lab
- Dedicated spaces for radiography, sonography, surgical technology, and medical assisting
Perhaps most exciting: Mr. South shared that several future programs are already in active development, including:
- Dental Hygiene (2026 launch target)
- Physician Assistant Studies (Director recruitment underway)
- Physical Therapy (DPT) with CAPTE agenda placement expected by 2027
Dallas, it seems, is just getting started.
A Campus Opening in Phases — and Right on Schedule
The build-out is happening in two major waves:
- June 2025 – Completion of the fifth floor: classrooms, labs, and faculty spaces
- July 2025 – Completion of the first floor: administrative offices, dental clinic, and dental labs
The dental clinic alone houses 30 patient chairs, which once the program received approval, students will be able to gain hands-on experience while serving the community with low-cost cleanings and preventive care—mirroring the wildly successful model at the South College Nashville campus.
“We’re not just placing students in labs,” Mr. South emphasizes. “We’re building a healthcare resource for the region.”
Creating a Culture, Not Just a Campus
For Dr. McCracken, the excitement goes far beyond the facility itself.
“We’re building a team from scratch,” she says. “That means we get to be intentional about the culture we want—welcoming, student-centered, collaborative, and supportive.”
As the Dean of Academic and Student Services, she’s focused on:
- Hiring exceptional faculty
- Establishing student support systems
- Creating an environment where learners, families, faculty, and staff all feel a strong sense of belonging
Although her office will eventually reside on the fifth floor, she’s quick to note that students will find her everywhere.
“I don’t sit behind a desk,” she laughs. “I’m out and about with students.”
What Programs Are Leading the Charge?
Even in its earliest stages, interest is pouring in from across the Metroplex.
“Imaging sciences is popular,” McCracken notes. “Radiography and sonography are incredibly in-demand—not just here, but nationwide.” Across all 10 South College campuses, imaging programs consistently draw large applicant pools—and Dallas is already mirroring that trend.
Additional high-interest programs include:
- Surgical Technology
- Nursing
- Medical Assisting
Returning to Dallas: Turner South’s Second Texas Tour
Although Mr. South spent several years leading the South College Indianapolis campus, he’s no stranger to Texas—he’s a Texas Christian University alumnus.
“It’s great to be back,” he says. “But the traffic? That’s been the biggest adjustment.”
(Anyone who has experienced a Dallas commute understands.)
Still, he’s energized by the challenge of launching a large, multi-program campus.
“It’s bigger than Indy was,” he says. “And big comes with complexity—but also big opportunity.”
A Norwegian Journey: Dr. McCracken’s Path to the Dean’s Office
Dr. McCracken’s background is as unique as it is impressive.
Born and raised in Norway, she moved to the U.S. after college for what she thought would be a one-year stay. Nearly 30 years later, she held clinical, managerial, and leadership roles, most recently in Knoxville as she prepared for the dean position.
As an occupational therapist with a doctorate in the field, she brings a clinician’s heart to higher education.
“OT is about meeting people where they are,” she says. “And so is education. It’s the same philosophy—you guide people toward their goals.”
What They’d Choose as Students Today
When asked which South College program they’d pick if they were starting over:
Mr. South:
Radiography.
“The equipment is incredible, the science is fascinating, and you’re literally capturing images that change patient outcomes.”
Advice for Future Dallas Students
Dr. McCracken doesn’t hesitate:
“Don’t walk—run.”
With growth comes momentum, and Dallas is seeing both.
She shares that many South College students arrive with multiple transcripts—people who tried other schools, other paths, and didn’t find the right fit.
“That changes here,” she says. “We help students achieve what they thought wasn’t possible.”
The Future of South College Dallas: Bright, Big, and Bold
Between the booming healthcare market, the enthusiastic clinical partners, and the surge of student interest, Dallas is positioned to become one of South College’s flagship campuses.
Programs are expanding.
Teams are growing.
Construction is being completed.
And the Metroplex is welcoming South College with open arms.
“Big things are happening in Big D,” Kathleen concluded.
And based on everything happening at Farmers Branch, that might even be an understatement.