About the Community College

History and Organization

In 1965, Doña Ana County was designated by the New Mexico Department of Education as an appropriate site in southern New Mexico for an area vocational-technical school. In 1971, the boards of education of the Gadsden, Hatch, and Las Cruces school districts requested that New Mexico State University establish a branch community college located on its campus in Las Cruces to offer postsecondary vocational-technical education in Doña Ana County. The NMSU Board of Regents approved the request in 1972, and the voters in Doña Ana County approved an operational mill levy in May 1973. The institution became an official entity on July 1, 1973. It began offering vocational training programs on September 4, 1973, as the Doña Ana County Occupational Education Branch of New Mexico State University.

College Mission, Vision, and Principles

OUR MISSION. DACC is a responsive and accessible learning-centered community college that provides educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners in support of academic interests, workforce development, and economic growth.

OUR VISION. DACC will be a premier, inclusive college that is grounded in academic excellence and committed to fostering lifelong learning and active, responsible citizenship within the community.

OUR PRINCIPLES.
Access

  • Defined pathways to workforce and/or bachelor's degree
  • Affordable education
  • Flexible schedule options
  • Programs and services that support a wide range of student needs

Innovation

  • Intentional and creative use of technology
  • Focus on "real-world" practical experience
  • Diverse perspectives and viewpoints
  • Informed risk-taking

Excellence

  • Responsive curriculum
  • Quality teaching and learning environment
  • Rigorous expectations
  • Community impact


NMSU SYSTEM VALUES

  • Leadership
  • Excellence
  • Access
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Student-Centered

Governance and Funding

DACC is a community college of New Mexico State University. As such, it is governed by the Board of Regents of the university.  Through an operating agreement between the university and the three school districts in Doña Ana County DACC is served by an Advisory Board. Operating expenses for the community college are paid from state-appropriated funds, a property tax within the three school districts in the county, federal career-technical education funds, special grants, and tuition paid by students, the majority of which is subsidized by financial aid.

Educational Facilities

Doña Ana Community College has three locations in Las Cruces, as well as centers located throughout the county. For more information about the individual sites, see the section titled “Additional Locations”.

Online Study

Many courses and, in some cases, entire programs may be completed without ever attending classes at a physical campus. The following DACC programs may currently be completed entirely online:

Online Degrees

Online Certificates

To see which classes are being offered online during a given semester, consult the Schedule of Classes.

Institutional Accreditation

New Mexico State University – Doña Ana Community College is independently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
Phone: 1 (800) 621-7440 / (312) 263-0456
Fax: (312) 263-7462
E-mail: info@hlcommission.org
Web site: https://www.hlcommission.org/

For links to e-mail addresses of various departments at the Higher Learning Commission, visit https://www.hlcommission.org/About-HLC/contact-us.html 

Individual Program Accreditations, Approvals, and Certifications

Refer to the tables at Institutional and Program Accreditations for information about individual program accreditations, approvals, and certifications.