Dr. Matthew Dempsey wants to change the way we talk about community college. He debunks common myths and shows how two-year colleges are transforming lives and driving innovation. Dr. Matthew Dempsey is president of Lone Star College–University Park and a seasoned higher education leader with nearly 30 years of experience in community colleges. He previously served as vice president of instruction at Lone Star College–CyFair and held key academic leadership roles at Dallas College. In addition to his administrative work, he has served as an adjunct professor of biology for more than 20 years. Dr. Dempsey holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech, with earlier degrees from the University of North Texas, UCLA, and Saddleback College. He champions student success, academic innovation, and the development of strong educational communities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 8:15What are you anyway? | Joseph Bunditsatheon | TEDxVista YouthAre you Mixed or Mixed up? With a growing population of mixed race Americans, Joseph Bunditsatheon, being of mixed race, confronts the constant identity crisis, societal tropes, and stereotypes attached to being mixed race. Joseph Bunditsatheon is a sophomore at Mission Vista, passionate for medicine and medical ethics. On top of his rigorous course load he participates as a JV academic team competitor, a participant in a Young leaders in Healthcare project, HOSA, and AVID, and is currently working towards research and further involvement within the medical field. His hobbies include shopping with friends, swimming, reading, and spending time outdoors or at the beach. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:16Measuring Up to Myth | Bella Rippel-Estrada | TEDxVista YouthBeing a girl is not all that it's cracked up to be. For one, girls have to deal with all the damaging effects of societal beauty standards, from antiquity to today. Bella Rippel-Estrada explores such unrealistic expectations and encourages her community to value inner strengths over outward beauty. Bella Rippel-Estrada is a high school junior who has always been fascinated by how history has shaped where we are now as a society. This is her debut in public speaking, and she is interested in seeing where it takes her. In her free time, she enjoys stereotypical girl activities such as shopping, sunbathing, and curating the perfect Spotify playlist. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 9:51What Kind of Pizza Are You? | Isabella Olson | TEDxVista YouthAll humans have experienced the instinctual pressure to label themselves and others, often without realizing how this hinders our personal growth, relationships with others, and the greater evolution of society. Isabella Olson paints a world without reliance upon these strict categories. Isabella Olson, a Senior Mission Vista, is committed to empowering individuals of all kinds to thrive. As PTSA student representative, founder of Care Cure Compassion Leukodystrophy, and Girl Scout Ambassador of troop 2060 and legacy troop 7, she loves taking on leadership roles in her community. She has taught essential first aid to nearly 400 elementary students and is working towards her Gold Award by advocating for the preservation of endangered habitats. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:37Appreciating Life Through Death | Emaun Tahamtani | TEDxVista YouthDeath is often seen as an end, a looming shadow. How can we reframe it as a catalyst for living fully? As Emaun explains, scientific research and personal experiences show that embracing mortality empowers us to cherish every moment and live with purpose. Emaun Tahamtani is a dedicated senior at Mission Vista, deeply fascinated by the intricacies of the brain and human thought. As a dual-enrolled college and high school student, he is committed to expanding his education and knowledge. When he’s not exploring complex scientific concepts, Emaun loves spending his time in nature and with family and friends, also indulging his passion for cars. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 10:15Less School Means More Learning | Lauren Bailey | TEDxVista YouthThe education system has been the same for two centuries. Much has changed during that time; shouldn't school catch up to society? As Lauren suggests, going to school four days a week and reserving the fifth day for remote learning is a strong candidate for this change. Lauren Bailey is a freshman at Mission Vista and is honored to be part of TEDx this year. Although she argues for a shorter school week, she does not want her intent to be misconstrued. Lauren is an honors student who excels in school and embodies a high-achieving work ethic. Additionally, Lauren earned a gold medal at a recent San Diego speech tournament, and plays field hockey and varsity lacrosse for MVHS. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 7:26Cities are for people, not cars. | Liam King | TEDxVista YouthUnfortunately, cities today are inaccessible and draining to our social, financial, and emotional well being. Why is this? Liam King addresses this issue, explaining that the answer lies closer to our every day lives than many may know. Liam King is an aspiring leader at Mission vista, driven by the opportunity of bringing progression to people and places that need it. As a varsity member on his speech and debate team, a youth leader for his district's Key Club, and the founder of CityThrive.org, he hopes to hear the unheard and use his skills to improve the cities and communities around him. In his free time Liam enjoys photography and exploring with friends. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
