Nation's first urban work college and Texas's oldest HBCU, preparing servant leaders for social change.
Paul Quinn College offers undergraduate and graduate programs across business administration, liberal arts, data science, health & wellness, legal studies & criminology, religious studies, and teacher certification pathways. The college is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and holds a Certificate of Authorization from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Notable programs include the T.D. Jakes Master of Business Administration (MBA), accounting, banking and finance, entrepreneurship, and sports management (Dallas Mavericks Major). The institution emphasizes a faith-based education addressing academic, social, and Christian development.
Paul Quinn pioneered the Urban Work College Model, providing every residential student with on- or off-campus internships that include stipends, reducing student loan dependency. Students work an average of 15 hours per week, gaining real-world experience that translates directly to post-college employment opportunities. The college's signature WE over Me Farm, established in 2010 through a partnership with PepsiCo, converts a former football field into a 100-yard urban farm producing spinach, herbs, watermelon, potatoes, and other produce. The farm donates 20% of its yield to the community and supplies produce to AT&T Stadium.
The 146-acre gated campus in southeast Dallas features the John Hurst Adams Administrative Building, Isabel and Comer Cottrell Student Union Building (completed 1970), Richard Allen Chapel (1970), a gymnasium (1961), and Zale Library (1963). Lucy Hughes Hall serves as the primary residence hall. The college maintains a business casual dress code since 2007 to prepare students for professional environments. Student organizations include the Student Government Association, Vocal Ensemble, PQC Spirit Team, honor societies (Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Chi), and National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities. The college banned pork products from its cafeteria in 2012 to promote healthier dining options.
Paul Quinn Tigers compete in nine intercollegiate varsity sports through the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). Men's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, and track & field; women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, track & field, and volleyball. The men's basketball team won three national championships (1990, 1995, 2022) in the USCAA. The 1924 football team won the black college football national championship. The college has won 18 conference championships since 1983. Football and marching band programs ended in 2007 due to budget cuts.
Founded as the Connectional School for the Education of Negro Youth in Austin on April 4, 1872, the college relocated to Waco in 1877 and was renamed Waco College, then Paul Quinn College in 1881 to honor Bishop William Paul Quinn. The institution relocated to southeast Dallas in 1990, acquiring the former Bishop College campus. Under President Michael J. Sorrell (since 2007), the college has undergone significant revitalization, including $4 million in capital improvements, 40% reduction in institutional debt, and achievement of unqualified audits. Sorrell was named one of Fortune Magazine's World's 50 Greatest Leaders and recognized by Washington Monthly as one of America's 10 Most Innovative College Presidents.