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Press Release

Concorde Career College–Grand Prairie Alumna Awarded “Graduate of the Year” by Career Colleges and Schools of Texas

Jennifer Allen graduated last spring from Concorde’s dental hygiene program

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated October 9, 2025. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
Group photo of five individuals in business attire on stage during a Graduate of the Year presentation

Pictured, left to right: Erin Delashmit, Concorde–Grand Prairie Dental Hygiene Program Director; Nikki England, CCST Immediate Past Chair; Jennifer Allen; Jahmil Jones, Concorde–Grand Prairie Campus President; and Eugene Hague III, CCST Board Member.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DALLAS (October 9, 2025) – Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie alumna, Jennifer Allen, has been named “Graduate of the Year” by Career Colleges and Schools of Texas (CCST) in recognition of her academic achievement, serving as a role model for other students, and her dedication to professional development. The award celebrates a single graduate annually by CCST, an association of approximately 200 private post-secondary career colleges and schools in Texas that offer a wide range of occupational curricula.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from CCST. Dental hygiene is not just a career for me, it’s a calling. It’s my hope that receiving this award promotes the importance of oral healthcare within our communities and recognizes dental hygienists for who we are at our core: collaborators, educators and highly skilled professionals,” said Allen.

Allen worked as a dental assistant for more than two decades before pursuing her dental hygiene degree. As a single parent, and an older student, Allen was nervous about the prospect of returning to school, but she received encouragement from her employer who saw her potential and her passion for the profession. Despite the challenges of juggling family, work, and school responsibilities, Allen graduated with a 4.0 GPA and received the Colgate STAR Award.

“Completing the dental hygiene program at Concorde was one of the hardest, most humbling, yet rewarding experiences of my life. My education journey has been one of resilience, faith, and discipline. I could not have done it without the tremendous support from my program director and faculty, flexibility from my employer and peers, steadfast encouragement from my amazing family, and my faith in God,” said Allen.

Concorde–Grand Prairie Campus President Jahmil Jones and Dental Hygiene Program Director Erin Delashmit nominated Allen for the award.

“What truly stood out about Jennifer was her unwavering commitment to her education. She gave nothing less than 100% the whole time. Jennifer was a leader amongst her classmates while constantly providing support and positive words to them. It was a privilege to have witnessed her growth, and I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things Jennifer will accomplish in the future,” said Delashmit.

This is the third consecutive year that a Concorde Career College campus, staff member or graduate has been recognized by CCST during their annual awards ceremony. Concorde–San Antonio won “School of the Year” in 2024, and the previous year, Concorde–Dallas received “School of the Year” and Connie Tipado, Online Success Coach, was named Innovator of the Year.

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About Concorde Career Colleges

Concorde Career Colleges, the healthcare division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI), operates 17 campuses across eight states and online under the brands Concorde Career College and Concorde Career Institute to prepare America’s next generation of health care and dental professionals for rewarding careers. The Concorde blended education model combines online coursework with in-person lab classes and clinical settings. Concorde’s student-focused academic programs and personalized support prepare graduates for in-demand careers in nursing, dental, respiratory, diagnostic and other healthcare roles. Concorde is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Council on Occupational Education (COE). For more information, visit concorde.edu and uti.edu; LinkedIn at @Concorde Career Colleges and @UniversalTechnicalInstitute; or X at @ConcordeCareer and @news_UTI.

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.

  7. Virtual externships are a virtual learning experience offered through Concorde’s learning management system. Concorde does not guarantee placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.