Dr. Wright Lassiter Jr., former chancellor of Dallas County Community College, local minister and educator, died Monday, July 1, at his home in Dallas, Texas. He was 85.

He was born in Vicksburg, the son of the Rev. Dr. Wright L. Lassiter Sr. and Mrs. Ethel Franklin Lassiter.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University, a master’s degree from Indiana University, and a doctorate in education from Auburn University. He arrived in Dallas in 1983 to become president of Bishop College, now Paul Quinn College.

Dr. Lassiter was appointed chancellor in 2007 after serving as president of El Centro College for 20 years. Dr. Lassiter was the district’s first African American chancellor. During his time as chancellor, he oversaw a $450 million bond election that resulted in the construction of 29 buildings including five new community education campuses. 

Dr. Lassiter retired in 2014, but continued to serve as a graduate school faculty member at Dallas Baptist University

An ordained minister, he taught at Concord Baptist Church and was an interim pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, both in Dallas.

In 2016, he received the national Leadership Award from the American Association of Community Colleges.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Lassiter was the author of several books. He is survived by his wife, Demetria Lassiter; two adult children and two grandchildren. His first wife, Bessie Lassiter, died in 2014.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at Concord Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.