Paul Quinn College, the nation’s first Urban Work College and only historically Black college (HBCU) in North Texas, and The DEC Network, a leading nonprofit driving innovation and entrepreneurship across North Texas, announce a new partnership establishing a DEC Network satellite office on Paul Quinn College’s historic campus and opening the College’s first podcast studio.
The DEC Network has long been committed to empowering diverse communities, and the partnership with Paul Quinn College further reflects this mission. By bringing entrepreneurial resources directly to campus, the initiative will ignite creativity, inspire innovation, provide mentorship opportunities, and motivate the next generation of business leaders.
Paul Quinn College is committed to innovation that creates real opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College. “By becoming one of The DEC Network’s satellite locations, we are expanding access to critical resources for our student entrepreneurs, supporting economic development through education, and building an ongoing digital platform that helps students connect with leaders in the community.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Paul Quinn College to empower student-led innovation,” said Bill Chinn, Chief Executive Officer of The DEC Network. “This satellite location bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world business execution, giving students the exact tools and network they need to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.”
Through Casting Within, students will create and produce original content designed to amplify student voices and connect the campus community with professionals across industries.
“This partnership with Paul Quinn College is about more than a space – it’s about connection,” said Keeya Allen, Programs Coordinator, The DEC Network. “Together, we’re creating pathways for students and entrepreneurs to collaborate, innovate, and thrive.”
Students operating Casting Within will manage production, coordinate guests, develop content, and build audience engagement strategies, gaining valuable experience in storytelling, operations, marketing, and finance. Through Casting Within and future projects produced, the podcast studio will serve as both a learning lab and a launchpad for student creativity.
“Paul Quinn students aren’t waiting to become entrepreneurs. They already are. The DEC Network is here to fuel what’s already in motion, and we are so grateful for their investment in our students,” said Jeff Meade, Director, Every Quinnite is an Entrepreneur.
For more information or to support Casting Within or the Every Quinnite is an Entrepreneur program, contact Jeff Meade at JMeade@pqc.edu.
For more information about The DEC Network and its initiatives, visit Thedec.co.
