DALLAS – September 15, 2026 — 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.”
The new satellite location will not only serve as a hub for mentorship, programming, and entrepreneurial support, but will also include the College’s first state-of-the-art podcast studio, operated by Casting Within, a student-run media venture created by students in Paul Quinn College’s Every Quinnite is an Entrepreneur program.
“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, please contact Jeff Meade at JMeade@pqc.edu.
For more information about The DEC Network and its initiatives, please visit Thedec.co.
ABOUT PAUL QUINN COLLEGE
Paul Quinn College is a private, faith-based, four-year, liberal arts-inspired college that was founded in 1872, by a group of African Methodist Episcopal Church preachers in Austin, Texas. The school’s original purpose was to educate freed slaves and their offspring. Today, Paul Quinn proudly educates students of all races and socio-economic classes under the banner of its institutional ethos, WE over Me. It is the first Urban Work College and only minority-serving, federally-recognized work college in America. Paul Quinn is viewed as one of the most innovative colleges in America, one that continuously expands the boundaries of higher education and community advocacy in its quest to eradicate intergenerational poverty. For more information, visit www.paulquinn.edu.
ABOUT DEC Network
The DEC Network is a 501c3 non-profit organization driving innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build, and grow their businesses. With a number of innovation hubs across DFW, we provide expert education, access to knowledgeable mentors and a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs. We accelerate founder success through connections and collaboration from our work with investors, corporations, and public institutions. Since 2013, we have attracted more than 125,000 visitors, hosted over 1,000 educational events, and worked with over 100 partner organizations. Learn more about our mission and impact here.
Media Contacts:
Anthea Danby, Paul Quinn College, anthea@minervaco.com and 214-205-8062
Shayla Muñoz, The DEC Network, shayla@thedec.co
