Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie Alumna Awarded "Graduate of the Year" by Career Colleges and Schools of Texas

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Concorde Career College–Grand Prairie alumna Jennifer Allen was named Graduate of the Year by Career Colleges and Schools of Texas (CCST) on October 9, 2025.

Allen graduated from Concorde's dental hygiene program in spring 2025 with a 4.0 GPA, received the Colgate STAR Award, and was nominated by campus leaders Jahmil Jones and Erin Delashmit for her academic performance, leadership, and professional dedication. Allen previously worked as a dental assistant for over 20 years and completed her degree while balancing single parenthood, work, and school.

This marks the third straight year a Concorde campus, staff member, or graduate received a CCST award.

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

DALLAS, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

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.

Media Contact:
Sharon Rolenc
srolenc@uti.edu
612-720-2083

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SOURCE Concorde Career Colleges

FAQ

Who is Jennifer Allen and why did she receive CCST Graduate of the Year for 2025 (UTI)?

Jennifer Allen, a Concorde Career College–Grand Prairie dental hygiene graduate, received the 2025 CCST Graduate of the Year for academic excellence, leadership, and professional development.

When did Jennifer Allen graduate from Concorde and what were her academic honors?

Allen graduated in spring 2025 with a 4.0 GPA and earned the Colgate STAR Award.

What experience did Jennifer Allen have before earning her dental hygiene degree (UTI)?

She worked as a dental assistant for more than 20 years prior to pursuing her dental hygiene degree.

Who nominated Jennifer Allen for the CCST award at Concorde Grand Prairie?

Campus President Jahmil Jones and Dental Hygiene Program Director Erin Delashmit nominated Allen.

How does this award fit into Concorde's recent recognitions by CCST?

This is the third consecutive year a Concorde campus, staff member, or graduate received a CCST award, following 2024 and 2023 honors.