DEC Story – DEC

Learn by doing.

earn for life.

120+ years of of learning by doing

Since 1904, Douglas Education Center has helped people discover what they’re capable of. Generations of students have built real skills, found confidence, and created careers they can be proud of. More than a century later, we’re still helping students turn possibility into a path forward.

120+ yrs

FOR ALL DEC GRADUATES

11

PROGRAMS

2

SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS

1904

EST. MONESSEN, PA

Our mission.

The mission of Douglas Education Center is twofold. Our first responsibility is to provide students with a quality education that will develop the attitudes, skills and techniques necessary to enter and succeed in their chosen field of study.

Our second responsibility is to provide prospective employers with well-trained personnel. The curricula of Douglas Education Center are designed to maintain high standards of performance upon which these future employers can depend.

Douglas Education Center has the obligation to create an educational atmosphere that will not only foster the highest standards of excellence in all students, but also help these students develop an awareness of social responsibility and ethical behavior.

How we show up.

Douglas Education Center believes people from different backgrounds and at different stages of life can learn, grow, and succeed together. We challenge students to build technical expertise while developing leadership and communication skills.

Just as important, we strive to create an environment where students are treated as individuals, supported as people, and encouraged to achieve their goals.

120+ years, one school.

From Warren Douglas’s Business College to a destination school with eleven programs. The major moments.

Founded in the Mon Valley

Warren Douglas opens Douglas Business College Charleroi, PA on McKean Avenue.

Name Change

Changed to Douglas School of Business due to new federal and state laws governing educational institutions.

The Gemmill Building

Between 1989 and 1999, DEC offered Associate in Specialized Business (ASB) degree programs in business administration and executive secretary. Graduates from these programs were primarily hired by businesses from around the Monongahela Valley. Seeing a need in the community for education in the medical fields, DEC added medical programs into the curricula in 1992

Under new leadership

Jeffrey D. Imbrescia becomes CEO/President

Art programs added

Graphic Design and Web Program launches

Tom Savini joins

Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program launches. The school transitions from community school to destination school. On February 20, 2001, it begins operating as Douglas Education Center.

The Cosmetology Academy opens

Cosmetology becomes the school’s first beauty + wellness program.

The Filmmaking Program added

The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program at Douglas (currently named George A. Romero’s Filmmaking Program) was added in 2008. George Romero joined as signator in 2016.

Skilled trades expansion

Commercial Driver’s License Program and Heavy Equipment and CDL with Safety are both launched.

Beauty expansion

DEC expanded its variety of educational options into health and wellness by adding the Massage Therapy Program.

First in PA

Advanced Cosmetic Techniques Program (Permanent Make-Up + Lashing) launches. DEC becomes the first school in Pennsylvania to offer this training.

2 new programs added

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) and Residential and Commercial Electrician programs are added to DEC.

Founded 1904 — 120+ years.

Meet our president..

Jeffrey D. Imbrescia

At DEC, we’ve never believed education should stop at theory. Our vision is to continue creating an environment where students learn by doing, build confidence through experience, and graduate prepared to pursue meaningful careers. As industries evolve, we’ll continue evolving with them while staying true to the principles that have guided DEC for more than 120 years: treating students as individuals, surrounding them with professionals who know the work, and helping them discover what’s possible for their future.

Ready to be part of

the DEC Story?

Eleven programs. One campus in Monessen, PA. Apply online or come walk through.

1-800-413-6013 · dec@dec.edu · 130 7th Street, Monessen, PA 15062