Rate My Professor Dionne Bagsby

Bagsby earned an undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, a certification in speech pathology from George Peabody College for Teachers, and a master's degree from Texas Christian University. Her professional journey began as a speech therapist for Fort Worth Independent School District in the 1960s, where she contributed to the peaceful integration of Fort Worth schools. From 1989 to 2005, she served as the first woman and first African American elected to the Tarrant County Commissioners Court for Precinct 1, advocating for enhanced education opportunities, greater employment of women and minorities, expanded health care via community clinics and immunization programs, and grants to women's shelters in Fort Worth and Arlington. Post-retirement, she held board positions with United Way of Tarrant County, Jubilee Theatre, Trinity Terrace, Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Development Program, and Social Learning Systems. Among her honors, she received the Legacy Award from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Distinguished Leadership Award from Leadership Fort Worth, and had a sub-courthouse named in her honor in southwest Tarrant County, underscoring her profound community impact.