Douglas Business College was established in 1904 by Warren Douglas as a business and secretarial school. It later became Douglas School of Business Inc. and was incorporated on January 31, 1977. Current owner Jeffrey D. Imbrescia, has been CEO/President since 1989. Douglas School of Business, Inc. began doing business as Douglas Education Center (DEC) on February 20, 2001.
Between 1989 and 1999 DEC offered Associate in Specialized Business degree programs in business administration and executive secretary. Graduates of these programs were primarily hired by businesses around the Monongahela Valley. With a need in the community for education in the medical fields, DEC added medical programs in 1992.
In 1999 DEC made the bold decision to add Art Programs and launched the Graphic Design and Web Program. The new millennium saw continued expansion in the arts with the introduction of Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program, which moved DEC from a community school to a destination school. The Cosmetology Academy at Douglas Education Center opened in 2003. The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program at Douglas (currently named George A. Romero’s Filmmaking Program) was added in 2008.
Demands for trained laborers prompted DEC to launch programs in skilled trades, launching the Commercial Driver’s License Program and the Heavy Equipment with CDL and Safety Program in 2014.
In 2019 DEC expanded its variety of educational options into health and wellness by adding the Massage Therapy Program.
Douglas opened its doors over 117 years ago. DEC’s commitment to serve its students and to help them achieve their educational and career goals has remained the school’s top priority.
