The history of Dogan High School stretches over a relatively short period of time, that is, from 1935 to 1968, a period of thirty-three (33) years. Mrs. Mae V. Donahue, the first principal, served 10 years at what was then called the Fairfield colored School, from 1926-1936. During this time, the Fairfield Colored School was located on a small one-acre plot east of the First Baptist Church in Fairfield. The faculty consisted of only two teachers, Mrs. Donahue and Miss Pauline Johnson, who taught nine (9) grades. In 1927. A third classroom was added, and Mrs. Inez Johnson was added to the faculty. With three faculty members, the nine-grade system continued. In 1932, Mr. Equilla Satchell was added to the three-classroom faculty. Mr. Satchell taught in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church. The church was compensated $10 per month.

In 1934, the school relocated to Bateman Road with only four faculty members and the nine-grade system. A.D. Gibson replaced Mr. Satchell after his retirement in 1934. College entrance requirements were becoming more rigid with all Texas colleges requiring a minimum of 16 credits for entrance. Mrs. Donahue, Principal, noted that more black students were beginning to go to college and that entrance requirements needed to be met. She partitioned the Board of Education for more and for better facilities and for an increase in the faculty. Two classrooms, two more teachers and improved facilities were added. The school officials at that time were: W.A. Parker, President; Willie Frank Tate, Secretary; and P.D. Browne, Superintendent.

Even though the facility was small and the facilities limited, it was at this time that the “Fairfield Colored School” was permitted to offer courses that would meet college entrance requirements.  The first graduating class consisted of only two members.  They were Blossie Garrett and Grady Granberry.

The name changed from Fairfield Colored School to Dogan High School. When a student went to college, and the high school transcript was requested, the letter would be addressed, in most cases, to “Fairfield High School”, Fairfield, Texas.  The Fairfield Post Office had difficulty in determining which school should get the request.  Many times, the letter would be sent to “Fairfield High School”, Fairfield, Texas when it was meant for the “Fairfield Colored School.”  At other times it would be vice versa.  This kept the two principals constantly exchanging mail.

Mr. P.D. Browne, then superintendent, suggested to Mrs. Donahue that the name of the Fairfield Colored School be changed.  He further suggested that it be named in honor of a Negro Educator.  Mrs. Donahue called a faculty meeting and several names, including Washington, Banks, Carver and Dogan were suggested.  The name “Dogan” was unanimously chosen and presented to the Board of Education for approval.  It was officially approved and recorded with the local and state boards as Dogan High School.  It was named after Dr. Matthew Winifred Dogan, Sr., who was one of the first persons to be elected to the Wiley College National Alumni Hall of Fame.  At the time, he was President of Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.

As the black population of Fairfield began to increase during the late 1930’s and during the decade of the 1940’s.  In September 1936, the late Mr. Randolph Titus was named principal of the fast-growing Dogan High School. The school grew by leaps and bounds with more and more students being enrolled, and the state’s teacher/pupil ratio law caused many teachers to be added to the faculty.  Dogan High School became one of the most noted high schools in Texas. It had a strong and dedicated faculty, a rich curriculum that was hard to match anywhere. Dogan’s athletic program was added. The school mascot was the Wildcat. The 1953 Dogan Wildcat Boys Team was runner-up in the state tournament.

The academic program proved itself among the best in the quality of students that it turned out. The teachers weathered the storm; they stood the test and proved that they knew exactly what could be accomplished through the educational process.

The Board of Directors was presented with a letter from Mr. Harold B. Williams, Office of Education, Washington, D.C.  He expressed concern regarding the status of desegregation in the Fairfield Schools and suggested that the Fairfield Schools try to increase desegregation and to eliminate the dual school system.  The Board of Directors approved a motion to reopen the Freedom of Choice period for a thirty (30) day period in the Fairfield schools and that every effort be made to increase desegregation and to eliminate the dual school system.

Mr. Randolph Titus, Principal from 1936-1968 of Dogan High School, was responsible for and credited, along with his esteemed faculty, instilling in his students the pride and importance of education.  The School Board recognized that the majority of the Colored School Patrons in the old Pin Oak school community desired to have their children transported to Fairfield Colored School.

Mr. Randolph Titus’ success as an outstanding principal, despite the conditions that surrounded him daily, is evidenced by the success of Dogan’s students.

He faced numerous obstacles common to a principal in a segregated school system. He and his staff dealt with teaching with outdated books, and the shortage of courses that were important to a student’s graduation and acceptance into college.  Chemistry was not added to the Dogan High curriculum until the fall of 1959.  Even then, there was just one lab station, and the course was only offered to students with a “B” average or above. Withstanding these challenges and others, Dogan’s history proved Mr. Titus to be an outstanding principal.  He was known for being able to step in as a substitute for any teacher in any class as needed.

The Texas Commissioner of Education allowed Fairfield ISD to continue as “Freedom-of-Choice” plan in 1967-68, if transfers during the year totaled at least twice as many as for the previous year. Dogan was finally, and peaceably, integrated by a sequence of prepared steps. The high school grades were integrated in 1968 and in 1969 the elementary grades were racially mixed.
One of the most important chapters in the history of Dogan High School is the high quality of students that it produced. DOGAN students are making their rightful contributions to society across the United States. They are master teachers, dentists, doctors, nurses, ministers, school administrators, counselors, university professors, pharmacists, barbers, and business men and women. They serve in the military, many giving their lives for their country and many dedicating their lives to a military career.  They are common laborers, housewives, mothers, fathers and the list goes on and on. Perhaps the greatest of all is that they are just plain good American citizens—all helping to make this a better world in which to live.