Final answer:
Suzanne Mitchell became the first director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in 1976, transforming the squad into a globally recognized entity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Suzanne Mitchell became the first director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) in 1976. She played a pivotal role in shaping the DCC into one of the most recognized cheerleading squads in the world. Under her leadership, the DCC established a brand of performance that combined dance routines with glamor, athleticism, and an iconic uniform that is widely known even today. Her tenure started in a period where cheerleading was professionalizing and becoming part of the broader entertainment industry.