Blinn College District Chancellor's Report

CHANCELLOR’S REPORT 2022

LETTER FROM THE CHANCELLOR

Dear Friends of Blinn College,

Thank you for taking a moment to review the 2022 Blinn College District Chancellor’s Report as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and look ahead to an exciting 2023. As you will see, Blinn faculty, students, and alumni enjoyed an outstanding year, filled with new partnerships, innovative initiatives, and national accolades.

These accomplishments included the opening of new facilities at Texas A&M-RELLIS and the Brenham Campus, the introduction of new programs that prepare our students for cutting-edge industry needs, and activities that benefit and strengthen the communities we serve. Even as the stories contained within these pages feature the diversity of Blinn College’s many accomplishments in 2022, there remains a single thread consistent across each of these achievements – Blinn’s outstanding faculty and staff.

As our communities continue to emerge from the pandemic and look toward the future, many students need a guiding hand to support them. As they navigate everything from course registration to identifying their career aspirations, our students are seeking trusted professionals dedicated to their success.

“At Blinn College, our faculty and staff make the difference. As Chancellor, I am honored and humbled to serve alongside these dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support our students. Their efforts each day place our students on the pathway to rewarding careers and lay the foundation for each of the stories to follow”.

BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jim Kolkhorst Board Chair At-Large Position 2 Dennis Crowson Board Vice-Chair At-Large Position 3

Charles Moser Board Secretary At-Large Position 1 Randy Wells Precinct 1

As you continue to read this report, I hope you enjoy the stories of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and all their success over the past year. On behalf of the Blinn College District and its Board of Trustees, I thank you for your continued support of Blinn College, and look forward to providing you with even more to celebrate in 2023.

Sincerely,

Douglas Borchardt Precinct 2

Allison Bentke Precinct 3

Rebecca Ehlert Precinct 4

Mary Hensley, Ed.D. Chancellor of the Blinn College District

Mary Hensley, Ed.D. Chancellor of the Blinn College District

BLINN’S ACADEMIC TRANSFER RATE ONCE AGAIN RANKS No. 1

AMONG TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGES

The latest data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shows that the Blinn College District continues to transfer students to four-year universities at a higher rate than any other community college in the State of

Blinn’s academic transfer rate of 48.2% ranks No. 1 among the state’s 50 community college districts and almost doubles the statewide average

Blinn’s unique co-enrollment and transfer partnerships allow students to pursue bachelor’s degrees with Texas A&M and other universities.

“Blinn’s academic transfer rate is a credit to the hard work of our outstanding Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff. Together, they make Blinn College a place where students have the support and guidance they need to take the next steps in their academic careers.”

Mary Hensley, Ed.D. Chancellor of the Blinn College District

Additionally, Blinn’s partnership with Texas A&M University, the Texas A&M-Blinn TEAM Program, allows qualified students to coenroll at both institutions before earning full matriculation to Texas A&M. Blinn also partners with Texas A&M University’s:

College of Engineering to offer the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at BlinnBrenham and the Texas A&M Engineering at Blinn programs, in which students can earn admission to a Texas A&M engineering program;

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to provide seamless pathways to Texas A&M bachelor’s degrees in agricultural economics, bioenvironmental sciences, poultry science, plant and environmental soil science, and horticulture; and College of Education and Human Development to offer the Brazos Valley Teach learning community, an educator pipeline that provides students a pathway toward a Texas A&M bachelor’s degree in education.

Blinn has established itself as an academic transfer leader by building strong relationships with the state’s top four-year universities. As the community college partner in the RELLIS Academic Alliance, Blinn offers seamless pathways and dual-enrollment opportunities for students to earn their bachelor’s degrees from The Texas A&M University System regional universities also located at Texas A&MRELLIS in Bryan, Texas. www.blinn.edu

In addition to its partnerships with Texas A&M, Blinn has articulation agreements in place with other universities across the state, including its Baylor Bound partnership with Baylor University, the Distinguished College Partnership with Tarleton State University, and the Transfer Academy for Tomorrow’s Engineers with the University of Texas at San Antonio.

“Blinn is proud to provide its students affordable, convenient pathways to universities across the State of Texas and we look forward to announcing additional dual admission and dual enrollment partnerships in the year ahead,” said Dr. Marcelo Bussiki, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

For more information regarding Blinn’s transfer agreements, please visit www.blinn.edu/transfer-information.

BLINN OPENS ITS SECOND BUILDING AT TEXAS A&M-RELLIS

The Blinn RELLIS Administration Building features 19 classrooms, an esports arena, engineering and technology labs, and a 5,500-square-foot banquet room.

The Blinn College District significantly expanded its instructional space and made it even easier for students to register with the introduction of the new Blinn RELLIS Administration Building at Texas A&MRELLIS in August.

As the newest educational facility at RELLIS, the Blinn RELLIS Administration Building is conveniently located next door to Blinn’s Walter C. Schwartz Building and across the street from The Texas A&M University System’s RELLIS Academic Complex. As members of the RELLIS Academic Alliance, Blinn students can complete their foundational courses at Blinn’s facilities before completing their upper-level courses offered by the 11 Texas A&M System regional universities and Stephen F. Austin State University at the Academic Complex buildings.

The Blinn RELLIS Administration Building includes 19 new classrooms, providing additional instructional space for Blinn’s fastest-growing campus location.

Blinn opened its first building at Texas A&M-RELLIS, the Walter C. Schwartz Building, in fall 2018 with approximately 1,500 students. Despite the pandemic, Blinn enrollment at RELLIS increased to 2,751 last fall.

With a new enrollment services space located on the first floor, current and future students can meet with Blinn’s expert staff for academic advising, admissions, enrollment services, financial aid, and veteran services. The first floor also includes a dedicated testing center.

The building’s new computer science, engineering technology, and information technology labs are complemented by a state-of-the-art esports arena for Blinn’s nationally recognized esports team. Offering scholarships for male and female competitors, Blinn esports competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). With 24 practice stations and six competition stations, the esports arena provides space for intercollegiate competition as well as audience viewing.

The second floor of the Blinn RELLIS Administration Building features an array of classroom and study space for students. Designed to accommodate 36 students, each classroom is equipped with the latest virtual conferencing software, allowing students to engage in classroom activities remotely.

Students also can study and engage outside the classroom in the second-floor study pods. Each study pod is equipped with interactive monitors that allow students to share videos, images, and concepts, encouraging the collaborative spirit that makes RELLIS so unique.

On the third floor, guests can attend events in the elegant, 5,500-square-foot banquet room. With space for more than 500 guests, a separate room for catering services, and a gorgeous view of the neighboring Walter C. Schwartz Building and the RELLIS Academic Complex, this banquet room promises to be one of the premier banquet spaces at RELLIS. The third floor also includes an administrative suite, faculty offices, and traditional classrooms.

UHV, BLINN COLLEGE

STRIKE NEW PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Representatives from the University of Houston-Victoria and Blinn College met in February to sign an agreement that will allow students to earn both an associate and bachelor’s degree at each institution through an academic pathway program.

Through this new agreement, called the Clear, Affordable Pathway to Success Program, or C.A.P.S., students will have the opportunity to enroll in both institutions and start on an associate degree from Blinn College and a bachelor’s degree from UHV at the same time. By being co-enrolled in both institutions, students can get a head start on their bachelor’s degree.

Students following the pathway program can complete an associate and bachelor’s degree for under $25,000 and be eligible for scholarships at both institutions.

“We’re very excited to have this opportunity to work with a great community college,” UHV President Bob Glenn said. “We are going to do what it takes to help students get to the future that they see for themselves. I see a bright future for us all, and I look forward to working with Blinn College.”

The two institutions offer degree pathways in programs such as accounting, biology, construction management, computer science, cybersecurity, education, mathematics, nursing, and more. These specific pathways will help to encourage students to complete an associate degree and continue their educational journey to a bachelor’s degree.

Students can enroll in one of the degree pathways starting in high school through dual-credit enrollment at Blinn College, or as a firstyear student at Blinn College. Some students may be able to take more than one UHV course during their first year in the program.

“The Blinn College District is proud to partner with the University of Houston-Victoria to provide students with seamless pathways to 21 career-focused bachelor’s degrees. With an emphasis on affordability and individualized instruction, this agreement has been designed to make higher education more accessible and to encourage student achievement.”

Mary Hensley, Ed.D. Chancellor of the

Blinn College District

“Agreements such as this one are very important to the future of higher education,” said Karla DeCuir, UHV senior director of enrollment management and external affairs. “It is important for us to find a way to make higher education degrees more accessible and affordable by creating pathways to success.”

This program will help students engage with others at both campuses, and Blinn College students can become familiar with UHV faculty early in their education. Depending on the degree program, students will be able to later transfer to the UHV campus in Victoria, UHV Katy, or online, DeCuir said.

“We are excited to have this new type of program for Blinn College and UHV students,” she said. “We are focused on how we can help students from the very beginning of their college careers and how they can immerse themselves in a program that will lead them to earning two degrees and set them up for a successful career.”

Students who are interested in the Clear, Affordable Pathway to Success Program will need to apply to both Blinn College and UHV. For more information, contact UHV at transferrecruitment@uhv.edu or 281-396-3808, or go to www.uhv.edu/transfer or www.blinn.edu.

C.A.P.S. Program allows students to earn their associate and bachelor’s degrees for under $25,000.

BLINN CELEBRATES THE GRAND OPENING OF A NEW BRENHAM CAMPUS RESIDENCE HALL

Prairie

The Blinn College District celebrated the grand opening of a new Brenham Campus residence hall with rooms for more than 500 students in August.

The ceremony commemorating the opening of Prairie Lea Hall included remarks from Chancellor Mary Hensley, Board of Trustees Chair Jim Kolkhorst, Sen. Lois W. Kolkhorst, and Mayor Milton Tate, among others.

“At Blinn, we know that building a supportive, engaging college community plays a key role in student success,” Hensley said. “In addition to providing our students with a comfortable and welcoming home away from home, Prairie Lea Hall was designed with spaces for students to meet and collaborate with their peers as they build new friendships and pursue their academic goals.”

Consisting of two buildings – Buildings A and B – Prairie Lea Hall features several unique attributes. Building A includes a communal kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, oven, and stove, and plenty of counter space to allow students to cook their own meals when the mood strikes them.

In addition to the indoor gathering spaces for students, Building B has a large patio space designed specifically to accommodate outdoor events.

Each suite in Prairie Lea Hall will include two bedrooms, with two students per bedroom. Suites include ethernet and wi-fi internet access, a mini fridge, and a microwave.

Each floor includes free laundry machines as well as community spaces where students can gather to play games, lounge, and watch TV. At the corner of each floor is a study room complete with monitors for sharing digital content with a study group.

TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

DR. JAMES LANFREY

Lanfrey is a part-time instructor who has been teaching Parallel Studies courses for Blinn’s Division of Humanities since 2010. He often co-teaches with his wife, Dr. Judy Lanfrey, who is a 2017 recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award.

“I am honored to promote success for all, which is my reason for teaching,” Lanfrey said. “My continued aim is to encourage students as they pursue an education, gain cultural competence, and develop increased self-confidence leading to success in college, career, and life.”

TRACY MATTHIES

Matthies became a faculty member of Blinn’s Communication Studies Program in 2004. She is a Blinn alumna, earning her Associate of Science degree in 2001.

“In simplest terms, I teach because I care, because it is my gift, and because it is joyfully rewarding,” Matthies said. “Regardless of a student’s major, effective communication is vital for success in all facets of life: personal, social, academic, and professional. I strive to create a welcoming and engaging environment in which every student is included and is important.”

MELISSA MEEK

Meek joined Blinn’s Communication Studies Department in 2015. She serves as the co-advisor of Blinn-Bryan’s Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and she is a graduate of the College’s most recent FutureWorks Academy, a faculty and staff leadership development program.

“Teaching allows me to make the world a better place one student at a time,” Meek said. “I spend my life planting, watering, nourishing, and rooting students in the field of communication and it’s my joy to watch them grow into successful individuals.”

TRIXY ROY

Roy joined Blinn’s Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) Program as an instructor in 2016. In addition to teaching, she serves as the faculty advisor for Blinn’s Student Physical Therapist Assistant Association.

“When I first came to Blinn I was drawn to the possibility of helping others achieve their academic and professional goals,” Roy said. “I know that all our students can learn how to practice their PTA skills, but what is important to me about teaching is to also pass on the desire to impact a patient’s life in a positive way. I strive to instill in our students the importance of being concerned and compassionate advocates for our patients.”

The Blinn College District recognized four professors in 2022 for their innovative teaching skills, passion for learning, and dedication to student success.

This commencement celebration was the culmination of a rich Franke family connection to Blinn that began with Franke’s father Joel, who came to the College in 1971 as a government instructor and retired as Division Chair of the Social Sciences Department in 2003. Out of Franke’s five children, two others, Hannah and Jacob, also have taken courses at Blinn.

For Dylan, who remembers watching his father teach before progressing to his current role as dean, Blinn feels like home.

“My father would take me to Blinn as a kid and I would sit in his class whenever he needed to keep an eye on me, or I would be on campus for different events,” he said.

A SPECIAL MOMENT DURING THE COLLEGE’S 145TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

A FAMILY BOUND BY BLINN

For Blinn College District alumnus and Division of Social Sciences Dean Brandon Franke, commencement always encapsulates a sense of pride and accomplishment. The spring 2022 ceremony, however, took on an even more personal connection for Franke as he took the stage to celebrate his son Dylan’s achievements by presenting him with his Associate of Arts degree.

“It was very emotional,” Franke said. “I was just trying not to cry because I was so proud of him.”

As the two men clasped hands, Dylan felt overwhelmed and surprised by the meaningful moment.

“I’m pretty sure I was grinning like an idiot the whole time,” he said. “In that moment, it kind of felt like he was saying, ‘Congratulations, you’ve found what you want to do, I’m so proud of you.’ It was a wonderful thing.”

For members of Blinn’s administrative staff who helped facilitate the surprise, like Dr.

Becky McBride, Vice Chancellor for Student Services, the gesture reflected the supportive and close environment that personifies Blinn.

“The Blinn community is a family, so knowing we could make this special event even more personal for one of our own was truly a privilege,” McBride said. “Dean Franke and his family have such a connection to the College, so when he asked about sharing this moment with Dylan, everyone in the administration went above and beyond to make it happen.”

This sense of support and family was instrumental in helping Dylan find his calling. Like many students, Dylan was unsure of what he wanted to study when he arrived at Blinn. After initially pursuing engineering, he was drawn to psychology, becoming an integral member of Blinn’s Psychology Club and serving as the organization’s representative in student government.

“I want to be able to help others the same way I was helped,” said Dylan. “My own experiences made me realize, maybe all I need to do is be there.”

Dylan plans to follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps by transferring to their alma mater, Sam Houston State University, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology followed by a master’s degree in clinical psychology. He credits Blinn with helping him chart his path.

GETS

Dean Brandon Franke presented his son, Dylan, with his graduation scroll.

“I have had a wonderful time with my teachers. The professors were exceptionally supportive. Because of the small class sizes, I really got to know all of my teachers and have good conversations with them outside of class and sit down and ask for all the help I needed.”

Dylan Franke Blinn College District graduate

BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT, BLINN FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY RESIDENTS

Scholarship provides up to $1,000 in tuition support for in-district residents for up to one year after they graduate from high school or earn their high school equivalency.

A college education is now even more affordable for many Washington County residents.

The Blinn College District and Blinn College Foundation announced in April a new scholarship that will provide up to $1,000 in tuition support for in-district students for up to one academic year. The scholarship covers both academic transfer and career and technical education courses, as well as both credit and non-credit courses. Students may use the scholarship to attend any Blinn campus or complete courses online.

“The Blinn College Washington County Scholarship is a welcome addition to Blinn’s mission to ensure access, affordability, and success for our students,” said Dr. Mary Hensley, Chancellor of the Blinn College District. “For Washington County residents, this scholarship provides funding support to help

students begin pursuing their associate degree or gain the hands-on training they need to thrive in a variety of high-demand careers.”

“This program is made possible in part through funding from Fred J. and Edwina Day Hallstein,” said Sam Sommer, Chair of the Blinn College Foundation Board of Directors. “Mrs. Hallstein was a longtime foreign languages instructor at Blinn College and an active civic leader in Brenham, and this scholarship continues her legacy of supporting student success.”

The scholarship has no need requirements and disburses on a “last-dollar basis,” meaning that scholarship funds will be applied toward eligible students’ tuition costs after all other financial aid awards have been applied toward their balance. Scholarship funding covers up to 12 credit hours per semester and is available for up to one year after students have graduated high school or earned their high school equivalency.

To be eligible, students must:

• be Texas residents who reside, pay taxes, or own property in Washington County for the past six consecutive months prior to registering for the semester they wish to attend,

• have graduated from any public, private or home-school high school or earned their high school equivalency in December 2021 or later,

• complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov,

• apply to Blinn College at GoApplyTexas.org.

• apply for the scholarship using the Endowed Scholarship Application at www. blinn.edu/scholarships,

• and maintain a 2.0 Blinn College GPA (if applicable).

For more information regarding the Blinn College Washington County Scholarship, visit www.blinn.edu/ scholarships/washington-county.html.

BLINN ALUMNI AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION INDUCTS FIVE NEW MEMBERS INTO HALL OF HONOR

RAY J. DAUGBJERG

Daugbjerg is a native of Houston and a 1964 graduate of Blinn College.

Prior to moving to Brenham in 2002, Daugbjerg managed his own consulting practice, Daugbjerg & Associates, specializing in strategy formulation and organization development. His copyrighted Clear Choice Thinking consulting and training services included identification and resolution of critical issues and developing critical thinking skills of an organization into a core competence, resulting in a competitive advantage.

In 1985, he founded the Houston Invitational Golf Marathon, which has raised more than $14.5 million for the prevention of child abuse and the Brookwood Community.

LAWRENCE HEMANN

From 1964 until his retirement in 2000, Hemann was an agriculture instructor at the Blinn College-Brenham Campus. He was Chairman of the Applied Arts and Sciences Division and served as the College’s Director of Transportation.

In 2004, the Lawrence H. Hemann Endowed Scholarship for agricultural or industrial arts students was established. Blinn College and its students always were an important part of Hemann’s life.

THE REV. RANDY WELLS

Born and raised in uptown New Orleans, Wells earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans in sociology with a minor in political science (1990)

Ray Daugbjerg, Eunice Kelm, Lawrence Hemann, F.C. “Sonny” Schulte and the Rev. Randy Wells comprise the Hall of Honor Class of 2022.

EUNICE STEINFELD KELM

Kelm is a graduate of Brenham High School and part of four generations of graduates of Blinn College.

She is a lifelong resident of Washington County and was a practicing registered nurse for 50 years at Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Kelm, along with her late husband Elwood, founded a registered Angus herd during the 1970s. In the development of the Kelm Angus herd, they gathered the finest genetics from across the country.

The Kelm legacy continues with a generous donation of property to the Blinn College Foundation for continuing education for agricultural students.

F.C. “SONNY” SCHULTE

Schulte served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

He served as Administrative Assistant to Washington County’s Gus Mutscher, Texas Speaker of the House of Representatives, from 1968-72. After completing his work with the Legislature, Schulte continued his career with the State of Texas for another 11 years as District Supervisor and Assistant Director of Marketing with the Texas Department of Agriculture.

and a Master of Social Work degree from Southern University at New Orleans (1996).

Wells has dedicated more than three decades of his life working and developing national best practice programs for children, youth, and families. He currently serves as a member of the Blinn College Board of Trustees.

Wells is Executive Director of Faith Mission and Help Center and Associate Minister for Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church.

THIS BLINN COLLEGE SOPHOMORE IS BUILDING MORE THAN ROBOTS AS HE PURSUES HIS MECHATRONICS

DEGREE.

HE’S ALSO BUILDING A CAREER.

Garcia appreciates the program’s hands-on learning opportunities, affordability, and small class sizes.

After spending the final two years of his high school education participating in remote classes, David Garcia was looking for an affordable program that offered hands-on learning opportunities and wouldn’t place him beneath a mountain of debt.

He found it in the Blinn College District Mechatronics Program, where he is pursuing a 60-credit-hour Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree with plans to transfer to Texas A&M University.

“Blinn was really a good idea for me because I found a way to transfer into Texas

A&M without paying so much money. I have seen a lot of people have debt control their lives. My plan right now is to come out of school with no debt. That’s the whole reason why I’m pursuing my associate degree. Blinn has been really good about scholarships and grants, and as of now I don’t owe anything, which is really cool.”

Garcia Blinn College District student

As a Blinn College student, Garcia is saving 40% in tuition and fees this year compared to the average state university, and through Blinn’s endowed scholarship application, he quickly and conveniently applied for more than 300 scholarships with a single submission.

Even better, a career fair hosted on campus during his freshman year introduced Garcia to BENCOR, LLC, an electronic parts supplier based in Brenham that specializes in printed circuit board manufacturing and assembly. There, Garcia applies the skills he is learning through Blinn’s Mechatronics Program. After starting his career at BENCOR inserting parts into printed circuit boards, he now programs and operates a selective solder machine.

“Not only am I learning hands-on skills there, but I’m able to really focus on school and work,” Garcia said. “It’s really cool because we have this project that we’re working on at work, and in my robotics class we’re talking about step motors and programming, and what I’m learning in class is literally what I’m applying at work.”

Based at the Brenham Campus, Blinn’s Mechatronics Program is the most comprehensive in the state, preparing students for academic transfer to a bachelor’s degree program or for immediate entry into the workforce, where graduates can earn a median salary of $59,800 and work in a wide array of industries.

Through the program, students earn stackable credentials: a one-semester occupational skills award, a two-semester Level 1 certificate, a three-semester Level 2 certificate, and a

four-semester AAS degree. With each award, students gain progressively advanced skills and are prepared for higher-paying career opportunities.

The program teaches students to install, maintain, diagnose, and repair robotic and automated manufacturing systems. Courses include Electricity Principles, Robotics, Principles of Automatic Control, Basic Fluid Power, Digital Systems, Industrial Automation, Industrial Electronics, Microcomputer Control, Instrumentation and Safety, Industrial Maintenance, Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers, Electromechanical Systems, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, and an industry internship. Students also learn key workplace attributes, including time management, collaboration, operations analysis, and customer service.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electro-mechanical and mechatronics technicians nationally earn a median salary of $59,800 and work in a wide array of industries, including advanced manufacturing and robotics; telecommunications and information services; agriculture, food, and forestry; renewable engineering; transportation and logistics; and homeland security and defense.

While the AAS Degree in Mechatronics is designed for students interested in immediate entry into the engineering technology industry, students can continue their education by pursuing Tarleton State University’s Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at the RELLIS Campus.

“My classes are so small that I’m really not afraid of meeting people,” Garcia said. “The professors have more of a personal connection with the students because they don’t have to teach a room full of a hundred kids. I think my biggest class was my first year here and there were about 20 kids.

David

ENTER

WORLD OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY WITH THE MECHATRONICS PROGRAM AT BLINN COLLEGE

“It’s really cool to have time with the professors and not only that, but Blinn has really good tutors. They have their systems arranged perfectly so that you can always step right into the Learning Center and meet with a tutor. I’ve never had to wait.”

Blinn’s Mechatronics Program is based in the new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation Building, where students gain hands-on skills in an assortment of high-tech laboratories, including the 3,000-square foot innovation center, where students have open space for robot construction and experimentation, as well as specialized engineering equipment, including a stateof-the-art process automation and pumps teaching system.

For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/mechatronics.

“For me, hands-on learning is the best – actually applying that knowledge rather than reading from a textbook. Blinn has figured out how to put students through the program as fast as possible without having them pay more money than is required or take more time than is required. It’s a really, really good hands-on learning experience.”

David Garcia

Blinn College District student

NISOD EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Six Blinn College District faculty and staff members have received 2022 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards for their dedication to Blinn students.

“These individuals embody Blinn’s commitment to students and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Mary Hensley, Chancellor of the Blinn College District. “It is a pleasure to congratulate them on

Bennie Graves

A member of the Blinn staff since 1990, Graves launched Blinn’s Title IX, Diversity, and Equity Department and now serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources and Title IX, Diversity, and Equity.

Jonnathon

Hicks

Hicks has taught American and Texas government at Blinn since 2017. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from East Central University in 2009 and his master’s degree in political science from Oklahoma State University in 2015. He is working towards his doctorate in education policy at Liberty University.

Leslie Janac

Janac has been an instructor since 1988 and joined Blinn’s full-time faculty in 2001, teaching English Composition and Technical Writing.

this well-deserved recognition and to celebrate their dedication to higher education and student achievement.”

NISOD is a membership organization that promotes and celebrates excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges. First presented in 1989, NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues.

Doug Pierce

As an Agricultural Sciences Professor, Pierce has helped to build Blinn’s Agricultural Sciences Program into the largest two-year agricultural program in the state. He also launched the College’s multi-time national champion livestock judging team.

Sheila Siegmund

Siegmund has served as the Library Administrative Assistant for the Blinn-Brenham and Blinn-Bryan Campus libraries for 14 years, handling myriad day-to-day operations, including financial management and supply orders.

Jennifer Taylor

A 23-year law enforcement veteran, Taylor has been with the Blinn Police Department since 2017. As the College’s lead Emergency Management Coordinator, she assumed numerous responsibilities in Blinn’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NURSING WEBSITE RANKS BLINN ADN PROGRAM NO. 2 IN THE SOUTHWESTE RN UNITED STATES

NursingProcess.org rankings were developed based upon academic quality, NCLEX pass rate, affordability, and reputation.

The Blinn College District Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program has again been recognized as one of the best institutions in the region for training the next generation of nursing professionals.

NursingProcess.org ranked Blinn the No. 2 ADN program in the southwestern United States. The rankings were developed based upon a methodology that considers each program’s academic quality, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) first-time pass rate, affordability, and reputation.

NursingProcess.org previously ranked Blinn in its top five in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

“These accolades are a testament to the hard work of our talented faculty and students, and the local healthcare providers who provide clinical opportunities for our students as well as professional insights that benefit our instruction,” said Karla Ross, ADN Program Director. Blinn’s Associate Degree Nursing Program is based at the RELLIS Academic Alliance Complex at the RELLIS Campus in Bryan, where students gain hands-on skills utilizing the facility’s 16,000-square-foot simulation laboratories.

Blinn’s two-year program prepares students for a nursing career and for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year university. Students who complete Blinn’s ADN Program and pass the NCLEX-RN have a job placement rate between 98 and 100% and are qualified for a wide array of nursing positions, including pediatric, geriatric, hospice, school, and clinical nursing. With the demand soaring in the nursing field, new graduates can expect to make an average of $53,000 per year.

“Because of the caring and dedicated faculty that make up Blinn’s nursing program, I feel ready to take on my next challenge in critical care nursing” said spring 2022 graduate Sarah Koenig. “The structure of the program encourages us to connect our classroom learning with nursing practice and our varied clinical experiences have shown us so many ways that nursing can give back to our communities.”

In addition to the traditional two-year track, Blinn’s ADN Program offers a Licensed Vocational Nursing-Transition pathway to transition licensed vocational nurses with field experience to registered nurses. Blinn also introduced a new Paramedic to RN Transition pathway that offers certified paramedics a streamlined pathway toward their registered nursing career.

Blinn’s ADN Program also has partnerships in place with Prairie View A&M University, Sam Houston State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas at Tyler for nursing students who wish to pursue their bachelor’s degree.

For more information regarding the Blinn ADN Program, visit www.blinn.edu/adn.

A CALIFORNIA NOMAD FINDS HER HOME IN BLINN’S WELDING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

Associate of Applied Science degree provides universally recognized credentials and training to succeed in the welding field.

Anna Bartolomei’s path to the Blinn College District Welding Technology Program was not a straight line. From working the rodeo circuit to serving as a jailer to becoming an emergency medical technician, this northern California jack of all trades tried on a variety of hats before she found a welding helmet.

“I wasn’t meant to sit behind a desk. I want to be able to build something with my own hands,” the 31-year-old Bartolomei said. “I always thought fabrication was really cool and growing up on a ranch, welding was something that somebody had to be able to do.”

Initially drawn to Blinn to pursue nursing, she quickly changed course after realizing her skills were a better fit for welding.

“I need something to do with my hands and so I decided to switch degrees, which Blinn made super simple,” she said. “The teachers here also have been great. They are always willing to step up and help no matter how many questions I have.”

Blinn’s Welding Technology Program offers competency-based training for students pursuing college credit or participating in continuing education. The hands-on skills development curriculum includes entrylevel to advanced training in a variety of welding processes such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), basic metallurgy, and inspection procedures based on industry welding codes.

College credit programs build upon each other and include Level I and Level II certificates and an AAS degree in Welding Technology.

In the credit program, technique coursework is interwoven with blueprint reading, quality control and inspection, and hands-on experience provided through internships.

Bartolomei is currently honing her welding skills at Circle H Manufacturing in Bryan, a custom heat exchanger and pressure vessel manufacturer. She stresses the value in earning her degree in the trade.

“I knew I always wanted to have a degree of some sort,” Bartolomei said. “These are all hands-on classes and I feel like it really does help to have that degree to give you a leg up in the workforce.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national demand for careers as welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is expected to grow 8% between 2020-30, adding 34,100 new jobs with a median salary of $47,010 per year.

Bartolomei encourages other women to consider welding as a career.

“You can’t let anything stop you just because the guys are doing it. You can do it too. If it’s what you want to do, don’t think about it. Look up women and welding online and you’ll find a lot of inspirational stories out there. Just run with it – you don’t have time not to.”

Anna Bartolomei

This demand for female welders is a trend that welding technology program manager Dickie Jones also emphasizes as he recruits students, especially at the high school level.

“You get into some manufacturing companies that are doing TIG welding, which is a very fine, detailed type of welding, and more and more companies are finding out that women do much better than men,” said Jones.

Blinn offers credit and non-credit welding courses at the A.W. Hodde, Jr. Technical Education Center on the Blinn-Brenham Campus and at the Agriculture and Workforce Education Complex, a 38,000 square-foot facility at Texas A&M-RELLIS in Bryan.

Students in Blinn’s Welding Technology Program may be eligible for financial aid and Duddlesten Foundation scholarships, which was an added benefit for Bartolomei.

“Blinn helped me like crazy with financial aid and figuring out how to do all the paperwork. The staff held my hand and walked me through the process,” she said.

In addition to welding technology, Blinn also has AAS degrees in carpentry, construction management, facility maintenance, HVAC, power line worker, surveying technician, and water purification. Each degree was developed in partnership with local industry leaders and creates pathways into high-wage, high-demand careers.

To learn more about Blinn’s welding technology program, visit www.blinn.edu/weldingtechnology or email welding@blinn.edu.

BLINN LAUNCHES NEW PARAMEDIC-TO-RN TRANSITION PROGRAM

The Blinn College District Associate Degree Nursing Program launched a new degree plan at Texas A&M-RELLIS this fall to provide working paramedics a streamlined pathway toward their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Nursing in preparation for new careers as registered nurses (RNs).

The new Paramedic-to-RN Transition pathway allows paramedics to apply their knowledge and skills toward the coursework necessary to earn their AAS Degree in Nursing, shortening their route toward that goal. Through this pathway, paramedics who wish to build upon their extensive medical training and experience to earn their nursing degree can transition toward their new career while making it possible in some cases for students to continue working.

“As the demand for caring, compassionate nurses continues to increase both in the State of Texas and across the nation, programs such as this allow us to better meet the needs of local healthcare facilities while providing students an opportunity to expand their medical knowledge and enter new career paths,” said Jay Anderson, Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences, Technical Education, and Community Programs.

Blinn worked with Baylor Scott & White in developing the pathway, and in a recent Blinn survey of local paramedics, more than 96% of respondents indicated that they would be interested in a paramedic-to-RN pathway. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 median salary for paramedics was $36,650 per year while registered nurses earned a median salary of $75,330.

At the RELLIS Academic Alliance Complex, Blinn ADN students gain hands-on skills utilizing the facility’s 16,000-square-foot simulation laboratories. Blinn’s Associate Degree Nursing Program has been recognized as one of the top programs in the state by NursingProcess.org, RNCareers.org, and RegisterNursing.org.

“The quality of our program is reflected by our students’ success, but more importantly, by the graduates who go on to make an impact in the healthcare profession as knowledgeable, compassionate nursing professionals,” Program Director Karla Ross said.

Students who complete Blinn’s ADN Program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) have a job placement rate between 97 and 100% and are qualified for a wide array of nursing positions, including pediatric, geriatric, hospice, school,

Streamlined degree plan allows paramedics to apply their knowledge and skills toward their Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing.

FOR FALL 2022

BLINN’S BLENDED VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM CREATES UNIQUE PATHWAY FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS

The Blinn College District is meeting the statewide demand for licensed veterinary technicians with a unique, blended Veterinary Technology Program that helps working professionals earn valuable credentials to advance their careers.

The three-year blended program, which includes online coursework and face-to-face lab experiences, trains graduates to fill vital roles in the industry and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), one of two tests required to become fully licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs).

“This is a great opportunity for veterinary staff already working in the field to obtain the coursework and skills necessary to advance their careers by becoming licensed veterinary technicians,” Interim Program Director Jessica Salazar said. “Our office receives weekly calls from veterinary practices wanting to know

when we will have a new batch of graduates, so the need is there. We hope this option can help tackle this demand and put more credentialed veterinary technicians in the workforce.”

Blinn’s three-year, blended Veterinary Technology Program covers the same material and provides students with the same skills as the traditional two-year, on-campus program while creating a unique environment meant to work with the schedules of employed professionals. This flexibility inspired Sandy Nunn, who serves as Veterinary Technology Program/Industry Outreach and Large Animal Technical Supervisor at Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, to become a student in the program’s first cohort.

“I’ve been at A&M for 23 years and I decided it was time to walk the walk and talk the talk,” Nunn said. “Apart from the benefit to students, this program is a great opportunity

for veterinarians to support the staff members that are already so valuable to them by helping them get credentialed. Blinn’s blended program is also unique from other options because it takes the burden of coordinating clinical requirements off the shoulders of the student.”

One of the hallmarks of Blinn’s Veterinary Technology Program is the College’s partnership with Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. This relationship provides students with handson training in every aspect of the wide-ranging field. Blinn is the only community college that has an agreement to complete laboratories and clinicals at Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to advance their careers in the animal healthcare field with positions at animal shelters, educational institutions, government agencies, laboratory facilities, research, veterinary clinics, and zoological facilitates, to name a few. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technicians earn a median salary of $36,260 per year. Between 2020 and 2030, the demand for veterinary technicians is expected to grow 15%, creating an additional 17,100 jobs nationwide.

To complete an application for the Blended Veterinary Technology Program, visit www.blinn.edu/veterinarytechnology.

BLINN’S ESPORTS PROGRAM

TAKES A BIG STEP FORWARD IN 2021-22

The Buccaneers finished as the NJCAAE Overwatch national runner-up.

In just its second year of competition, the Blinn College esports program put itself firmly on the map in 2021-22, as the Blinn Valorant team reached the Collegiate Valorant conference tournament title game for the program’s first tournament championship appearance.

In the spring, the Buccaneers maintained their momentum as their Overwatch and Valorant teams qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports national tournament. The Valorant team placed first in its conference while the Overwatch squad placed second.

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building here. We have always had highly competitive aspirations for our students, and when you mix that with the tremendous support we’ve received from Blinn and our chancellor, Dr. Mary Hensley, we have been able to turn that into positive results.”

Aaron Kapiko Blinn Esports Head Coach

The Buccaneer Overwatch team of George Francis, Alyssa Bowman, Cesar Chogoya, Hayden Evans, Gabriel Lopez, Pierce Ray, William Rossley, and Joshua Manning reached the national tournament championship game and finished second in the nation.

The Blinn Valorant team of Chase Siragusa, Dylan Gerlach, Ziyad Khallaf, Hayden Miller, and Michael Pope reached the quarterfinal round of the NJCAAE tournament.

On top of its impressive postseason run, the Buccaneer Overwatch team also was selected by the NJCAA to be its Overwatch representative for the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup (CECC) in Atlanta, Ga. The CECC is a nationwide tournament pitting two- and four-year esports programs against each other in a winner-take-all competition.

“It was definitely a very successful season, and I’m very proud of my team,” said Blinn assistant coach Kyle Murto, who oversees the Overwatch team. “To get to this point really meant a lot, and to see them work their way to get to this point despite maybe not having championship expectations on day one … it’s something we can take pride in.”

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BLINN VOLLEYBALL

MAKES ITS THIRD CONSECUTIVE NATIONAL TOURNAMENT

APPEARANCE

For the third consecutive season, the Blinn College volleyball team qualified for the NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championship in West Plains, Mo.

Blinn qualified for nationals with a successful run through the Region XIV Tournament consolation bracket. Blinn swept Panola College in an impressive consolation finale to qualify, a victorious effort that left the Buccaneers eager for nationals.

Four Buccaneers were honored with Region XIV postseason awards after the team posted a 34-11 record for the season. Sophomore hitter Kierslynn Wright, the NJCAA Division I leader in kills (605), was named the region’s Newcomer of the Year and selected to the all-region first team. In her lone season as a Buc, Wright holds the program’s second-highest single-season kill total behind Shelby Sheets (843 in 2018). She ranked fourth in the nation with 4.2 kills per set.

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Turner also was honored with a first-team allregion nod. Turner led the nation with 949 digs and 6.73 digs per set. Turner is also Blinn’s new single-season digs leader and fourth on the Bucs’ career digs list.

Freshman middle blocker and hitter Taylor Glendening earned a spot on the second-team all-region squad with a strong debut season. Glendening finished third on the team with 216 kills and added 81 block assists with 26 solo blocks.

Freshman hitter LaNeah Lara was recognized as an all-region honorable mention. In her first collegiate campaign, Lara had 452 kills (seventh in the nation) with 46 block assists and nine solo blocks.

Ellie Turner Blinn College student-athlete

At nationals, Blinn defeated Northeastern Junior College to finish 1-2 in the tournament and finish 10th.

Beating Panola in the consolation title game was a high point of our season. Since that win, we’ve talked in practice about going into nationals and playing at that level, but also about doing the best we can and having fun. We want to have fun and soak up this experience because it’s an opportunity not everybody gets.

BLINN WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

WINS SHARE OF THE REGION XIV TITLE AND ADVANCES TO THE NJCAA SWEET 16s

From beginning to end, the Blinn College women’s basketball team made history during an incredible 2021-22 season.

The Buccaneers began the season with a 15-game win streak on their way to a 28-5 record. Blinn earned its first-ever Region XIV regular-season championship (an honor it shared with Trinity Valley Community College), won the Region XIV Tournament, and qualified for the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship tournament with a first-round bye. The Buccaneers concluded their run in the Sweet 16 of the national tournament.

“We did stuff this year that Blinn had never done before,” head coach Jeff Jenkins said.

Blinn ended the year ranked 17th in the NJCAA Division I top-25 poll.

Jenkins was named the Region XIV Coach of

the Year for the fifth time in his career.

Freshman guard Telisha Brown earned a Division I scholarship to Lamar University following a campaign in which she led Blinn in scoring (13.6) and assists (4.6) per game while also shooting a team-best 42.2% from the floor.

Brown was named to the Region XIV all-region team, earned the Region XIV Tournament MVP award, and was honored an NJCAA second team all-American.

“I’ve coached a lot of good point guards the last few years and she’s right there as one of the best,” Jenkins said. “We’ve had guards who have been MVPs of our conference, All-Americans … we’ve had a lot of great point guards and she stands out. She was our best player this season on a team that had a lot of accomplishments.”

Freshman forward Tiffany Tullis also had a big

year for the Bucs, as she was named the Region XIV Newcomer of the Year after averaging 11.5 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. She was also named to the all-region team.

Sophomore wing Deja Adrian and freshman guard Hannah Humphrey were named secondteam all-region. Humphrey and freshman guard Skylar Barnes were also Region XIV alltournament selections.

By season’s end, Brown, Adrian (Eastern New Mexico University), and freshman forward Chynell Mitchell (Alabama A&M University) transferred to four-year institutions to continue their basketball careers.

“I’m really happy to see that these girls are getting the recognition they deserve,” Jenkins added. “They work hard, they play hard, and they’re successful because of it.”

Jeff Jenkins was named the Region XIV Coach of the Year and guard Telisha Brown earned All-America honors.

TIFFANY TULLIS

HANNAH HUMPHREY

DEJA ADRIAN

TELISHA BROWN

SKYLAR BARNES

BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT

THE BLINN COLLEGE DISTRICT BRENHAM CAMPUS BRYAN CAMPUS TEXAS A&M-RELLIS SCHULENBURG CAMPUS SEALY CAMPUS