The details
The merger comes in response to legislative changes, notably Texas House Bill 8, which overhauled community college funding models and emphasizes the importance of community colleges meeting the evolving needs of a diverse Texas workforce, according to the release.
This merger aims to create a more cohesive approach to supporting students by aligning academic programs with various support services, acknowledging the need for a more integrated approach, according to the release.
What they’re saying
With the college’s expectations of continued growth, the merger is seen as essential for the College of the Mainland to address the needs of an expanding student body and to launch new programs, according to the release.
“[College of the Mainland] reached record enrollment, and we anticipate [we] will continue seeing increasing growth,” College of the Mainland President Warren Nichols said in the release. “The need for these two divisions to work collaboratively to best meet the needs of our students is critically important.”
What’s next
Starting March 1, Helen Castellanos Brewer, currently serving as the vice president of student services, will expand her role as the executive vice president of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, according to the release