Horizons 2026 Message From the President
At College of the Mainland (COM), we believe education is more than a credential or a degree.
Partnerships
Aspen Institute Presidents & Trustees Collaborative Alongside our University Transfer Partnerships with colleges like Texas Woman’s University, University of Houston and University of Houston-Downtown, College of the Mainland (COM) is proud to partner with educational collaboratives and industry leaders to support student success. COM President Dr. Helen Brewer and the COM Board of Trustees have
Faculty Spotlight: Dalel Serda
Dalel Serda became a professor of English at College of the Mainland (COM) in Spring 2010. With a background that blends strategic communication and creative expression, she earned her Bachelor of Science in advertising from the University of Texas in 2001 and later completed her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at the University
Faculty Spotlight: Bernie Smiley
For more than two decades, College of the Mainland (COM) professor Bernie Smiley has been a familiar face and an influential force in the lives of COM students. This year the community recognized his impact once again. Smiley earned second place in The Daily News Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Professor, marking his second consecutive appearance among
Student Spotlights
College of the Mainland has a long history of student success stories. This year, we’re spotlighting some accomplished graduates and current students to celebrate. Mario Garza Spring 2025 COM Graduate COM alumnus Mario Garza arrived at College of the Mainland as a driven student eager to move forward, but without a clear sense of direction.
Meet Dr. Helen Castellanos Brewer: The New President of College of the Mainland
College of the Mainland (COM) embarks on a new chapter with the appointment of Dr. Helen Castellanos Brewer as its ninth president. Officially stepping into the role on July 1, 2025, Dr. Brewer brings more than two decades of higher education leadership and a personal journey that closely mirrors the experiences of many COM students.
A Legacy of Excellence: A Future of Success
Strategic Plan | 2024-2027 The 2024-2027 Strategic Plan is a roadmap designed to elevate COM to new heights. This plan, the result of extensive college-wide collaboration, outlines our commitment to student success, employee well-being and community impact. Goal 1: Student Success Empower our students to clarify their educational paths, ensure their learning and meet their
COM Dual Credit Advantage & The Opening Doors Promise Scholarship
Earn college credit in high school through Dual Credit & Collegiate High School. Take free courses if you qualify for the FAST Program. Get Ahead in High School. Go Further in College Attend COM tuition-free for up to two years after high school with the Opening Doors Promise Scholarship* *Funding is contingent upon public donations
Faces of COM’s Success
Leawana Williams Hear from COM Collegiate High School student and peer mentor Leawana Williams as she shares what inspires her journey and how COM has supported her along the way. Abdu Meguader “I chose COM because I wanted a school that would support my transfer to a four-year university. My experience here has been incredible,
Expanding Programs At COM
In response to our communities’ growing and expansive learning needs, College of the Mainland is prioritizing innovative learning options to effectively prepare the workforce of the future. For every student looking to advance their education, from pursuing high school equivalency, workforce education, transferring to a four-year university or looking to add to their existing education,
Healthcare Careers
Start Your Healthcare Career at COM. Ready to make a difference? At College of the Mainland, we offer hands-on training for in-demand healthcare careers that put compassion into action. Whether you want to become a nurse, surgical technologist or medical assistant, COM provides the skills, certifications and support to launch your future in patient care.
Forward Momentum: COM 2023 Bond Update
We’re building spaces that power success – for students and our community. In May 2023, voters approved a $250M General Obligation Bond to support student success and workforce growth. Today, we’re delivering on that promise with six major construction projects, two building modernizations and infrastructure upgrades – all on time and under budget. The long-range
COM Alumni News
Where Are They Now? Tanieka FrancisClass of 2024, Natural Science Tanieka Francis began her College of the Mainland (COM) journey at just 16 years old as a Collegiate High School student. Despite initial nerves, she quickly found her place and excelled—earning her associate degree in Natural Science in 2024, just two weeks before graduating high
Dr. Nichols’ Transformational Legacy at COM
Dr. Nichols has left an indelible mark on the College of the Mainland (COM), reshaping the institution’s landscape and reaffirming its role as a community pillar. When he first arrived in Jan. 2018, COM faced significant challenges. Decades-old facilities were deteriorating, enrollment had plateaued, and the college seemed stuck, unable to move forward. Under Dr.
Your Future Begins at COM: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to College of the Mainland
College of the Mainland (COM) is your launchpad to a brighter future—whether you’re preparing for university, starting a new career, or earning a promotion. With on-campus and online classes, dual credit for high school students, and even study abroad options, COM offers something for everyone at an affordable price. At COM, you’re more than just
Message from the President
At College of the Mainland, we believe that education is not just about earning a credential. It’s about equipping students with the knowledge, skills and support they may need to overcome obstacles and reach their academic and career goals. That’s what truly makes COM a special place. Here, we know that these supports play a
COM Awarded $9 Million in Federal Funding for HSI Initiatives Through 2028
College of the Mainland (COM) has been selected for its third U.S. Department of Education Title V grant, bringing the combined grant total to $9 million. The latest grant awarded will fund the innovative project, “Semillas: Planting the Seeds for a Brighter Tomorrow,” aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for underrepresented students and strengthening student support
The COM 8-Week Advantage
Learning designed for student success. We believe you are meant to be bold and fly high. But we get it, life happens—work, family responsibilities and unforeseen circumstances. Navigating obstacles while trying to take multiple courses can quickly derail an entire 16-week semester. This is where the COM 8-week Advantage can help! Our 8-week sessions allow
Expanding Horizons: Featured Programs at COM
In response to our communities’ growing and expansive learning needs, College of the Mainland is prioritizing innovative learning options to effectively prepare the workforce of the future. For every student looking to advance their education, from pursuing high school equivalency, workforce education, transferring to a four-year university or looking to add to their existing education,
Forward Momentum: COM 2023 Bond Update
During the May 2023 election, COM successfully passed its $250 million general obligation bond. This bond will allow the College to complete phase two of its long-range facilities master plan, which seeks to update and/or replace a significant percentage of the 57+ year old, aging facilities at the main campus. The long-range master facilities plan
About Horizons
