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.

Her appointment followed a national search and unanimous approval by the COM Board of Trustees. A respected leader within the college community, Dr. Brewer joined COM in 2021 as vice president for Student Services and later served as executive vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. In those roles, she helped guide the transition to 8-week terms, expanded health care programs and led efforts that resulted in enrollment growth of more than 30 percent.

I am honored to serve as the next president of College of the Mainland,” Brewer said.

“COM is a remarkable place, and I look forward to building on our momentum to create even more life-changing opportunities through education.”

A Life Shaped by Resilience & Purpose

A JOURNEY ROOTED IN FAMILY, DETERMINATION AND SERVICE

Dr. Brewer’s path to the presidency is one of perseverance and purpose, shaped by the values of family, service and hard work. Originally from Maryland, she was the first in her family to graduate from high school and attend college. While navigating the complexities of higher education, she wholeheartedly believed in the transformative power of education. Like many first-generation college students today, she was unsure of how to navigate the world of higher education. She attributes her accomplishments to a strong faith and those who believed and supported her through her journey.

Coming from humble beginnings, Dr. Brewer often helped care for her siblings and held several jobs to pay for her education because her mother emphasized the importance of education—not just as a path to opportunity, but as a responsibility to the family and community. She dedicated time to volunteer at area high schools, where she and her friends designed and delivered workshops to support college readiness among middle and high school students, especially within Hispanic-majority schools and those serving many limited English proficiency students.

My path through higher education involved considerable challenges, particularly concerning financial support, and meeting the demands of academic rigor. Despite the many sacrifices, these experiences culminated in significant rewards, and I want students to realize they can do it too.” Encouraged to dream big while attending an all-girls Catholic high school on scholarship, Brewer soon faced the unfamiliar terrain of college. As a first-generation student, she encountered the same questions many COM students face: How do I apply? How can I afford tuition? Her journey began at a community college, while working to support herself and navigate a world that didn’t yet feel like her own.

As a first-generation college student who was working several jobs to pay for college and fulfilling family obligations like caring for my younger siblings, there was an overwhelming sense of uncertainty about whether higher education was a place I belonged.” She added, “and I didn’t realize that there was a support system in place.”

She later transferred to the University of Maryland, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. While there, she took on a leadership role that reflected both courage and conviction. She and a small group of friends, many also first-generation college students, founded the state’s first Latina sorority, a bold step toward creating connection and helping others feel seen, supported and proud of their identity. Her commitment to helping others continued as she pursued a Master of Arts in Counseling from Trinity Washington University, and later her PhD in Education Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University. She attributes her start at a community college as opening the doors to a whole new life.

An added gift of her community college experience was meeting her husband of twenty years, Dr. Athos Brewer, at the same institution where she had once been a student and later returned as a student affairs leader; together, they have two children, Aramis and Lily.

From Student to Advocate

BRINGING PERSONAL INSIGHT TO TRANSFORM STUDENT SUCCESS

Dr. Brewer’s leadership is grounded in her personal experiences. She understands what it means to move between two worlds, one shaped by family, culture and responsibility, and another defined by unfamiliar academic systems and expectations. That perspective fuels her deep commitment to helping all COM students navigate challenges and stay the course.

As a first-generation college student, like many students at COM, my family had limited means but believed in the American dream and the societal equalizing power of education,” she said.

“Had it not been for the caring faculty and staff at my local community college, I would not have been able to access a high quality and affordable higher education. Consequently, at an early point in my career, I decided that I wanted to be engaged in helping others and changing their lives through education.”

Her student-centered approach is already evident at COM. She has led efforts to reduce financial and procedural barriers, streamline applications and strengthen the first-year experience through personalized enrollment coaching. As a Rising Presidents Fellow with the Aspen Institute, a highly selective program that prepares aspiring community college leaders to become successful presidents focused on advancing student success, Brewer brings proven strategies from across the country and adapts them to meet the needs of local students.

“My goal is to look at how all of our services connect and make sure we are aligning with high-impact practices,” she said. “However, this is an effort that extends beyond the College. We need our entire community to become involved in making changes, thereby ensuring our students are to be successful.”

Leading with Vision

A FUTURE GROUNDED IN LEGACY, COMMUNITY AND STUDENT SUCCESS

Now leading College of the Mainland, Dr. Brewer brings deep respect for the institution’s history and a clear focus on what comes next. Her leadership is centered on expanding access, strengthening community partnerships and ensuring students are equipped for long-term success.

I am proud to share our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, a roadmap created through college and community-wide collaboration,” she said. “It reflects our shared commitment to student achievement, employee well-being and meaningful community impact.”

The plan supports statewide goals such as Texas House Bill 8 and Talent Strong Texas, which emphasize workforce readiness and student outcomes. Through this lens, COM is not only preparing students for high-value careers but also honoring its responsibility to serve the region with excellence and make an impact on the local economy.

Dr. Brewer often shares a message that speaks to both resilience and purpose:

“If you don’t give up, and if you stay the course, the reward will be greater than the sacrifices—not only for you, but for your family, too.”

With her leadership, College of the Mainland is building on its proud legacy, deepening its roots in the community and shaping a future where more students can succeed and thrive.