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,