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
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
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.
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
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
Message from the President
Our Moment is Now The COM story is a special story and over the years has come to mean many things to the many people we serve. Dating back to 1966 when we first opened our doors, the COM story has been a story of community as our college has served as an integral backbone
COM BOND 2023
Meeting the Education and Workforce Training Demands in our Community The COM Bond 2023 is Phase 2 of the COMPASS 2025 Master Plan created to propel our communitiesforward. Aimed at meeting the booming regional demand for higher education and workforce training, wewill continue to create better jobs, reduce crime and ensure prosperity for decades to
Message from the President
A Season of Transformation, The New COM Experience When I think of the COM experience, many things come to mind. It is an experience of deep impact where students discover their unique strengths and talents inside our classrooms and beyond. It is an experience that breaks down barriers — that changes lives and creates limitless
At Your Student Service
Kayla Molnar Helps Students Spread their Wings at COM The work of Student Services never stops. From onboarding new students into their first taste of college life to connecting them with resources to help them reach their goals, this group of special people lay an important foundation for the COM student experience. Kayla Molnar is