Dr. Helen Castellanos Brewer

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.

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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,

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Four student program types.

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,

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Collage of three buildings

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

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Dr. Nichols and the Board of Trustees breaking ground on a new building.

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.

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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,

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Rendering of the new Library Classroom Building

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

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Female Firefighter in uniform with axe.

Female Cadet Proves Firefighting Isn’t Just For Men

Tired of her job as a cashier, Marissa Cermeno wanted more than just change; she wanted a challenge. Wanting to experience and learn something new every day, Marissa decided to pursue a career in firefighting and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A career typically thought of as a “man’s job,” Marissa is defying stereotypes and aiding

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Our Moment is Now!

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

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Thank You!

Since the passage of College of the Mainland’s historic $162.5 million general obligation bond in 2018, our college campus has undergone a major facelift that has ushered in a number of new and upgraded learning spaces to better serve the growing needs of our students and community. The new buildings, improved technologies and expanded instructional

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