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.
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
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
Horizons 2026 Message From the President
At College of the Mainland (COM), we believe education is more than a credential or a degree.
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
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
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
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
Deandre’ Knoxson: A Community’s Investment Breathes Life into A Rising Leader
Back in 2012, DeAndre’ Knoxson was a bright-eyed College of the Mainland student who could regularly be found seated in a Process Technology (PTEC) classroom, eager to learn and ready to make the community around him a better place. Now, you’ll find him in a seat of a different kind – at the dais of