Stay connected with the latest news from COM!
COM Veterans Club provides camaraderie, guidance
February 03, 2012
Texas City native Ruben Garcia served as a combat medic in the United States Army from 2001-09, including 18 months in Iraq. When he enrolled at College of the Mainland in the fall of 2009, he began planning a veterans club to provide guidance and camaraderie to fellow military personnel returning from war. more »
Concert band is looking for musicians
February 02, 2012
Do you enjoy musical instruments or have a special talent for playing the flute, clarinet or trombone? The College of the Mainland Concert Band, led by renowned music professor Sparky Koerner, is inviting students, faculty and the general public to join the band. more »
Administrative Office Procedures Class to begin on Feb. 6
February 02, 2012
College of the Mainland’s North County Learning Center (NCLC) welcomes students to enroll in an Administrative Office Procedures class that begins on Monday, Feb. 6. “When you get out of the class, you’re ready to work in any office as an administrative assistant,” NCLC director Lanis Neugent said. more »
Friendswood resident thrives in Collegiate High School program
February 02, 2012
Collegiate High School student Johnathan Moore knew he could continue his Friendswood High School extracurricular activities when he enrolled at CHS as a junior. That was important to the 17-year-old senior who is captain of the FHS debate team and its National Honor Society chapter. more »
COM to host Career and University Transfer Expo on March 8
February 02, 2012
College of the Mainland will host its Career and University Transfer Expo from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in the COM Gymnasium. The event is free and open to the public. “Career seekers will have the opportunity to meet with business people and other professionals to learn about great careers and the training they need to succeed,” said Pamela Berry-Richardson of COM Outreach and Career Services. more »
Jackson returns to COM for doctoral internship
January 27, 2012
Patricia Jackson started College of the Mainland’s Career Services Department 12 years ago. “We had a five-year plan and accomplished those goals in two and a half years,” said Jackson, who worked for COM from 2000-02. more »
Renowned civil rights speaker, Lecia Brooks, visits COM for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
January 27, 2012
Lecia Brooks, director of outreach for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala., was the guest speaker at College of the Mainland’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month Celebration on Thursday. S more »
Quite a Show: Community enjoys COM faculty art reception
January 27, 2012
College of the Mainland student Christian Carlin, of League City, was impressed with the COM Faculty Art Exhibition during the artist reception on Thursday afternoon at the art gallery. more »
Phi Theta Kappa members honored for volunteer work
January 26, 2012
College of the Mainland students Merretta Vasquez and Taylor Hernandez volunteered to teach a class on American cultures as part of the “Scouting on the Boardwalk,” an event for Boy Scouts of America groups from Texas. more »
LyondellBasell donates $5,000 to Process Technology (PTEC) program
January 25, 2012
College of the Mainland’s Process Technology (PTEC) program and LyondellBasell strengthened a growing partnership. LyondellBasell made a $5,000 donation to the College’s renowned PTEC program. It was approved at the COM Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday afternoon. more »
League City resident prepares for job market with North County Learning Center computer class
January 25, 2012
Wendy Kane, a 63-year-old League City resident, decided to refine her computer skills in preparation for the job market, so she turned to College of the Mainland’s North County Learning Center (NCLC) where she’ll begin a computer course this winter. “I wanted to go to a local school,” Kane said. “I really wanted to do COM because of their reputation, and I knew they had this extension center here (in League City). This is very convenient when you’re an adult working person, particularly an adult working person in retail.” more »
"SHOUT! The Mod Musical" brings sounds of the Sixties to COM Community Theatre
January 24, 2012
Friendswood resident Melanie Bernsen Clinkscales grew up enjoying the sounds of the 1960s, courtesy of her parents’ music collection. As one of the five cast members in College of the Mainland Community Theatre’s “SHOUT! The Mod Musical”, Clinkscales is returning the favor. “I’m excited to sing songs that my parents played,” Clinkscales said. “It’s kind of nice for my family to see it and watch (me) sing the songs they grew up on. It’s extra special to them.” more »
COM graduate, Blinka, returns as director of purchasing
January 23, 2012
College of the Mainland graduate Sonja Blinka understands the importance of community in a community college. Blinka, who was hired as COM’s director of purchasing on Jan. 3, grew up in Dickinson and now lives in Santa Fe. more »
COM to host financial aid workshop on Feb. 4
January 23, 2012
The College of the Mainland will host a financial aid workshop from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 4. at the Technical Vocational Building Auditorium, T-1101. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP before Wednesday, Feb. 1 as seating is limited. more »
Recreation coordinator reflects on stellar basketball career
January 20, 2012
College of the Mainland coordinator of memberships and community recreation Michael Richardson works with students, faculty and local residents so they can enjoy the College’s athletic facilities and programs. more »
Local resident enjoys playing in COM Jazz Ensemble
January 18, 2012
Ted Williams made the most fortuitous sale of his career in 1983. A music salesman, Williams delivered a flugelhorn to College of the Mainland Director of Instrumental Music/Jazz Studies Sparky Koerner. more »
Cell phone art contest yields a $100 reward for first place
January 18, 2012
Have you ever taken a photo with your cell phone and thought it was worthy of being in an art gallery? This could be your big break! more »
Teacher education information meeting to be held on Jan. 23
January 13, 2012
Have you ever considered becoming a teacher but were concerned about a lengthy certification process? The College of the Mainland’s COMPACT is a one-year alternative teacher certification program for individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher. more »
Faculty Art Exhibition begins on Jan. 17 with artist reception on Jan. 26
January 13, 2012
Seven of the top artists in Texas will have their work on display fromTuesday, Jan. 17 through Thursday, Feb. 16 at College of the Mainland Faculty Art Exhibition at COM Art Gallery. “Each person has a different media,” said gallery director and artist Mayuko Gray, who is also a participating artist. “It shows a high level of work. It shows our Fine Arts program is really strong.” more »
Health fair proves to be informative, helpful for local residents
January 13, 2012
College of the Mainland student Janelle Fry is glad that she and her mother, Joyce Burke, attended the Winter 55+ Health and Wellness Expo on Friday at COM Gymnasium. The Dickinson residents were just two of the 150 attendees at the four-hour event. more »
Library earns international honor
January 12, 2012
The College of the Mainland Library is on top of the world! The library recently received an international recognition as the most active LibAnswers institution out of 443 worldwide. LibAnswers is a knowledge base of all the questions and answers that students submit to the Library. more »
COM honors student overcomes obstacles to succeed
January 11, 2012
College of the Mainland student and part-time employee Tammy Greenshaw is determined to make peoples’ lives better. “If I can help a few people, it’ll be worth it to me,” Greenshaw said. “I can’t save the world, but I know I can probably help people see things a lot more clearly and avoid a whole lot of pain and heartache for them and the people that love them.” more »
COM to host adult basketball league, 3-on-3 basketball tournament
January 10, 2012
Next month, basketball fever will come to College of the Mainland Gym with the inaugural 18-and-older adult basketball league and a 45-and-older 3-on-3 basketball tournament, which are both open to the public. more »
Registration is ongoing at COM's North County Learning Center
January 10, 2012
With the new year underway, it’s the perfect opportunity for local residents to learn new skills or enjoy a hobby at College of the Mainland’s North County Learning Center (NCLC), 200 Parker Court in League City, which is located off FM 518, just west of Interstate 45. more »
Collegiate High School graduate sets his sights on medical school
January 10, 2012
Eddie Hicks has dreamed of becoming a medical doctor for as long as he could remember. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” Hicks said. “Being in a hospital or clinic feels comfortable. That’s where I want to be. I can’t imagine myself in any other job.” more »
COM's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration to feature renowned guest speaker, Lecia Brooks
January 10, 2012
Lecia Brooks, director of outreach for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Montgomery, Ala., will be the guest speaker at College of the Mainland’s Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration, presented by COM’s Multicultural Team. Brooks is also the director for the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery. “I’ll be talking about Dr. King and his legacy and what was going on at the time,” Brooks said. “(I’ll talk about) those engaged in The Civil Rights Movement – what were they up against and juxtapose that with the current situation.” more »
COM to host free Health and Wellness Expo on Jan. 13
January 05, 2012
The College of the Mainland Senior Adult Program and Special Projects will partner with the Galveston County Department of Parks and Senior Services and the Galveston County Health District, to host a Winter 55+ Health and Wellness Expo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 at the COM Gymnasium, 1200 Amburn Road. more »
Collegiate High School to host parent information meeting for prospective students on Feb. 21
January 05, 2012
Collegiate High School will host a parent information meeting for prospective students at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the Learning Resource Center. more »
COM Hosts Virtual Open House
October 28, 2011
College of the Mainland, in association with National Distance Education Week, will host a Virtual Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. COM faculty and staff will be online to answer questions from prospective students and provide information about the different courses available online at COM. The goal of the Virtual Open House is to allow students, who haven’t thought of taking online courses before, to ask questions to help them get connected to online learning. more »
COM Celebrates Dia de los Muertos
October 27, 2011
College of the Mainland will be celebrating Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Nov. 1, 12:30 to 1:30 in the library. Dia de los Muertos, stemming from Aztec and Mayan traditions, is the celebration of life of those loved ones who have passed. COM Multicultural Team will present a program featuring entertainment, face painting, sugar skulls and pan de muertos. Spanish Professor Rafael Naranjo will give a brief history and explanation of the traditions of Dia de los Muertos. An altar commemorating the memories of deceased loved ones will be on display in the library. more »
College of the Mainland 9/11 Commemoration
October 04, 2011
To remember the many Americans who lost their lives in the terror attacks, and honor those who wear police, EMS, fire and military uniforms, College of the Mainland, in collaboration with area first responders, held a commemoration event Friday, Sept. 9, in the COM Gymnasium. Events included an emergency vehicle display, commemorative ceremony, tree dedication and a 21-gun salute. more »
College of the Mainland Attains Leader College Status
September 29, 2011
College of the Mainland has been awarded Leader College status by Achieving the Dream (ATD), a national nonprofit organization that assists colleges and universities help students stay in school and earn a college certificate or degree. COM, one of 23 colleges designated as a 2011 Leader College, was recognized for raising graduation rates, closing achievement gaps and changing lives. COM joins more than 50 other ATD Institutions in the nation that have achieved Leader College status. more »
COM Begins Veterans Support Group
September 28, 2011
The transition from the military to the classroom can often be a difficult challenge for many of our country's veterans. But veterans enrolled at College of the Mainland now have a place to turn for support. COM recently started a veterans peer support group through Gulf Coast Center. The group is designed to allow veterans to interact with other veterans who are going through some of the same issues as they transition into civilian life. “Education is about self discovery and it’s a change for veterans because they are use to a disciplined regiment where they are told what and when to do things,” said Derick Hutchinson, Student Advisor at COM. more »
COM welcomes nationally-known educator and storyteller
September 27, 2011
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, College of the Mainland presents a performance by Dr. Jesús ‘Chuy’ Negrete on Friday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. in the Fine Arts Building Room 117. With harmonica and guitar, Dr. Negrete recounts the Mexican and Mexican-American experience through storytelling, poetic song and corridos (running verse ballads) as he traces the history of Mexican-Latino experiences from pre-Columbian times to the present. Dr. Negrete is an engaging teller of tales and master narrator of the Mexican experience through song and ballad. more »
COM Professor Passionate About Travel
August 29, 2011
“‘Travel makes you a man.’ That’s what my father told me growing up,” said Dr. Bernie Smiley, Professor of Humanities. Smiley has been leading a Study Abroad expedition for College of the Mainland students the past four years. This summer students and community members traveled to Germany and the Swiss Alps. The Study Abroad program gives students the opportunity to experience different cultures and visit historical destinations around the world. more »
COM Offering Ophthalmic Assistance Course
August 26, 2011
College of the Mainland, in partnership with UTMB Health, is offering an ophthalmic assistant training program for the first time this fall from Sept. 12 through Jan. 16, 2012. This course provides the knowledge and skills to work in an ophthalmologist office, and teaches patient care by having students perform different eye-related clinical procedures. Students will learn about the various functions of the ophthalmic office including: taking medical histories; testing for visual and/or color diseases of the eye; performing certain eye assessments; and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses. The course prepares students for the certification exam. more »
COM Student Receives Scholarship
August 24, 2011
College of the Mainland student Carmen Bahena has been awarded a $2,500 scholarship from The Barbara Bush Texas Fund for Family Literacy. Funded by a donation from the family of long-time Texas Fund volunteer Patricia (Pat) Marie Peebler, this scholarship honors Pat’s dedication to programs that support family literacy, working women, and single mothers in Houston. more »
COM Cosmetology Student Enjoys Success
August 24, 2011
College of the Mainland cosmetology student, Tammy Sybert of Texas City, recently placed second in a cut and color contest through the CHI Environmental School Program and Houston-based Farouk Systems, Inc. The contest challenged students to cut and color a model’s hair. She was awarded a CHI flat iron and blow dryer valued at more than $200. “The students have become more motivated to enter competitions and try different hairstyles after seeing a fellow student do so well in a competition,” said Ellen Chicon, cosmetology instructor. more »
COM Partners with Junior Achievement To Educate Children
August 24, 2011
College of the Mainland has teamed up with Junior Achievement of Texas to educate school children on free enterprise, business and economics. This past spring semester, six COM staff members spent an hour a week for five weeks teaching students at Northside Elementary School in Texas City. more »
COM Professor receives Regional Award
August 10, 2011
Dr. Pam Millsap, College of the Mainland professor of psychology and chair of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, has been awarded the 2011 Association of Community College Trustees Western Regional Outstanding Faculty Member. The award will be presented at the ACCT Leadership Congress in Dallas in October. This distinction makes her one of five finalists for the national 2011 William H. Meardy Outstanding Faculty Member Award that will be announced during the ACCT Leadership Congress in October. “When I learned that the board had nominated me I was incredibly honored. When I found out that I won I was stunned. I appreciate the honor and am glad to work at an institution where people really want to focus on student success,” said Millsap. more »
COM Adult Education Receives State Recognition
August 03, 2011
College of the Mainland’s Adult Education program was awarded Platinum Level Recognition from Texas LEARNS at the State Adult Education Administrators' Summer Institute in Galveston. This award celebrates the College’s student academic performance and program management for the 2009-10 program year by meeting all federal performance levels and the timely reporting of all program and financial reports, demonstrating the high quality of services, providing accountability and return on investment for the community and the state. more »
COM Mechanical Maintenance Technician Program
July 14, 2011
The College of the Mainland Mechanical Maintenance Technician program has quickly developed into an asset to the Gulf Coast. In just four years the program is one of the strongest programs in the area. more »
College of the Mainland Trustees take Oath of Office
May 24, 2011
College of the Mainland Trustees Wayne H. Miles and Roney G. McCrary were sworn in at the Monday, May 23 board meeting. more »
COM Theater Presenting “The Sunshine Boys”
May 17, 2011
The original Grumpy Old Men hit the stage in COM’s production of Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys,” May 12 through June 5. more »
College of the Mainland Class of 2011
May 16, 2011
College of the Mainland had the largest graduating class in school history at its graduation ceremony Wednesday, May, 11 at Moody Gardens Convention Center. more »
New SIM Patients at COM Nursing
May 11, 2011
College of the Mainland Nursing Lab recently admitted two new patients for students to nurse back to health. The new patients are interactive technologically-advanced manikins that allow learners to practice emergency treatments. more »
COM Concert Band to Perform
April 28, 2011
College of the Mainland’s Concert Band directed by Sparky Koerner will present a concert Monday, May 2 at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public. more »
COM Process Technology Program Grad Receives Promotion
April 19, 2011
Erik Montmayor, one of the first students to go through the Associate of Applied Science Process Technology Program at College of the Mainland has quickly ascended the career ladder. more »
Bellingham Tech Students Visit COM
April 18, 2011
Six students from Bellingham Technical College in Bellingham, Washington, traveled to College of the Mainland, to learn troubleshooting and operations in the Process Technology Department. more »
Internationally-renowned artist painting mural at COM
April 08, 2011
Internationally-renowned mural artist Maestro Shinzaburo Takeda, chair of the art department at Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca in Oaxaca, Mexico, is painting a mural at COM in collaboration with COM students. more »
Enriching the Lives of Senior Adults
March 31, 2011
Senior adults have a variety of offerings available through the College of the Mainland Senior Adult Program. more »
COM Student Enjoying Disney Internship
March 15, 2011
College of the Mainland student, Brooke Sumrall, is currently interning at Disney World. Sumrall is working as an American Representative at the World Showcase at EPCOT. more »
Continuing Education Students Benefit from Program
March 10, 2011
Two College of the Mainland Continuing Education students have obtained rewarding jobs after completing COM’s Medical Billing course. more »
Gospel Singers to Perform at COM
February 15, 2011
College of the Mainland’s Multicultural Team presents “An Evening of Gospel Music: Why We Sing,” with special guests Voices of the Mainland from Texas City... more »