Blinn-Bryan provides perfect launching pad for future Aggie Benjamin Nicholas

Motivated by service and connection, Nicholas has embraced leadership at Blinn College while preparing to study political science at Texas A&M University

October 27, 2025

Blinn College-Bryan Campus Student Government Association President Benjamin Nicholas is proof that sometimes the best paths are the ones you don’t plan for.

“Like a lot of students at Blinn, my goal was to transfer to Texas A&M University,” Nicholas said. “I was in Brazil serving a church mission from September 2023 to October 2024, and when I came home, I realized I needed to start planning for college. I wanted to attend A&M, but since their application deadline had just passed, I saw it as a blessing from the Lord. He wanted me to go to a junior college first. I started researching junior colleges, and that’s what led me to Blinn.”

Nicholas toured the Blinn-Bryan Campus in February 2025 and said he immediately felt at home.

“I just fell in love,” he said. “It’s a great campus, and it transfers really well into A&M. It seemed perfect.”

Finding His Path at Blinn

Nicholas, who grew up in Nacogdoches, said his decision to attend Blinn surprised his parents, both of whom encouraged him to enroll at Tyler Junior College, where his mother teaches. But he felt a strong pull toward Blinn.

“They both pushed for TJC,” he said with a laugh, “but Blinn just felt right.”

Now majoring in general studies with plans to transfer into political science at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service, Nicholas said Blinn has given him the academic foundation and personal support he needed.

“What’s nice about Blinn is that it’s a lot more catering to your needs,” he said. “All my teachers here have been wonderful. My biggest class has maybe 35 students, and most have around 20. I feel like I know my professors by name, and they know me by name. They care about their students.”

When Nicholas tested positive for COVID-19 during the semester, he said his professors were quick to accommodate him.

“They were all very understanding about attendance and homework,” he said. “They helped me stay on track, and I really appreciated that.”

Stepping Up as SGA President

Nicholas’ journey with the Student Government Association began at New Student Registration, where he met Blinn’s Director of Student Leadership and Activities, Kierston Williams.

“I told myself, wherever I go to college, I’m going to get involved,” Nicholas said. “Kierston gave a talk about SGA and student life, and I thought, ‘That’s how I can get involved.’”

After the presentation, a conversation led to an opportunity. When Nicholas later met with Ryan Miller, Blinn’s Executive Director of Student Leadership and Engagement, he learned that the organization needed a new president.

“I love it,” he said. “At first, I thought, ‘I’m president of the Blinn-Bryan Campus—what can I do to make a big impression?’ But after some reflection, I realized my job isn’t to help myself. It’s to help the students. Once I started looking at it that way, everything clicked.”

As president, Nicholas has prioritized listening to student feedback and encouraging others to get involved.

“I go to events, talk to people, and ask what they want to see on campus,” he said. “Then I bring those ideas to our meetings. It’s all about making it easier for students to connect and have a good experience.”

Building Connections in Bryan-College Station

In addition to his studies and leadership role, Nicholas works at Texas A&M University’s Corps of Cadets Uniform Distribution Center, where he helps outfit cadets with their uniforms. His brother is a member of the Corps, and the job gives Nicholas what he calls “a foot in both worlds.”

“I get to experience both Blinn and A&M,” he said. “I go to football games, Midnight Yell, and I’ve gotten to know the community. It’s the best of both worlds—I get to be part of A&M traditions without having to do all the PT,” he joked.

Nicholas said he loves living in Bryan-College Station, both for its beauty and its balance.

“It’s far enough away from home that I can be independent, but close enough that I can go home for the weekend if I need to,” he said. “I really love it here.”

Looking Ahead

Though he wishes he could stay at Blinn for two full years, his dual credit courses from high school have fast-tracked his transfer plans. After completing his studies at Blinn, Nicholas plans to continue his education at Texas A&M and eventually pursue a career in diplomacy or city management.

“I’m a big history nut, and I love learning about different cultures and perspectives,” he said. “I think diplomacy would be a great way to combine that curiosity with service.”

Reflecting on his experiences, Nicholas said he would recommend Blinn to any student considering their next step.

“In a heartbeat,” he said. “If you’re planning to go to A&M, go to Blinn first. It breaks you into college life, helps you get used to the pace, and then you can jump into A&M headfirst. You can’t beat the small classes, the caring professors, and the community.”