ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MINUTES
Friday, May 1, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Via Teams Meeting
- Meeting Call to Order
Dr. Becky McBride, Vice Chancellor for Student Services, called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. - Approval of Minutes for the November 14, 2025, meeting
This committee previously approved the Minutes electronically on November 14, 2025, and posted to the website. - Workforce and Continuing Education Update
Mr. Jay Anderson, Vice Chancellor, Applied Science, Workforce, and Economic Development, presented the Workforce and Continuing Education update.
Mr. Anderson’s presentation is attached hereto and made part of these Minutes.- Hensley praised Jay Anderson for effectively offsetting declines in academic enrollment by increasing technical program enrollment.
- She highlighted that these technical programs (certificates and licensures) bring valuable state-funded reimbursement, making the growth especially impactful.
- Jay Anderson expressed gratitude, emphasizing that the success is a collective effort across the Blinn College District and thanked Dr. Hensley for her leadership and support.
- Academic Affairs Update
Dr. April Kinkead, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, gave an update on the Academic Affairs priority Initiatives.- The political science field of study has been fully approved and is now on the website. It will serve as the primary AA program for the new early college high school at Anderson-Shiro starting this fall.
- The kinesiology field of study is still pending approval but is expected.
- Early-stage exploration is underway for a new business analytics degree.
- MOUs have been renewed with Texas A&M-Central Texas and Tarleton, maintaining strong partnerships.
- The kinesiology program has been moved from the RELLIS Campus to the Bryan Campus, giving students access to better lab facilities.
- The Academic Alliance will begin using Bryan Campus kinesiology labs in the fall, starting with four sessions and potential expansion.
- The Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex is ready for summer classes with staffing, courses, and enrollment open, including dual credit options.
- Preparations are also on track for a full academic launch in the fall at the Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex.
- Overall, operations and progress are positive and moving forward
- Facilities Update
Mr. Mark Feldhake, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Facilities, Planning, and Construction, presented the facilities update on the Waller Campus and Brenham proposed facilities.
Mr. Feldhake’s presentation is attached hereto and made part of these Minutes. - Additional Comments
- Hensley thanked Dr. Gurley for excellent leadership on Faculty Senate and recognized contributions from Mark, Jay, Becky, April, Leighton, and Clen.
- She highlights the baseball team’s regional win and upcoming playoff games, with hopes of advancing to nationals.
- Plans for a June grand opening of the Waller Campus are nearly finalized, featuring a casual cookout to encourage attendance.
- She acknowledges financial challenges but notes the institution remains in good condition while supporting key projects.
- Hensley closes by wishing everyone well for finals, graduation, and summer, and offers continued support.
- Adjournment
Vice Chancellor McBride asked if there were any further questions or comments. No further questions or comments were made, and the meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Members present: Mr. Jay Anderson, Mr. Richard Bray, Dr. Clen Burton, Mr. Mark Feldhake, Ms. Rachel Gallardo, Mr. West Gurley, Dr. Mary Hensley, Dr. April Kinkead, Dr. Becky McBride, Mr. Leighton Schubert, Mr. Keith Sylvester, Ms. Margaret Joseph Turner, and Mrs. Deborah Vavra