Schulenburg Campus Advisory Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Liberal Arts Building, Room 120
The Schulenburg Advisory Committee met on September 23, 2025, in room 120 of the Liberal Arts Building at 100 Ranger Drive, Blinn-Schulenburg Campus, Schulenburg, Texas.
Committee members present were Ms. Kayla Kaspar, Mr. Chris Hooper, Mr. Andy McHazlett, Mr. Chris Sodek, and Mr. Ron Langhamer.
Committee members absent were Ms. Kimberly Newton and Mr. Jon Wunderlich.
Representatives from Blinn College present were Dr. Mary Hensley, Mr. Leighton Schubert, Dr. Becky Garlick, Ms. Loraine Orellana, Ms. Susie Shank, and Ms. Monica Heffley.
The meeting was called to order at 12:19 PM.
Approval of Minutes. Ms. Kayla Kaspar made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 3, 2025, meeting, and the motion was seconded by Mr. Chris Sodek.
Election of Officers. After a proper motion, Mr. Jon Wunderlich was elected as Chair, Mr. Chris Sodek was elected as Vice-Chair, and Mr. Andy McHazlett was elected as Secretary.
Enrollment Report. Mr. Leighton Schubert, Executive Vice Chancellor, presented the Fall 2025 Preliminary Enrollment Report. He reported that the Schulenburg Campus declined in enrollment from 71 to 41 students. He went on to say that there are currently 123 students taking most of their classes online who receive services from the Schulenburg Campus. Mr. Schubert mentioned that the drop in enrollment on the Schulenburg Campus could be partially due to the increasing number of students in the FAST dual credit program. He explained that students receiving more college hours in dual credit may be enrolling in four-year universities and not attending Blinn College or other community college when they graduate high school.
In addition, he noted that Blinn College currently has 18,109 students enrolled districtwide for the Fall 2025 term and expects the number to increase as late start classes are still enrolling. Mr. Schubert said that the Brenham Campus saw an increase in enrollment due to special populations, athletics, and on-campus housing. He mentioned that the Brenham housing was 96% full.
ACCSS Update. Ms. Susie Shank provided an ACCSS Impact Report to the committee. This report summed up the accomplishments and highlights of the work done during the first Greater Texas Foundation grant. Ms. Susie Shank also provided a list of student success activities offered to ACCSS schools, and she discussed additional programming offered to ACCSS students such as Sophomore Summit, If I Had a Hammer, Career Quest, Summer Bridge, and TSIA Boot Camps. She noted that three new schools (Sealy, Dime Box, and Moulton) have joined ACCSS. With the addition of these schools, a new part-time student success coach was added. Ms. Susie Shank noted that the health science offerings (Clinical Medical Assistant & Certified Nurse Assistant) on the Schulenburg Campus generated strong interest from area students. With La Grange hospital reopening soon, demand for healthcare professionals is expected to grow significantly.
Dietary Managers Program. Ms. Loraine Orellana gave a report on the Dietary Managers Program that is held on the Schulenburg Campus. She explained that it is a one-year program comprising 300 contact hours and attracts students from across the state.
Announcements. Dr. Becky Garlick gave an update on upcoming events on the Schulenburg Campus that include Sophomore Summit and Career Quest dates.
There was discussion and questions from several advisory committee members about the future of the Schulenburg Campus. Dr. Mary Hensley addressed concerns and let the committee know they are watching enrollment reports very closely and explained how funding for community colleges has changed dramatically. One of the biggest changes relates to dual-credit tuition. With the FAST program, some dual credit students may be taking classes free of charge and other students may take courses for reduced tuition. Dr. Hensley encouraged superintendents to promote completion of at least 15 semester credit hours, as the state now funds based on completion milestones rather than initial enrollment.
Mr. Leighton Schubert mentioned new state legislation that requires faculty to work 40 hours per week on campus regardless of teaching modality.
With no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:18 p.m.