Sealy Campus Advisory Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Classroom 108, Main Building, 3701 Outlet Center Drive, Blinn-Sealy Campus
Meeting Minutes
The Sealy Campus Advisory Committee met on September 25, 2024, in Classroom 108, located in the Main Building at 3701 Outlet Center Drive, Blinn-Sealy Campus.
Committee Members Present
- Mr. Bill Atkinson
- Mr. Rick Kershner
- Ms. Kimbra Hill
- Dr. Bryan Hallmark
- Ms. Chelsea Humes
Committee Members Absent
- Mr. Brian McCauley
Blinn College Representatives
- Dr. Mary Hensley
- Dr. Becky McBride
- Mr. Leighton Schubert
- Ms. Lisa Caton
Others Present
- Ms. Diane Kettering, Member of the Blinn College Board of Trustees
- Mr. Mike Barrow, City Planner for the City of Sealy
The meeting was called to order by Lisa Caton at 12:17 p.m.
Welcome and Introductions
Lisa Caton welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked that attendees to introduce themselves.
Election of Officers
Lisa Caton informed the Committee that it was time to choose a new Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary for the current school year. After a short discussion, Dr. Bryan Hallmark agreed to serve as Chairman, Chelsea Humes volunteered to serve as Vice Chairman and Kimbra Hill agreed to continue to serve as Secretary.
Approval of Minutes
After a proper motion from Chelsea Humes, seconded by Rick Kershner, the Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the April 4, 2024, meeting.
Student Services Update
Dr. Becky McBride, Vice Chancellor for Student Services, presented enrollment numbers to the committee including on-campus, online and dual credit students in the Sealy area. Dr. Hensley inquired about the population growth at Royal ISD and Sealy ISD.
Mr. Rick Kershner replied that a recent study of Independent School District populations indicated that Royal High Schools student population should grow from 2800 to 9000 by the year 2033. He went on to say that the same study predicted that Waller ISD would grow to 27,000 by 2033. Mr. Kershner informed the Committee that there are currently 17 subdivisions planned soon with several already under construction. He stated that the ISD would have to go out for a bond in the next couple of years to build new and/or update their current facilities to accommodate the growth.
Dr. Hallmark indicated much of the same growth is expected in Sealy with the student population growing faster than expected. Sealy ISD will be looking to go out for at least a 500-million-dollar bond by 2025 to accommodate the projected growth. He also expressed an interest in discussing the Early College High School program and plans to set up a meeting with the academic representatives to work out the details.
Mr. Leighton Schubert informed the Committee that the College had purchased approximately 100 acres in Waller County with plans to build a campus within the next 3 years. In the meantime, the College will continue to offer courses in Waller and provide the high school with dual credit opportunities.
City of Sealy Update
Mr. Bill Atkinson, Sealy Economic Development Executive Director, made a presentation to the Committee regarding the City of Sealy's Strategic Plan. He pointed out how the plan could impact Blinn College and how we could partner to recruit business and industry to the area and help with healthcare expansion.
He explained that the EDC is partnering with The Retail Coach to analyze the local market and identify the best retail opportunities in the area. He mentioned that representatives from The Retail Coach met with the Mafriges, who own the Outlet Mall where Blinn is currently located. They discussed ways to market the mall to retailers and how to get noticed by large retailers looking to locate to the area.
With no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:59 p.m. by Dr. Bryan Hallmark.