Sealy Campus Advisory Committee Meeting
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Sealy Campus Room 112
The Sealy Campus Advisory Committee met on February 25, 2026 in Classroom 112, located in the Main Building at 3701 Outlet Center Drive, Blinn-Sealy Campus.
Committee Members present were Mr. Bill Atkinson, Mr. Rick Kershner, Ms. Kimbra Hill, and Mr. Bryan McCauley.
Committee Member(s) absent were Ms. Laura Osborne and Dr. Megan Pape
Representing Blinn College present at the meeting were Dr. Mary Hensley and Ms. Lisa Caton.
The meeting was called to order by Rick Kershner at 12:22 p.m.
Welcome and Introductions. Rick Kershner welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked attendees to introduce themselves. Mr. Kershner then asked everyone to tell us something good to start the meeting.
Dr. Hensley began by inviting the committee members to the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Blinn College Waller campus to be held on Friday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m.
Bill Atkinson informed committee members about the recent groundbreaking for the Sika expansion scheduled for completion in November. It should immediately bring 70+ jobs to the Sealy area.
Bryan McCauley announced his new promotion to a mid-management position with the Texas Historical Commission. He told the committee that the San Felipe de Austin Museum and Historical site would be opening an archeology lab in October to facilitate more excavation in the area. He said this would be open to field trips and possible opportunities with Blinn for paid internships and the local site.
Approval of Minutes. Minutes were reviewed and after a proper motion from Bill Atkinson, seconded by Rick Kershner, the Committee unanimously approved the minutes of October 8, 2025, Advisory Committee meeting.
Enrollment Update. Lisa Caton presented preliminary enrollment numbers to the committee including on-campus, online and dual credit students in the Sealy area. She explained that these were preliminary numbers due to the ongoing enrollment for the second 8-week courses. The numbers show a steady decline in enrollment on the Sealy Campus, an increase in the dual credit enrollment, and a slight decrease in students from the Sealy area enrolled in online.
Career Quest Update. Lisa Caton presented information about the recent Career Quest event held on the Sealy Campus. She explained that 244 Sealy ISD 8th graders were bussed to campus for the day where members of local businesses and representatives from Blinn College gave presentations on potential career opportunities. They participated in Career Cruising, an online tool that matches their attributes with career fields. They were also led through a reality check on the cost of living and the importance of budgeting and planning for the future. Lunch was provided and the ISD has already requested to participate again in the fall. Participating in the event were members of Blinn College faculty and staff representing health sciences, criminal justice and law, agricultural sciences and education. Also participating were Yellawood/Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc., San Bernard Electric Coop, Sealy Fire Department and Meathead Career Center. This event was facilitated and funded by the ACCSS Partnership Grant.
Open Discussion. Rick Kershner opened the floor for discussion. Bill Atkinson shared that the EDC is working with DZMI, Outlet Center property owner, on wayfinding signage regarding better signage off I-10 for the Outlet Center and other businesses. Dr. Hensley suggested he get in touch with Richard Bray regarding signage as he has been working with TXDOT on other signage for the college.
With no other business, Bryan McCauley made the motion to adjourn, Bill Atkinson seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 12:55 p.m. by Rick Kershner.