Blinn trustees Kenjura, Sommer announce that they will not run for re-election
Kenjura and Sommer combined for a half century of service
January 16, 2019
Fresh off the successful launch of the Blinn College District’s partnership at The Texas A&M University System’s RELLIS Campus and record enrollment for the Fall semester, Blinn trustees Atwood Kenjura and David Sommer are ready to leave the board in good hands.
Kenjura and Sommer announced during Tuesday’s meeting that they will not run for re-election to the Blinn Board of Trustees.
“After 43 years on the Board of Trustees, I am proud of the incredible progress Blinn has made, particularly the addition of the RELLIS Campus and the introduction of new facilities and academic programs under the leadership of the chancellor, Dr. Mary Hensley,” Kenjura said. “I leave the College and its future in excellent hands.”
Said Sommer, “It has been an honor to serve on the Blinn Board of Trustees and to play a role in the incredible accomplishments of these past seven years. It has been a pleasure to work alongside my fellow trustees and the administrative team led by Dr. Mary Hensley to build upon Blinn’s tradition of excellence.”
During his tenure on the board, Kenjura has served seven terms as Board Chair, four as Vice-Chair, and two as Secretary. Sommer served as Board Chair from 2015-2017 and has been Board Secretary since May 2017.
“Trustees Kenjura and Sommer leave a legacy of selfless service to Blinn College, its students, and the communities it serves,” said Charles Moser, Board Chair. “It has been a pleasure to serve alongside both men, and to witness the impact their dedication has made on the lives of Blinn students.”
Said Hensley, “Trustee Kenjura and Trustee Sommer have brought an insightful, forward-thinking approach to their leadership of the College. Their vision for the future and embrace of unique co-enrollment programs such as TEAM and the Texas A&M Engineering Academies at Blinn has helped establish Blinn as a destination for high-achieving students from across the State of Texas.”
A lifelong resident of Brenham and a 1965 graduate of Blinn College, Kenjura is the pharmacist and owner of Kenjura Pharmacy located in downtown Brenham. He graduated from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy in 1968, and has been an active member in numerous organizations, including the Texas Pharmacy Association Governmental Affairs Committee; the Brazos Valley Pharmacy Association, where he previously served as president; the National Association of Community Pharmacies; the United Drug Association; and the American Pharmaceutical Association.
An active community leader, Kenjura also has served as Board Director for the Brenham Rotary Club, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Washington County Little League, Brenham Booster Club, and Trinity Medical Center, and as president of the Brenham Country Club.
Kenjura’s other civic involvements include the Brenham Economic Development Foundation, the Washington County Heritage Society, the Washington County Cancer Society, and the Brenham Independent School District Building Committee. He was named to the Blinn College Alumni and Friends Hall of Honor in 1998 and was named man of the year by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce in 2011.
A Brenham native and Blinn College honors graduate, Sommer graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting.
He began his career with Germania Insurance as an accountant. He was appointed as Secretary-Treasurer in March 1994, and was elected as President and Chairman of the Board in 2000.
Throughout his career, he was very active in the insurance industry, serving on several insurance associations, including Southwestern Insurance Information Service, the Texas Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.
Sommer served on the Blinn College Foundation Board, where he held leadership roles as Board Chairman, Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance Committee. In 2010, he was inducted into the Blinn College Hall of Honor for his commitment to Blinn College and his community.
He retired in 2011 and was appointed to the Blinn Board of Trustees later that year.
Sommer has been active in local civic organizations as a member of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Board, the Economic Development Foundation, and as a board member for Hospice Brazos Valley and Camp For All.
