Blinn student discovers new opportunities through honor society

Caleb Haggerty finds his path in engineering and statewide leadership through the Texas A&M Engineering Academy and Phi Theta Kappa

August 6, 2026

When Caleb Haggerty raised his hand during a Phi Theta Kappa meeting at the Blinn College-Brenham Campus, he did not know the decision would lead to a statewide leadership position.

It was one of several chances Haggerty has taken while pursuing a new academic path — one that brought him from Florida to Texas, from business studies to engineering, and from uncertainty about Phi Theta Kappa to service as the honor society’s District V Vice President.

“When I raised my hand at a chapter meeting, I had no idea where it would lead,” Haggerty said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work on exciting projects and connect with students across the state. PTK turned out to be the perfect way to get involved.”

Originally from Tampa, Fla., Haggerty enrolled as a business major at a Florida community college. His plans changed after a business calculus course introduced him to a new passion.

“After I had taken a class called business calculus, I found a love for math and I wanted more,” he said.

That led Haggerty to move to Texas and enroll in the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Blinn-Brenham. He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering at Texas A&M University and eventually pursue a master’s degree in business administration.

Through the Engineering Academy, students who complete the program with at least a 3.75 cumulative grade point average at Blinn and Texas A&M earn automatic admission to their first-choice engineering major. Students who complete the program with at least a 2.5 GPA within the required timeframe are eligible to apply for admission to a degree-granting engineering major.

Haggerty’s academic goals build upon a family legacy established by his father, a Texas A&M graduate.

“I will be the first Haggerty to achieve a master’s degree. My father was the first Haggerty to get a college degree,” he said.

Haggerty hopes to combine his interests in engineering and business to eventually launch a venture of his own.

“I have always loved the idea of owning my own business, but I’ve struggled to take the first steps,” he said. “One idea that I have is to own land and start some ventures into agriculture with my family. I believe this could be a good place to start.”

Haggerty also has embraced opportunities for leadership and service through Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for community college students.

After transferring to Blinn-Brenham, Haggerty attended his first PTK chapter meeting and discovered a community of students who shared his commitment to achievement and service.

“My first semester at Blinn, I learned that PTK is filled with people who strive for success,” he said. “I wanted to see what opportunities PTK could offer. Attending chapter meetings helped me understand what the organization is really about.”

His involvement with Blinn’s Beta Alpha Chapter ultimately led to his election as District V Vice President for the PTK Texas Region. Earlier this month, he attended the PTK Texas Honors Institute, where he continued to develop his leadership skills and connect with students from across the state.

Haggerty encourages other students to remain open to opportunities, even when they are uncertain where those opportunities might lead.

“If you receive an invitation to Phi Theta Kappa, attend a meeting and see what it’s about,” he said. “You might be surprised by the opportunities waiting for you.”

Balancing engineering coursework, leadership responsibilities, and work is not always easy, Haggerty said, but each challenge offers another opportunity to grow.

“I’m committed to performing well in all these aspects,” he said.

For more information about Blinn’s engineering programs, visit www.blinn.edu/engineering.

To learn more about Blinn’s student organizations, including the Phi Theta Kappa honors society, visit www.blinn.edu/student-leadership-activities.

About the Blinn College District

With innovative programs and award-winning co-enrollment partnerships, Blinn’s academic transfer rate ranks No. 1 among Texas community colleges. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.