A Year in Review
This past year was filled with moments worth celebrating. Take a moment to reflect on the people, programs, and milestones that defined it.
January
Hutchins named Vice Chancellor
Carin Hutchins was named Vice Chancellor of Fiscal Affairs at San Jacinto College, where she oversees a broad range of administrative and financial departments and serves as an advisor to the San Jacinto College Foundation. Hutchins, who joined the College
in 2020 and is a CPA with an MBA from the University of Texas.
San Jac named among America’s Top Online Colleges
San Jacinto College was named one of America's Top Online Colleges for 2025 by Newsweek and Statista, ranking
42nd out of 250 institutions nationwide. This recognition highlights the College's
strong commitment to accessible, high-quality online education and student success.
REU STEM Symposium
San Jacinto College students, alumni, and other local undergraduates presented their
research during the Research Experiences for Undergraduates STEM Symposium at the
Central Campus.
February
Students selected for all-state ensembles
San Jacinto College music students were selected for the Texas Two-Year College All-State
choir, jazz band, and symphonic band—the highest honor for community college music
students in the state. This achievement reflected the College’s strong tradition of
musical excellence and its commitment to preparing students for professional careers
and university transfer.
College launches logistics bachelor’s degree
The College announced a new Bachelor of Applied Technology in Logistics and Supply Chain
Management to meet growing workforce demand in one of the nation’s fastest-growing
industries. Developed with input from major industry partners, the program is designed to offer flexible, high-quality training for working professionals and
is expected to launch in Spring 2026, pending final approvals.
Clemens joins Baseball Hall of Fame
Former San Jacinto College and Major League Baseball pitcher Roger “Rocket” Clemens
was honored at the College Baseball Foundation’s Night of Champions for being inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, Clemens, who began his collegiate
career at San Jac in 1981 before leading the University of Texas to a national championship,
joining 11 others recognized for their contributions to college baseball.
Children of a Lesser God
This deeply moving, beautifully written play details the romance and marriage of a
sensitive but spirited deaf girl and the devoted (and hearing) teacher whom she meets
at a school for the deaf. The play highlights the unique perspectives and challenges
faced by the deaf community, advocating for understanding and respect.
Incumbent Workforce Open House
The LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology at San Jacinto College hosted its first Incumbent Workforce Open House.
Black History Month
Student Engagement & Support invited students to discover the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of African drumming
and dance during the Intuitive Dance and Drum events held at all three campuses.
March
College honored with Education Champion Award
San Jac received the Education Champion Award at the 41st Annual Governor’s Volunteer
Awards, recognizing the College’s commitment to service learning and impactful community
engagement. Presented by OneStar Foundation and the Office of the Texas Governor, the award highlighted the College’s
efforts to foster student civic responsibility and workforce readiness through hands-on
volunteer initiatives.
Hellyer honored by South Belt-Ellington Chamber of Commerce
Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer was honored as one of the South Belt-Ellington Chamber
of Commerce Citizens of the Year at its annual gala. Held at the College’s Central
Campus, the event also recognized other community leaders and paid tribute to the
late Marie Flickinger, former San Jacinto College Board Chair and longtime chamber supporter.
April
College named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
San Jac was designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency, recognizing its high-quality cybersecurity education
and commitment to workforce development. The designation, bestowed through 2030, affirms that the College’s cybersecurity programs meet rigorous national standards and play a vital role in addressing
the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field.
Aspen recognizes San Jac as top 2 school
The College was named a Finalist with Distinction for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community
College Excellence, recognizing it as one of the top community colleges in the nation.
The Aspen Institute highlighted the College’s strong commitment to student success
through proactive advising, planning, and support services.
May
San Jac, Texas State sign co-enrollment agreement
San Jacinto College and Texas State University signed a co-enrollment agreement on
May 5, 2025, to expand access to four-year degrees and streamline the path to graduation.
The partnership will initially focus on business degrees, allowing students to earn
associate and bachelor’s credits simultaneously while completing both degrees at San
Jacinto College.
Campuses face off in welding competition
Central and North Campus competed in the 2025 Battle of the Campuses Welding Competition,
with North Campus securing the most overall wins. The event featured 73 participants
across categories including stainless steel welding, pipe welding, plate welding,
and artistic metalwork.
College partners with TDLR on state licensing exams
San Jac has partnered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to administer
state licensing exams as final exams for students in cosmetology, barbering, massage
therapy, manicurist, and esthetician programs. This collaboration enables students
to receive their state licenses immediately upon graduation, expediting their entry into the workforce. Approximately 130 students participated in this initiative during the spring 2025 semester.
June
Judy Harrison voted to Board of Trustees
Judy Harrison elected to Board of Trustee Position 3 with 51.42% of the vote.
College expands CDM program nationwide
San Jac is expanding its nationally recognized Cancer Data Management program nationwide. The program, accredited by the National Cancer Registrars Association, offers a
100% online Associate of Applied Science degree and Advanced Technical Certificate,
preparing students for roles such as Certified Tumor Registrar or Oncology Data Specialist.
Graduates can pursue careers in hospital settings, state or national cancer registries, or cancer organizations,
with average salaries starting at $57,000 annually.
Larry Wilson voted to Board of Trustees
Incumbent Larry Wilson won re-election to Position 4 on the San Jacinto College Board
of Trustees with 60.77% of the vote.
July
San Jac, Intuitive Machines create pharmaceutical recovery training
San Jac is partnering with Intuitive Machines to develop a biopharmaceutical material handling program,
which prepares technicians to safely manage pharmaceuticals returned from space. This
initiative will support Intuitive Machines’ Earth Reentry Program — building on its partnership with America’s first commercial space biotech company,
Rhodium Scientific — and marks a major step toward building a commercial pipeline for space-based medication
development.
Former MLB all-star Williams returns to San Jac baseball
Former Major League Baseball All-Star Woody Williams has returned to San Jac as assistant coach and pitching coordinator for the Ravens baseball team. Williams, a 15-year MLB veteran and seasoned collegiate coach, rejoins the Ravens
after three years serving as a pitching coach at the University of Texas and the University
of Houston.
First education bachelor’s degree class graduates
San Jac’s inaugural class graduated from the Bachelor of Applied Science in Education with an emphasis in early childhood education program in summer 2025. Proving the program's quality and students’ dedication, all seven graduates secured teaching positions in the greater Houston area.
August
STEM students benefit from A Abana scholarship
Agencia de Seguros de Accesso LLC (A Abana) supported the enrichment of STEM students through the Houston Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship.
With this $6,000 donation, students in STEM fields can receive financial assistance to help them pursue their educational goals.
EMS program numbers among state’s top 10
San Jac has been recognized as one of the top 10 emergency medical services education programs
in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services Office of EMS/Trauma
Systems. This distinction was based on the program’s three-year average National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians pass rate — a combined total of 181 paramedic and EMT students and a 91% pass rate on the national
certification exam.
September
Student named Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar
San Jac student Anabela Giaimis has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar and awarded a $1,000 scholarship
from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. She numbered among only 220 Phi Theta Kappa members nationwide to receive this honor, which recognizes
outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated leadership potential.
Reiland honored with ACCT award
The Association of Community College Trustees named Mandi Reiland, executive operations
manager to San Jac’s Board of Trustees and Chancellor, as the sole nominee from the Western Region for
the 2025 Professional Board Staff Member Award. This prestigious award recognizes board professional staff members — one from each of ACCT’s five regions nationwide — who have made an exceptional contribution to their colleges’ governance and leadership.
Center for Biotechnology opens at Gen Park Campus
The new Center for Biotechnology opened at San Jac’s Generation Park Campus on Sept. 26. The state-of-the-art facility offers comprehensive, hands-on training in realistic good manufacturing practices-simulated environments, preparing students and industry professionals with the critical
skills to succeed in the exploding biopharmaceutical sector.
October
State of the College address highlights ‘A Raven’s Journey’
Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer delivered the 2025 State of the College address, centering
on the theme “A Raven’s Journey.” The annual event Oct. 16 brought together San Jac’s Board of Trustees, elected officials, community leaders, and College employees to
celebrate progress and reflect on the impact of education in shaping lives.
Ramirez named 2025 HR Impact Award honoree
Sandra Ramirez, vice chancellor of human resources, organizational and talent effectiveness, was named a 2025 HR Impact Award winner by the Houston Business Journal in the Large Company
category. The award recognizes human resources leaders who play a vital role in the success
of Houston’s top companies. Ramirez joined San Jac in 2010 and has served as vice chancellor since 2019.
November
Burke fills Board of Trustees vacancy
San Jac’s Board of Trustees appointed Chad Burke Nov. 3 to fill Trustee Position 5, vacated by the late John Moon Jr. Since 2009, Burke has served as president and CEO of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region.
Expos invite students to explore stellar STEM
Local youth experienced astronomically engaging science, technology, engineering, and math with
hands-on demos and experiments at campuses in late fall 2025. San Jac and Communities in Schools of Southeast Harris and Brazoria County partnered
to spotlight STEM education and careers for children and family members from Communities
in Schools’ afterschool programs. The three STEM expos — themed “Out of This World” — welcomed more than 1,700 attendees.
Veterans staff receive state award
San Jac received the Silver Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award from the Texas
Veterans Commission. The award recognizes the College’s commitment to supporting student
veterans and military-connected students. Established by the Texas Legislature, the award highlights Texas colleges and universities that provide exceptional education and services to veterans and their
families.
GEAR UP grant supports college readiness
San Jac received the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Partnership grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The $1.19 million award marks the first year of a seven-year grant totaling nearly $7.9 million, with funding supporting academic resources, dual credit opportunities, and college/career exploration activities for more than 1,500 Galena Park ISD students.
San Jac competing again for Aspen Award
The Aspen Institute named San Jac as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize
for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement
and performance among two-year colleges. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.
Center for Biotechnology named Star Award finalist
San Jac’s biomanufacturing training program was named a finalist for the 2025 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award.
This recognition honors the College’s exemplary contributions to Building a Talent
Strong Texas and reflects the theme of this year’s awards — “From Classroom to Career:
A Future-Ready Texas.”
December
Three named to top seats
The Board of Trustees has approved three individuals to top seats on the College’s Strategic Leadership Team. Dr. Alexander Okwonna, current North Campus provost, will become the new deputy chancellor and College
president, effective August 2026. Dr. Rhonda Bell, formerly dean of nursing and imaging, became the new Central Campus provost Dec. 1, and Dr. Christopher Wild, most recently the assistant vice chancellor/vice president of biotechnology, now heads the Generation Park Campus
as provost.
San Jac named one of America’s top online colleges
San Jac has been recognized as one of America’s Top Online Colleges for 2026 by Newsweek and
global data-research firm Statista, securing the sixth position nationally among 250 ranked institutions. This ranking underscores the College’s
commitment to delivering high-quality online education that meets the evolving needs
of today’s students.
Grant advances student success, workforce readiness
Houston Endowment awarded San Jac a $500,000 grant to help strengthen the College’s programs and student support services as it implements Texas House Bill 8 and Senate
Bill 1786. The investment will help more students complete credentials of value, transfer successfully, and enter high-demand, high-wage
careers aligned with Texas workforce needs.
David Carpenter named 2026 Minnie Stevens Piper nominee
David Carpenter, assistant professor of Information Technology, was named San Jacinto
College’s 2026 nominee for the prestigious Minnie Stevens Piper Professor Award. The
award recognizes his exceptional teaching, commitment to student success, and leadership
in advancing the College’s cybersecurity and IT programs. Additional San Jacinto College
faculty, staff, and administrators were also honored as 2025-2026 Excellence Award
recipients.
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