Office of the Chancellor
Dr. Hensley and the Blinn College Police Department
Blinn College baseball honored by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
Dr. Hensley and Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III
Dr. Hensley and the Board of Trustees at Graduation
Under the leadership of Dr. Mary Hensley, the Blinn College District has emerged as a leader in student-focused programs and innovative community partnerships. Dr. Hensley’s accomplishments reflect a strong commitment to student success, workforce development, and academic excellence. Here are some key highlights from the 2023-24 academic year:
Academic Excellence and Student Success
- Top in Texas for Transfer Rates: Blinn ranks No. 1 in the state for academic transfer, with a rate of 45.4%, nearly doubling the state average of 26.0%.
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Accreditation: Dr. Hensley led the preparation and submission of Blinn’s Compliance Certification for accreditation reaffirmation and secured Board approval for the new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), Horizons: Guiding Students to Success, which offers targeted support for developmental education.
- Strategic Planning: Blinn's strategic plan, including updated mission and vision statements, received approval under Dr. Hensley’s guidance.
National and Statewide Recognition
- Bellwether Legacy Award Finalist: In 2024, Blinn was honored as a finalist for the prestigious Bellwether Legacy Award for its role in the RELLIS Academic Alliance, which recognizes long-term student success.
- Texas Workforce Commission All-Star Award: Blinn received the All-Star College Award for its exceptional contributions to workforce training, technical programs, and strong industry partnerships.
Workforce and Career Training
- Industry-Aligned Programs: Blinn’s technical programs, such as manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades, prepare students for high-demand careers with hands-on training and industry credentials.
- Corporate College and Small Business Support: Blinn partners with local employers through its Corporate College and the Small Business Development Center, creating customized curricula to meet workforce needs.
- Grant Funding: Blinn has secured significant funding, including nearly $900,000 in Skills Development Fund grants, to upskill employees in industries such as manufacturing and facilities management.
Student Success and Program Growth
- Nursing and Kinesiology Programs: Blinn’s Associate Degree Nursing program ranks No. 4 in the southwest, while its Kinesiology program ranks No. 6 nationally.
- Expanding Articulation Agreements: Under Dr. Hensley’s leadership, Blinn has expanded transfer agreements with institutions such as Texas A&M University, Southern New Hampshire University, Houston Christian University, and Texas A&M University-Commerce, providing students with seamless pathways to bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields.
Community and Dual-Credit Initiatives
- Dual-Credit Growth: Blinn continues to build strong dual-credit partnerships with local school districts, enrolling over 200 students from Waller High School and initiating career-focused programs in cybersecurity, drone technology, and mechatronics.
- Waller ISD Partnership: Blinn now offers evening courses at W.C. Schultz Junior High in Waller, providing accessible education to the community.
- P-TECH and Early College Programs: New partnerships with College Station ISD and Bellville ISD prepare students for technology careers while earning both a high school diploma and workforce credentials.
