BLINN BOARD AUTHORIZES PURCHASE OF 100-ACRE SITE IN WALLER-HARRIS COUNTY FOR SIXTH CAMPUS
Nearly a year after opening a new location in Waller, Blinn College is looking to expand its reach in the area.
The Blinn Board of Trustees unanimously agreed today (Tuesday) to authorize College administrators to negotiate the final terms and close on the purchase of a 100-acre site in Waller-Harris County on Binford Road, near Highway 290.
Blinn plans to establish a comprehensive commuter campus at the site, offering academic and workforce training programs. The location will be Blinn’s sixth, joining its Brenham, Bryan, RELLIS, Schulenburg and Sealy campuses.
The board’s approval includes performing negotiations for annexation and development agreements with the City of Waller.
Blinn Chancellor Dr. Mary Hensley said the acquisition “marks an exciting and significant milestone in our commitment to serving the growing needs of our community.” She said the new campus will provide students in the rapidly-growing eastern portion of the College’s service area with convenient access to Blinn’s programs.
The College’s next step in the development process is to create a programming and facilities plan to ensure the campus meets the needs of students and the community.
Last October, Blinn began offering evening courses at Waller ISD’s W.C. Schultz Junior High School. The courses will remain available as the College develops its new campus site.
Action on the item came after an executive session, and there was little discussion by the board once regular session reconvened. The board’s approval authorizes the negotiation of the purchase, with a purchase amount to be revealed at a later time.
Blinn Communications Director Richard Bray said the purchase and development of the Waller-Harris County property will be paid for with unrestricted reserve funds. The College will not use Washington County tax revenue, which is required by state law to be used for the maintenance and operations of campuses in Washington County.