College of the Mainland (COM) President, Dr. Warren Nichols has been selected to receive the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award and will be inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor for Retiring Presidents by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. This honor is awarded to retiring college presidents nominated by their PTK chapter in recognition of their many years of unwavering dedication to student success and mentorship of student leaders.
“It has been a privilege to serve the students of COM and to work alongside dedicated faculty and staff who share a passion for education,” said Dr. Nichols. “The most rewarding part of my career has been seeing students succeed—whether that’s earning a degree, starting a new career or achieving a personal goal.”
As president of COM, Dr. Nichols has championed key initiatives, including expanded workforce training programs, enhanced dual credit opportunities for high school students and increased support services to ensure student retention and completion. Under his leadership, COM has secured significant grants to bolster adult education and literacy programs, developed state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate growing enrollment, and strengthened partnerships with local industries to create direct career pathways.
Before joining COM, Dr. Nichols built an extensive career in higher education leadership, serving as the president of Volunteer State Community College in Tennessee and as the vice chancellor for community colleges at the Tennessee Board of Regents, where he oversaw a system of 13 community colleges. His tenure in these roles was marked by a strong commitment to student success, institutional growth and workforce development. Dr. Nichols is set to retire in Summer 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to empowering students and fostering educational excellence.
Photo: COM President Dr. Warren Nichols poses for a picture with the members of the PTK COM chapter.
Contact: Jose Salazar, Communications Specialist, (409) 933-8923 or jsalazar18@com.edu
College of the Mainland is a learning-centered, comprehensive community college dedicated to student success and the intellectual and economic prosperity of the diverse communities we serve. Taxing districts include the independent school districts of Dickinson, Hitchcock, Santa Fe and Texas City/La Marque. Its service area includes League City, Friendswood, Kemah, Bacliff and San Leon.
“It has been a privilege to serve the students of COM and to work alongside dedicated faculty and staff who share a passion for education,” said Dr. Nichols. “The most rewarding part of my career has been seeing students succeed—whether that’s earning a degree, starting a new career or achieving a personal goal.”
As president of COM, Dr. Nichols has championed key initiatives, including expanded workforce training programs, enhanced dual credit opportunities for high school students and increased support services to ensure student retention and completion. Under his leadership, COM has secured significant grants to bolster adult education and literacy programs, developed state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate growing enrollment, and strengthened partnerships with local industries to create direct career pathways.
Before joining COM, Dr. Nichols built an extensive career in higher education leadership, serving as the president of Volunteer State Community College in Tennessee and as the vice chancellor for community colleges at the Tennessee Board of Regents, where he oversaw a system of 13 community colleges. His tenure in these roles was marked by a strong commitment to student success, institutional growth and workforce development. Dr. Nichols is set to retire in Summer 2025, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to empowering students and fostering educational excellence.
Photo: COM President Dr. Warren Nichols poses for a picture with the members of the PTK COM chapter.
Contact: Jose Salazar, Communications Specialist, (409) 933-8923 or jsalazar18@com.edu
College of the Mainland is a learning-centered, comprehensive community college dedicated to student success and the intellectual and economic prosperity of the diverse communities we serve. Taxing districts include the independent school districts of Dickinson, Hitchcock, Santa Fe and Texas City/La Marque. Its service area includes League City, Friendswood, Kemah, Bacliff and San Leon.