Don Criss, a long time resident of Texas City, was a supporter of the College of the Mainland, and served on the College of the Mainland Board of Trustees from 2002-2011.
Originally, He was selected by the board, 4 -2, to serve out the last four years of Gary Weatherby’s term in the Santa Fe’s `District 5. Criss replaced Gary Weatherby, a union official, who resigned to take a job with the union in Kerrville. Don Criss served the last four years of Weatherby’s unexpired term.
BOT Roy Davilia stated at the time that his reason for voting for Don Criss, “he was instrumental in helping get this college here, when it first started. He has always been involved with this community in an active way and I know how much he cares about the people and this campus and educating the young people. I felt like Don would be devoted to serving because I know the kind of person he is and he’s retired now, so he will be available to work and be at all the meetings.”
BOT Ralph Holm stated, “I think that Mrs. Criss is amply qualified to serve on our board and I look forward to working with him. "I look forward to us moving ahead with the many projects and issues facing us. We’ve got a lot of work to do, like looking at our jobs training."
After a lifetime of challenges and accomplishments, Don Criss was ready for a new chapter in his life. He spent 20 years in the refinery business. As a board member he has devoted most of his free time to help the College of the Mainland prepare for the future.
Don Criss said that he was actually overwhelmed by the opportunity because he initially stepped in thinking that there would not be much, if any, competition. “I’ve been involved with politics all my life and I’ve always been interested in seeing this college go forth and grow.”
“In the beginning, I got involved with it when they were first trying to raise the money to build it. I’ve always had a deep interest in seeing the college grow and when I saw that the position was open, I decided to get involved because I believe in academic freedom and the need for all of our youth to get an education. We need more access to education and I felt like I have a lot to offer. “
I want to help, I don’t have an agenda, except to listen and have dialogue on almost any issue. I expect to do a lot of listening to try to make our college more accessible to students who are short of funds because access to education and academic are important to me.
Criss stated that academics and vocational education should be priorities for the college so students would be prepared to enter the workforce. Continuing education is also important.
Criss was asked, before the voting, his intentions for seeking a full six-year term when his current term expired in May 2005. His answer, “I can’t commit to serving another six years after this four.” That’s too far to look ahead.
After finishing the four-year team, Don Criss was elected to Position 5 and served until 2011. He was recognized at the June 27, 2011 Board of Trustees meeting for his years of service to the College of the Mainland and the community.
You can see more photos in our Don Criss album, all COM History Photos, or more about COM History.
(Excerpts from Galveston Daily News February 4, 2002)
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