COM History

Go to the 1980s Album to see images of College of the Mainland in the past.

1980

• COM Community Theatre recognized by American Theatre Institute for its new playwright series.

1981

• Dr. Donald F. Mortvedt becomes COM's third president (Interim).

• First AAS degree in child development.

• COM Union chartered.

1982

• Dr. Justin D. Sundermann becomes COM's fourth president.
• Drafting technology program adds CAD to curriculum.

1983

• Two new degree plans established - ABA and AS.

• Larry Stanley becomes COM's fifth president.

1984

• COM art gallery show "Houston Figurative Art" named one of the 10 best exhibits of 1984 by Houston Chronicle.

1985

• Dislocated workers program begins with a $275.000 federal grant to retrain laid-off workers.

• A 20,000 square feet expanse to the Tech-Voc Building is completed yielding computer labs, classrooms, offices and the Child Development Lab School. The Math-Science Bldg was also expanded.
• COM Board adopts polciy stating that no College funds are to be invested in corporations doing business in South Africa or in any financial instruments that invest in companies operating in South Africa.

1986

• COM opens Small Business Assistance Center as community service to businesses and prospective entrepreneurs in the area.

1987

• COM celebrates 20th anniversary Oct. 14 with record enrollment of over 3,300 students.

1988

• Reunion of veterans of Mexican Revolution at COM attracts national attention.

1989

• Cosmetology program enrolls its first students in a new building at Appomattox Square (now home to PACT.
• Coincidentally, campus beautification program initiated that resulted in planting 200 trees, landscaping, cover walkways, a jogging trail and renovation of the Student Center.