After years spent supporting Brazos County residents, it’s no surprise that Blinn College Foundation Chair and Brazos County Commissioner Nancy Berry is stepping up once again with an eye on education.
Berry recently gifted $100,000 to establish the Nancy Berry Leadership Scholarship, which will benefit Blinn students who attended a Brazos County high school and have demonstrated the drive and dedication to become leaders within their communities.
“Blinn is a steppingstone for a bright future,” said Berry. “We need to enhance the capability of young leaders and give them a leg up. I just want to support and encourage them.”
Prior to her election as County Commissioner, Berry served as Mayor of College Station from 2010-2016 and on the city council from 2004-2006. She also served on the Blinn Board of Trustees from 2015-2016. She currently serves as the Chair of the Blinn College Foundation Board of Directors.
An active community volunteer, Berry served on the boards for Habitat for Humanity, the Brazos Valley Symphony Society, and the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley. She is past president of the United Way and the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley and served as Board Chair of College Station Medical Center. She previously served on the Junior League Advisory Counsil, Transportation Advocates of Texas, Keep Brazos Beautiful, and the Sister Cities.
At the state level, she has served on the boards of the United Ways of Texas and the Texas Commission on the Arts. She continues to serve on the boards of the College Station Independent School District Education Foundation, Brazos County 9-1-1 Board of Directors, the Boys & Girls Club of Brazos County, and the Brazos County YMCA. She served on the advisory boards of the Ronald McDonald Charities.
She also is the recipient of numerous awards for her dedication to public service.
“Commissioner Berry’s contributions to Brazos County are innumerable and with the establishment of this scholarship she cements her commitment to education and supporting the students at Blinn College,” Blinn College Foundation Vice Chair Sam Sommer said. “We truly are grateful for her support and know her generosity will make a meaningful impact on students for years to come.”
The Blinn Foundation is a tax-exempt organization that provides financial support for programs and activities that enhance the quality of education for Blinn students and expand educational opportunities. It also looks to heighten community awareness of the mission and accomplishments of the College and to promote excellence in education.
Endowed scholarships are available to incoming and returning students from a wide range of backgrounds, majors, and experiences. Students are considered based on high academic achievement, participation in student activities, and community involvement.
Students who are awarded the Nancy Berry Leadership Scholarship will be required to submit an essay to the Foundation that highlights their leadership skills and goals.
Current high school and college students can apply for Blinn scholarships by completing the application at www.blinn.edu/scholarships. Prior to applying for scholarships, students must complete their application for admission to Blinn College at www.applytexas.com
About the Blinn College District
With innovative programs and award-winning co-enrollment partnerships, Blinn’s academic transfer rate ranks No. 1 among Texas community colleges. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.
Courtesy of Richard Bray, Director of Communications, Media Relations, and Marketing.
