Infomaniacs: March 29, 2016 (6:00am)

Texas A&M Forest Service Fourth Round Of Rural Fire Department Grants Includes 27 Recipients In Brazos And Surrounding Counties

The Texas A&M Forest Service announces recipients of its fourth round of rural fire department grants. 27 volunteer fire departments in Brazos and surrounding counties are getting a combined grant total of $1,856,200 dollars. Five of the grants for new fire trucks totals $1,295,000 dollars. 22 grants for a variety of equipment totals $561,200 dollars. Click HERE to read and download the statewide list of 531 grant recipients totaling a combined $29.3 million dollars. Breakdown of recipients from Brazos, Grimes, Burleson, Robertson, Leon, Madison, Washington, and Milam counties: Brazos County Precinct 4 Volunteer Fire Department Brazos Fire and Rescue Equipment $25,000.00 South Brazos County Fire Department Brazos Large Brush Truck $265,000.00 Bedias Volunteer Fire Department Inc Grimes Personal Protective Equipment 25,000.00 Central Grimes County Volunteer Fire Department Grimes Slip-On Unit $45,000.00 Iola Volunteer Fire Department Grimes Training Aids $10,000.00 Plantersville-Stoneham Volunteer Fire Department Grimes Small Brush Truck $165,000.00 Shiro Volunteer Fire Department Inc Grimes Fire and Rescue Equipment $25,000.00 Todd Mission Volunteer Fire Department Grimes Training Aids $10,000.00 Beaver Creek Volunteer Fire Department Burleson Personal Protective Equipment $25,000.00 Birch Creek Area Volunteer Fire Department Burleson Fire and Rescue Equipment $25,000.00 Black Jack Volunteer Fire Department Burleson Training Aids $10,000.00 Bremond Volunteer Fire Department Robertson Slip-On Unit $45,000.00 Easterly Volunteer Fire Department Robertson Fire and Rescue Equipment $25,000.00 Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department Leon Fire and Rescue Equipment $25,000.00 Jewett Volunteer Fire Department Inc. Leon Slip-On Unit $45,000.00 Leona Volunteer Fire Department Leon Dry Hydrant $1,200.00 Marquez Volunteer Fire Department Leon Water Tender $300,000.00 Midway Volunteer Fire Department Madison Fire and Rescue Equipment $25,000.00 North Zulch Volunteer Fire Department Madison Fire and Rescue Equipment $25,000.00 Chappell Hill Volunteer Fire Department Washington Fire and Rescue Equipment $25,000.00 Prairie Hill – Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department Washington Water Tender $300,000.00 Salem Volunteer Fire Department Washington Large Brush Truck $265,000.00 Washington Volunteer Fire Department Washington Personal Protective Equipment $25,000.00 Buckholts Volunteer Fire Department Milam Personal Protective Equipment $25,000.00 Cameron Volunteer Fire Department Milam Fire and Rescue Equipment $25,000.00 City of Milano Volunteer Fire Department, INC Milam Slip-On Unit $45,000.00 Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department Milam Personal Protective Equipment $25,000.00

Allen Academy Announces A New Head Of School

The 140th anniversary of Allen Academy…with all but the first three years in Bryan…comes with the naming of a new head of school. Leading the private school for three year olds through high school is Keith Currivean. Dr. Currivean’s nearly four decades in education includes nearly three decades of experience as a head of school. His career includes teaching middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate-level courses; leading complex organizational initiatives; managing budgets of up to $18 million; and leading schools serving 350 to 1,200 students. Currivean has earned numerous musical and coaching honors, including Michigan State Coach of the Year. He holds degrees in music, theology, educational leadership and counseling, in addition to a doctorate in educational philosophy. Allen Academy’s interim head of school, Benjamin Jordan, is now assistant head of school. Additional information from Allen Academy: Allen Academy announces Dr. Keith Currivean as the school’s next Head of School, officially beginning his tenure on April 1, 2026. Dr. Currivean is an accomplished educational leader with nearly three decades of experience as a Head of School and nearly four decades in education. A graduate of an independent school, he first became Head of School at his alma mater in 2000 and has since guided schools through strategic growth, program innovation, accreditation, and community engagement. Prior to joining Allen Academy, Dr. Currivean served in a variety of leadership roles in PreK–12 and higher education. His experience includes teaching middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate-level courses; leading complex organizational initiatives; managing budgets of up to $18 million; and leading schools serving 350 to 1,200 students. A former collegiate athlete and semi-professional tubist, Dr. Currivean has earned numerous musical and coaching honors, including Michigan State Coach of the Year. He holds degrees in music, theology, educational leadership and counseling, in addition to a doctorate in educational philosophy. As Head of School at Allen Academy, Dr. Currivean is committed to advancing a culture defined by Excellence, Integrity, Community, and Adaptability while preparing students for lives of purpose and impact. Outside of school, he enjoys reading, hiking, weightlifting, community service, and spending time with his children. Dr. Currivean joins Allen Academy following a thoughtful search process led by the Head of School Search Committee, the Board of Trustees, and NextEd. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Allen Academy as the school continues to build on its foundation of academic excellence, character development, and community partnership. “Dr. Currivean’s leadership, experience, and commitment to independent school education made him stand out throughout this process,” said Paul Dyson, Chair of the Allen Academy Board of Trustees. “He earned the unanimous support from the Board, because it was clear from our conversations that he understands the mission of Allen Academy and the importance of building a school community where students are truly known, challenged to grow, and inspired to succeed. “ Allen Academy’s mission is to empower students to lead lives of purpose and impact through excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, with an emphasis on character. As Head of School, Dr. Currivean will lead Allen Academy’s continued efforts to strengthen the student experience, support outstanding faculty, and advance the school’s long-term vision. “I’m honored to join the Allen Academy family and grateful for the warm Aggieland welcome I’ve already received,” said Dr. Keith Currivean. “Allen is a special place with wonderful people; it’s a school with a proud history, a strong mission, and a close-knit community that values character and excellence. It’s clear that generations of families have poured their hearts into this school, and I’m excited to partner with our outstanding faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and Board as we build upon Allen Academy’s remarkable legacy, and as we continue preparing students for lives of purpose and impact.” In conjunction with Dr. Currivean’s arrival, Dr. Benjamin Jordan, who has served as Interim Head of School, transitioned into the role of Assistant Head of School. This leadership structure is designed to provide stability, continuity, and collaboration as Allen Academy enters its next chapter. Allen Academy is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest and serves students in Early Childhood through 12th grade. Located in Bryan, Texas, Allen Academy is known for its commitment to academic excellence, athletics, the arts, leadership, and character. For more information about Allen Academy, visit www.allenacademy.org.

Blinn College Opens Its First Waller Campus Building & Joins A Regional Industrial Biomanufacturing Education Consortium

Blinn College officials hold the grand opening of their first new building in Waller. Classes start July sixth at the workforce education building, which is located less than a block from Blinn’s first academic building in Waller, which is scheduled to open in the fall of next year. The workforce building includes three lecture classrooms and labs for students in programs dealing with computers, medical specialties, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. Blinn College announces joining a statewide partnership of 18 community colleges and universities to help prepare students for innovative careers in the high-demand biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors. A Blinn news release says the regional industrial biomanufacturing education consortium will give students “the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials and gain skills that are relevant across the state, giving them a competitive advantage as they enter the workforce.” The news release says this will be based on Blinn’s campus in Bryan. Blinn College news release about the grand opening of the Waller campus workforce education building: The Blinn College District celebrated the grand opening of its new Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex on Wednesday, marking an important step in the College District’s efforts to expand access to workforce training and technical education in Waller and Harris County. Located at 30029 Binford Park Road in the City of Waller, the 17,000-square-foot complex is designed to serve students, employers, and the region’s growing workforce needs. The facility includes three lecture classrooms, a computer learning lab, a medical learning lab, a mechatronics/advanced manufacturing lab, a skilled trades lab, and faculty and staff offices. Registration is currently open for summer II and fall classes at the Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex, as well as across Blinn’s six campuses. The Complex will host its first classes with the summer II term beginning Monday, July 6. Prospective students can learn more and apply at www.blinn.edu/waller or call 936-463-5152 for additional information. The grand opening ceremony featured remarks from Blinn College District leaders, local officials, and community partners, followed by facility tours and lunch for attendees. “This is an exciting day for Blinn College, the City of Waller, and the surrounding region,” said Dr. Mary Hensley, Chancellor of the Blinn College District. “The Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex represents our commitment to providing students with access to high-quality education and hands-on training that leads to meaningful career opportunities. We are grateful to the many partners who helped make this facility possible and who share our vision for strengthening the regional workforce.” Blinn will offer a wide array of programs at the new facility, including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)-Basic certification, certified clinical medical assistant, HVAC, carpentry, construction management, and expanded mechatronics and advanced manufacturing courses. The medical learning lab will support students pursuing training in healthcare and emergency medical services, while the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing spaces will provide hands-on learning environments aligned with local industry needs. The new complex will allow Blinn to expand beyond its current evening offerings at Waller ISD facilities and provide daytime classes, creating greater access and flexibility for students. “The Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex is designed to provide students with the skills employers need most,” said Jay Anderson, Vice Chancellor for Applied Sciences, Workforce, and Economic Development. “By working closely with local industry, we have tailored our programs to meet workforce demand while giving students the opportunity to pursue rewarding, high-demand careers in their own community.” State Sen. Lois W. Kolkhorst, who secured vital funding for the construction and development of the Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex, emphasized the importance of hands-on technical education. “With AI coming, with this growth coming, and with everything changing, this campus is extremely important because we need hands-on training,” Kolkhorst said. “We are excited about the future, and the best days of Texas are ahead of us because of institutions like Blinn College.” State Rep. Mike Schofield said the facility will help meet the educational needs of one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas. “When their children are ready to pursue opportunities that will prepare them for the workforce, help them build a career, feed their families, and pursue the American dream, they are going to do it here at Blinn College because of the work you have done,” he said. State Rep. Trey Wharton praised the new complex for expanding local access to higher education and preparing students for the hands-on careers that will support the region’s growth. “Because of the growth taking place here, students are not going to have to leave the area to learn,” he said. “They can continue living here, working here, giving back, and paying it forward.” The complex is located less than a block from the future site of Blinn’s Waller Campus, which is scheduled to open its first building in fall 2027. The site also is just minutes from Daikin Texas Technology Park, one of the region’s largest employers. Last year, Blinn announced the purchase of 100 acres at 29638 FM 2920 in Waller for the purpose of developing the College District’s sixth campus. With the new Waller Campus, Blinn will bring its academic reputation, affordable tuition, and transfer pathways to the Waller-Harris County community. Blinn has the highest academic transfer rate in the State of Texas and specializes in helping students transfer seamlessly to leading four-year universities, including Texas A&M University, Sam Houston State University, Prairie View A&M University, the University of Houston, Texas State University, and more. Most Blinn students save approximately 52% in tuition and general fees compared to the average state university, and Blinn offers more than 350 endowed scholarships to students from a wide range of backgrounds. To help students get started, Blinn will host upcoming Waller Registration Days at the Waller administration office located at 31406 FM 2920, Suite B203. These events will provide tours of the Workforce and Technical Education Complex as well as one-on-one assistance with admissions, advising, and registration from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, June 12; 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, June 24; […]