In 2009 Dr. Brenda Hellyer was appointed chancellor of San Jacinto College, Texas' eighth largest community college with approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students, four campuses, and several extension centers. The College will open a 5th campus in Fall 2020.

Prior to joining San Jacinto College, Hellyer worked in the corporate world as an accountant in both the private and public arena. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, a master's degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin, and a doctorate degree in community college leadership from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Hellyer is involved with various commissions, committees, and boards at the national, state and local levels. Currently, she serves as Board Chair of the Texas Association of Community Colleges.