How the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Blinn-Brenham placed Cody Kuffel on the path to a Texas A&M degree

Cody plans to specialize in computer science at Texas A&M

March 19, 2025

For Cody Kuffel, the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Blinn-Brenham was the ideal way to make his engineering dreams a reality. The Engineering Academy not only gave him the opportunity he needed, but also provided a supportive, close-knit environment that made all the difference in his success.

Discovering the Perfect Path

Cody first heard about the Texas A&M Engineering Academies during a conversation with a Texas A&M College of Engineering advisor.

“She told me they have had to turn down transfer students with 4.0 GPAs from Ivy League schools because other students get priority,” Cody said. “That’s when I asked, ‘Who does get priority?’ She told me about the engineering academies, and I immediately wanted to learn more.”

The Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Blinn-Brenham allows talented students to pursue their engineering degrees while co-enrolled at Texas A&M University and the Blinn College District. Engineering Academy at Blinn-Brenham students live as a community in Blinn residential housing and take both Blinn College and Texas A&M College of Engineering courses on the Brenham Campus.

Students who successfully complete the program with a minimum 3.75 cumulative grade point average at Blinn and Texas A&M earn automatic admission to their first-choice engineering major. Students who successfully complete the program with at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average within the required timeframe can apply for a degree-granting major at Texas A&M.

For Cody, discovering this opportunity was a turning point.

“I didn’t even know the Engineering Academy existed,” he said. “I just walked into the advisor’s office one day, and luckily, someone had missed their appointment, so I was able to speak with an advisor right away. That conversation changed everything for me.”

An Exceptional Academic Experience

In the Engineering Academy, Cody has thrived in an environment that balances Texas A&M-level coursework with Blinn’s close-knit, supportive learning atmosphere. Cody said that one of the most significant advantages is the smaller class sizes at Blinn, which provide students with greater access to professors.

“Our professors are completely focused on teaching,” he said. “They care about us and push us to succeed.”

One of Cody’s favorite professors is Dr. Eric Zhu, who commutes from Houston to teach Engineering Academy students.

“He has degrees from MIT and Columbia and could be teaching anywhere, but he’s here because he really cares about his students,” Cody said. “It’s not just about throwing kids in a room and hoping they make it. The faculty and staff here truly support us.”

Cody also credits the program’s strong sense of community for enhancing his experience.

“You’re surrounded by people who have the same goals and drive,” he said. “Everyone pushes each other to do better.”

In addition to his coursework, Cody has taken on a leadership role as the public relations officer for the Engineering Club.

“It’s great to see what goes on behind the scenes and help other students stay engaged,” he said. “We plan events, hold competitions, and make sure everyone has the resources they need. It helps build a strong network among students.”

The Financial Advantage

Beyond the academic benefits, Blinn has provided Cody with significant financial savings. Engineering Academy students taking 15 credit hours are estimated to save approximately $3,000 per semester.

“For students who are worried about the cost of college, this is a no-brainer,” Cody said. “You’re getting the same education, the same A&M resources, but at a fraction of the cost.”

A Bright Future Ahead

As he prepares to transition to Texas A&M in the fall, Cody plans to specialize in computer science, following in the footsteps of his mother, who works as Oxy’s Director of Cybersecurity. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he plans to go to law school, then use both degrees in a career focused on intellectual property and corporate law.

“I’ve always been fascinated by cybersecurity, and growing up, I’d listen in on my mom’s meetings whenever she worked from home,” Cody said. “It gave me a real-world look at what this field is like, and I'm really excited about combining that knowledge with law.”

For prospective students considering the Engineering Academy, Cody’s advice is simple: “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” he said. “You get A&M classes, an A&M ID, and you’re saving money. More importantly, you’re in an environment where you can build confidence and succeed before making the jump to Texas A&M.”

To learn more about the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Blinn-Brenham, visit www.blinn.edu/engineering-academy-brenham.