Ellen Ellison's love of teaching, horticulture honored with endowed scholarship

Jim Ellison gifts $35,000 to Blinn College Foundation to establish new endowed scholarship

January 12, 2026

Jim Ellison says his wife Ellen’s love of teaching was evident by a chance encounter in a restaurant with a former student.

“This girl came up and said, ‘Mrs. Ellison, I just want you to know that because of your encouragement, I got a job that you told me about.’ Ellen had tears …” Jim Ellison said. “Because of the impact they have on kids, teachers are so important. She truly loved teaching.”

Ellen Ellison’s love of teaching – and horticulture – are being recognized through a new endowed scholarship given in her memory by Jim Ellison, who recently gifted $35,000 to the Blinn College Foundation. She died in 2021.

First preference will be given to students majoring in horticulture. The second will be for any Blinn student.

Ellen Ellison’s teaching career included several years in Brenham ISD. She later became the first female president of the Brenham ISD school board. The Ellisons also have funded other scholarships at Brenham High School and Blinn.

The Ellisons established several thriving horticulture businesses when they moved to Brenham, including Ellison’s Greenhouses, Ellison’s Florist and Gift Shop, The Flower Pot, and The Mad Hut.

In 2004, the Ellisons established the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University (TAMU). Its mission is to advance the health and vitality of the floriculture industry on a national and international scope through exemplary academic leadership, cutting edge applied research, innovative extension outreach programs, and by mentoring well-educated, impassioned leaders to support the future of floriculture.

The Ellisons were inducted into the Society of American Florists Hall of Fame in 2019, and Ellen Ellison was inducted into the TAMU Horticulture Hall of Fame in 2002.

“Ellen did an amazing job in education and in the businesses,” said Jim Ellison, who serves on the Blinn Foundation board. “Her mind was always on education.”

Michael Schaefer, Chair of the Blinn Foundation Board of Directors, said the new endowed scholarship will help students receive the education Ellen Ellison felt was so important.

“The Ellisons have always been avid supporters of education at all levels, and this scholarship will certainly help a lot of students reach their career goals,” Schaefer said. “Ellen Ellison had a desire to help others, and we’re truly appreciative of the Ellisons’ gift that will be life-changing for generations.”

The Foundation, which oversees more than 300 endowed scholarships, 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.

The Foundation also seeks 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.

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.org.