Heather Thielemann
Dr. Heather Thielemann has a passion for service. She is a sixth generation resident of Washington County in Texas. Though her pursuit of education took her to Baylor University on a track scholarship where she obtained both her bachelor and masters’ degrees, she moved back to Brenham, Texas and married Arlen Thielemann. A doctorate at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and a position as Vice President for Enrollment Management at SHSU for 14 years has not kept her away from her beloved Brenham as she commutes daily to work.
Since childhood, she had dreamed to keep Brenham a beautiful town, connecting people in Brenham to each other through service. That dream has been fulfilled as she:
Serves as President of Brenham GameChangers – working on character education in the school district;
Coordinates, plans and organizes the annual Cannery Kitchen Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day meals for homebound delivery; Serves on the Adams Angels Ministry board - support for families and children with childhood cancer;
Is a Member of 1st Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas; member of Personnel Committee (2012-2015); FBC Women’s ministry planning committee (January 2016 – current)
Served as Maifest President for seven years.
Was a Washington County Heritage Society board member (1996-2003);
Volunteers/planner for the City of Brenham Christmas Stroll Parade (2005-current)
Serves as a member of the Scott and White Hospital Foundation board,
Volunteers to help with local track meets
Other committees and awards/honors:
Troy Glasco Servant Leadership Award for Mission Brenham (2016)
John Maxwell Team certified speaker/coach (January 2016 – current)
“Make a Difference” award – Brenham ISD, February 2016
Texas Baptist General Convention, Nominations Committee for Affiliate Ministries, 2015/2016
National Exemplary Practice Award – Community College Business Officers – Blinn College – (2003-2004)
Legends Award – Baylor University track award for 1st All-American women in track (2011)
College All-American in Track and Field - 3200m relay for 1991 indoor season (1st All-American women at Baylor for Track and Field);
Women’s Southwest Conference Champion - 800m run for 1991 outdoor season
Greater Houston Partnership – State Relations Committee (current)
Chair of Enrollment Services Efficiency Committee of Texas;
Several state-wide committees with her role at the University
Heather will always see Brenham as a town with a bright future and numerous opportunities for people to come together. She considers each volunteer experience as a way to celebrate people while serving with her family: Arlen, and their children Shea (28), Dillon (20), Addie (18).
Heather continues on her lifetime leadership journey as she attends her first John Maxwell IMC event to grow in her faith, live with intention, and connect with people. She considers her workplace a home away from home, as she lives her leadership with those she works with through speaking, modeling, and mentoring.