About Neil Matkin, Ed.D.
In partnership with the district’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Neil Matkin has advanced
a clear and ambitious vision for Collin College — one grounded in student success,
sound fiscal stewardship, and expanded access to higher education in alignment with
the college’s mission, purpose, and core values. His leadership philosophy is exemplified
in the phrase prominently displayed in his office: “Students first, no excuses.” These
four words underscore his commitment to the student experience throughout every interaction
and touchpoint with Collin College — from the moment students step through the door to their connection as alumni.
Dr. Matkin’s leadership remains focused on the future of Collin College and the communities
it serves. His priorities include expanding workforce-aligned programs, strengthening
student completion and transfer outcomes, advancing long-range campus planning, and
continuing to remove barriers to affordable, high-quality higher education. Through
innovation, collaboration, and a student-first philosophy, he continues to position
Collin College as a leading force in North Texas education and workforce development.
Dr. Matkin previously served as executive vice president of the Louisiana Community
and Technical College System, where he provided leadership for 16 colleges. Earlier
in his career, he served as president of the Central Campus of San Jacinto College
in Pasadena, Texas; vice chancellor and chief information officer for the Virginia
Community College System; and chief administrative officer for the Illinois Century
Network.
Dr. Matkin holds an Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, and Master
of Business Administration. He earned his Doctor of Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce,
now known as East Texas A&M University.
Key Accomplishments
Dr. Matkin spearheaded several significant milestones for Collin College, including:
Expanding Educational Access
- Oversaw a $600 million capital expansion to advance the college's citizen-led, long-range master plan. Under his leadership, the college built four state-of-the art campuses and two centers in Allen, Celina, Farmersville, Frisco, McKinney, and Wylie. His vision of building for the future was fulfilled with the development of the IT Center at the Frisco Campus, the Public Safety Training Center in McKinney, and the new Celina, Farmersville, Frisco, McKinney, and Wylie campuses.
- Successfully led the implementation of the college’s five baccalaureate degrees.
- Launched the iCollin Virtual Campus, creating a streamlined and effective online learning platform for students.
- Guided the development of more than 80 new programs aligned with high-demand and emerging workforce fields through intentional collaboration with industry partners.
Enhancing Innovative Pathways and Partnerships
- Created the Collin College Academic Alliance with key university partners, enabling students to earn four-year bachelor’s degrees in Collin County at a fraction of the cost.
- Established the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Collin College, supporting future engineers with a savings of up to $40,000.
- Expanded Dual Credit partnerships throughout 50 high schools, allowing more high school students to earn an associate degrees alongside their high school diplomas, saving them time and resources as they jumpstart their collegiate careers.
Improving the Student Experience
- Strengthened academic and workforce advising, enrollment, and student support systems to streamline the transfer process and help students persist and complete.
- Expanded athletics and extracurricular activities to enhance student life.
- Addressed growing enrollment by providing two commencement ceremonies in the fall and spring.
Contact Information
Office of the President
Elected Officials Inquiries
Mary McClure
Vice President of External Relations
Elections Secretary and Legislative Affairs
469.365.1960
mmcclure@collin.edu
Media Inquiries
Other Inquiries
Leadership Team
The Leadership Team consists of the president's cabinet, campus provosts, and other
district leaders. It meets monthly and serves in an advisory role to the District
President.
View Leadership Team Contacts
Past Presidents
Dr. John Anthony, President (1985–1999)
Dr. John Anthony was the founding president of Collin College and one of the college’s
first five employees in 1985. Under his leadership, campuses were built in Frisco,
Plano, and McKinney.
Known for his open-door policy and keen sense of humor, Dr. Anthony established a list of 22 postulates which communicated a philosophy that guided the college for many years. Before coming to Collin College, he served as president of Portland Community College, Cayuga Community College, and Los Angeles City College.
Dr. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education, Accounting from Susquehanna University and a Master of Business Education, Psychology from Temple University. He earned his Doctor of Education in Business Education, Psychology from Temple University.
Known for his open-door policy and keen sense of humor, Dr. Anthony established a list of 22 postulates which communicated a philosophy that guided the college for many years. Before coming to Collin College, he served as president of Portland Community College, Cayuga Community College, and Los Angeles City College.
Dr. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Education, Accounting from Susquehanna University and a Master of Business Education, Psychology from Temple University. He earned his Doctor of Education in Business Education, Psychology from Temple University.
Dr. Cary Israel, President (1999–2014)
Dr. Cary Israel began his presidency at Collin College in 1999. An ardent advocate
for the college, he established Collin College as a recognized leader in health sciences
education. Passionate about providing students with scholarly opportunities and a
rigorous education, Dr. Israel spearheaded the creation of the college’s majestic
libraries at the Plano, Frisco, and McKinney campuses. Under his leadership, the college
built the Collin Higher Education Center.
Before coming to Collin College, Dr. Israel served as president of Raritan Valley
Community College in New Jersey, executive director/president of the Illinois Community
College Board, and president of Front Range Community College in Colorado.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with highest honors from Michigan State University
and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School.
Dr. Colleen Smith, Interim President (2014–2015)
Dr. Colleen Altaffer Smith served as Interim District President of Collin College
beginning in November 2014, providing leadership continuity following the resignation
of longtime president Dr. Cary A. Israel.
A seasoned higher education administrator with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Smith previously served as Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Development, overseeing academic programs and student success initiatives across the district. She concluded her interim service in 2015, coinciding with the appointment of Dr. Neil Matkin as district president.
Dr. Smith earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Texas Woman’s University and holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University–Commerce.
A seasoned higher education administrator with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Smith previously served as Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Development, overseeing academic programs and student success initiatives across the district. She concluded her interim service in 2015, coinciding with the appointment of Dr. Neil Matkin as district president.
Dr. Smith earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Texas Woman’s University and holds both a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University–Commerce.