A Legacy of Leadership
Collin College has proudly served the community for four decades. Since its founding in 1985, strong presidential leadership has shaped the college, fostering impactful educational opportunities that have positioned Collin College as a national leader in higher education.
About Neil Matkin, Ed.D.
In collaboration with the district’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Neil Matkin has executed
a comprehensive vision to take Collin College to the next level of achievement through
a strategic plan focused on student engagement and success, fundraising and fiscal
management, and dramatically expanding the accessibility of higher education consistent
with the mission, purpose, and Core Values of the college. During his tenure, he has
championed a spirit of innovation now embedded throughout the district, executed the
implementation of the college’s first baccalaureate degrees, and strengthened the
college’s connections to the community. In addition, under his leadership, the college
created the iCollin virtual campus, opened an IT Center at the Frisco Campus, built
the Public Safety Training Center, and opened campuses in Allen, Celina, Farmersville,
and Wylie.
Dr. Matkin has previously served as executive vice president of the Louisiana Community
& Technical College System where he was executive vice president over 16 colleges.
Before that, Dr. Matkin was 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 Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, and Master
of Business Administration degrees. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from
Texas A&M University-Commerce.
President’s Perspective
President Matkin regularly communicates to stakeholders in the community. View a variety
of Publications to learn more.
Contact Information
Office of the President
Dr. Neil Matkin
District President
972.758.3800
nmatkin@collin.edu
Media Inquiries
Marisela Cadena-Smith
Associate Vice President, Communications
972.758.3896
mcsmith@collin.edu
Other Inquiries
Kristy Horkman
Executive Assistant to the District President
972.758.3800
khorkman@collin.edu
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 the Leadership TeamPast Presidents
Dr. John Anthony, President (1985–1999)
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 (1999–2015)
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, a unique multi-institutional higher education
facility for area students.
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.