Office of the President

 

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.

 

 


 

Neil Matkin
Neil Matkin, Ed.D.

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

Elected Officials Inquiries

Mary McClure
Chief of Staff
469.365.1960
mmcclure@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 Team

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.

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.