Collin College’s Mission to Deliver Brighter Future for Students and Communities

ON THE COVER: Collin College administrators, staff & students. Left to right: Daphne Babcock, Dr. Mary McRae (seated), Jacqueline Grayczyk, Dr. H. Neil Matkin, Presley Davis, Andy Hardin, Chris Drury, Raphaella Zuniga, Danny Dang, Doug Willis

Cover Photo by Nick Young

Since offering its first classes at area high schools in 1985, Collin College has expanded to serve more than 60,000 credit and continuing education students each year. The only public college based in the county, the college offers more than 200 degrees and certificates in a wide range of disciplines, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Construction Management, and a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Clinical Operations Management.

Collin College regularly partners with businesses, governments, and industries, to provide customized training and workforce development. Collin College has campuses and centers across Collin County, including those in Allen, Celina, Farmersville, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Wylie, and the iCollin Virtual Campus.

“In collaboration with our Board of Trustees, we have executed a comprehensive vision to take Collin College to the next level of achievement through a strategic plan focused on student engagement and success, sound fiscal management, and offering easily accessible courses,” said Dr. Neil Matkin, Collin College district president. “Together, we have championed a spirit of innovation throughout the district, implemented the college’s first baccalaureate degrees, and strengthened the relationship between the college and our communities.”

Collin College’s latest collaborations include the Academic Alliance, a new partnership with Texas State University and The University of Texas at Dallas which will provide area residents with the opportunity to enroll at Collin and one of these distinguished universities, earn an associate degree, seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree*, and save thousands of dollars without ever having to leave Collin County. These three institutions have transformed the look and feel of higher education with an innovative opportunity.

Another recent collaboration is the launch of the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at Collin College. This innovative co-enrollment program was developed to address the state’s growing need for engineers. Qualified students who are admitted to the Texas A&M College of Engineering complete the first two years of coursework at Collin College and finish their engineering degrees in College Station.

While co-enrolled at both institutions, students will have opportunities to fully participate in student activities and organizations at both Texas A&M University and Collin College.

In addition to these opportunities, there are many other services that students and staff can take advantage of. All Collin College campuses offer student support for academics such as tutoring, advising, financial aid, and registration assistance. And don’t forget the fun activities including student and community engagement activities and signature campus events.

“At Collin College, we strive to make the Wylie Campus a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all incoming and returning students,” said Wylie Campus Provost Dr. Mary McRae. “Our faculty are always eager to help our scholars succeed in their academic and workforce pursuits. Plan time to sit down with our college and career counselors and career center manager to discuss your future goals today.”

The Collin College Wylie Campus offers specialized facilities for programs such as STEM, Business, Computer Networking, Real Estate, Urban Sustainable Agriculture, Veterinary Technology, Fine Arts, Education, Health Sciences, and much more. Other resource areas include the library, campus bookstore, Anthony Peterson Center for Academic Assistance, American National Bank of Texas Honors Institute, “CougarFit” fitness center, Student and Enrollment Services, and much more.

Dr. Millie Black, a professor of Political Science at Collin College, said she enjoys working at the Wylie Campus because her colleagues focus on partnering with the community and prepare students from all walks of life to achieve their dreams.

“Here at the Wylie Campus students are supported at every step of their academic journeys, from working with students to transform their study habits to providing them with tasty on-campus food options to fuel their day,” Dr. Black said. “We also offer diverse course offerings, degrees, and certifications specifically developed and designed for today’s students.”

The campus has a lot to offer, like library cards, a free seed library, résumé building assistance, professional headshots, job recruitment, middle school through adult age summer camps, and various community events. These are just a few examples of the services and support that students have available to them.

“Collin College offers a wealth of resources to support student success,” said Deborah Cardenas, a professor of Biology at the Wylie Campus. “Additionally, our state-ofthe-art campus brings high-quality instruction closer to home for many of our students.”

Furthermore, Collin College has been named as one of the 2023 Best for Vets Colleges by Military Times. This is the 11th year that the college has received the prestigious distinction. The district works to ensure that veterans have the support needed to get the most out of their college experience.

“It is an honor to provide excellent education as well as comprehensive resources and academic services to student veterans who serve our country,” Dr. Matkin said. “We are grateful to receive this recognition from Military Times.”

Collin College is ranked 39 out of 325 colleges and universities nationwide, third among two-year colleges, and first in the entire Southwest region, according to Military Times.

The college holds a variety of community events that educate, inspire, and entertain. From an evening at the theatre to enjoying music and dance performances, or listening to a guest lecture, students can enjoy a variety of activities while finding the pathway that best suits their educational needs.

*Pending approvals from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

To learn more about the Wylie Campus, visit www.collin. edu/campuses/wylie. www.collin.edu