The leader helped guide Collin College from a small local campus into one of Texas’ largest community college systems
After more than four decades helping shape higher education in North Texas, Dr. J. Robert Collins is retiring from the Collin College Board of Trustees.
Collins, a founding trustee of the college, officially concludes 41 years of service after playing a major role in transforming Collin College from a small regional institution into one of the largest and fastest-growing community college systems in Texas.
His final official event as trustee came during the college’s May commencement ceremony, where he experienced a deeply personal milestone: watching his grandson graduate from the institution he helped build.
“We always believed Collin County deserved a college that could grow with the community and provide opportunities for generations of students,” Collins said in the announcement. “Watching my grandson graduate from Collin College during my final commencement ceremony made this moment especially meaningful for my family and for me.”
From Local Classrooms To A Regional College System
When Collins first joined the board in 1985, Collin College operated with only a small number of classes hosted at local high schools. Over the next four decades, the institution expanded dramatically under the leadership of Collins and fellow trustees.
Today, the college includes:
10 campuses and centers
The iCollin Virtual Campus
More than 200 degree and certificate programs
Bachelor’s degree offerings
More than 60,000 students annually
Throughout his tenure, Collins consistently emphasized affordability, workforce readiness and strategic growth as the county rapidly expanded.
A Long Legacy Of Leadership
In addition to serving as chair of the board of trustees, Collins also led the college’s organization, education and policy committee.
According to college officials, he remained one of the longest-serving community college trustees in Texas history.
“It is difficult to imagine Collin College without Dr. Collins’ grand vision, leadership and unwavering dedication,” said Dr. Neil Matkin, district president of Collin College.
“His influence can be seen in every campus, every partnership and in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students whose futures have been transformed through education,” Matkin said.
Service Beyond Collin College
Before entering higher education leadership, Collins spent more than 30 years working for a Fortune 500 defense electronics company, eventually serving as a corporate vice president and officer. He later joined East Texas A&M University as both a faculty member and administrator.
His public service career also extended into local government, including time serving on the Plano City Council and as mayor pro tem for the city.
Community leaders and state officials recognized Collins’ retirement during a public reception on May 26.
The event included a joint Texas resolution presented by State Representatives Jeff Leach, Candy Noble and Keresa Richardson, as well as a congressional proclamation from the office of Keith Self.
Applications Now Open For Place 8
Following Collins’ retirement, Collin College has opened applications for the Place 8 trustee position.
Candidates must:
Be U.S. citizens
Be at least 18 years old
Be qualified voters
Have lived in Collin County for at least six continuous months
Have lived in Texas for at least 12 continuous months before appointment
Applications, résumés and recommendation letters must be submitted by Friday, June 26 at 5 p.m. More information about the trustee application process is available through Collin College’s official Board Elections webpage.
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