“This anniversary is a chance to look back on 40 years of growth for Collin College and the communities we serve, to remember all of the people whose lives we have touched, and to look forward to greater opportunities in the future,” Collin College President Neil Matkin said in an emailed statement.
The background
More than 25,000 Collin County residents signed a petition to support the opening of a public community college in the area in 1984, and in 1985, the Collin County Community College District was established.
In a general election held April 6, 1985, 60% of voters cast a ballot to support the creation of the school. Voters also set the school’s first tax rate, passed a bond measure and elected the first board of trustees, college documents state.
The college began with teaching classes at five local high schools prior to the opening of the McKinney campus, the school’s first facility, in January 1986. Additional campuses and facilities have since opened across the county, including locations in Plano, Frisco, Celina and Allen, with the college’s footprint spanning over 3 million square feet, according to its website.
The college’s first graduating class included 13 students, and at the time, the school offered a total of 25 degrees, certificates and pathways. The school has grown to offer over 200 degrees and certificates including four bachelor's degree programs, and more than 60,000 students have graduated from Collin College, its website states.
Quote of note
“It warms my heart to think that Collin College, with 10 campuses and centers throughout Collin County and a robust iCollin Virtual Campus, started with our community members going to the polls on April 6, 1985, to approve the college’s formation,” Matkin said. “That vote and the continued support from our communities has allowed us to improve higher education access, offer new and evolving academic programs, and provide life-changing educational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of students who have passed through our doors.”
Get involved
Two community events are planned to be held in April to celebrate the anniversary of the college, according to a March 14 news release. Both events are free and open to the public, the release states.
The first public event will be held next to the campus library at the McKinney campus, located at 2200 W. University Drive, from 1-7 p.m. April 5. The event, titled the Where It All Began Music Festival, will feature six singers performing in a variety of musical styles. Performers include:Attendees can bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on while watching performers. The event will also include food trucks, inflatables, lawn games and giveaways.
The second public event will be held at the Celina Campus, located at 2505 Kinship Parkway, from 4-7 p.m. April 9. The annual Celina Campus Carnival will celebrate the college’s anniversary and feature rides, games, free food, prizes and more.
“From our first campus in McKinney to our newest campus in Celina, Collin College has grown along with the communities and the people of Collin County,” Matkin said in the release. “We are glad that you will be able to celebrate this milestone with us at these two great public events.”
For more information on the 40th anniversary of Collin College, visit www.collin.edu/40.
