The 2016-17 Collin College board of trustees, back row, from left: Adrian Rodriguez, Larry Wainwright, President Neil Matkin, Jim Orr and Raj Menon; front row: Andrew Hardin, Robert Collins and Jenny McCall. Not pictured: Mac Hendricks and Nancy Wurzman[/caption]
Big decisions made in 2016
- Collin College long-range master plan A new long-range master plan for Collin College was approved. The plan has five priorities that will guide the college’s course of action for the next five years. Some of those priorities include expanding the college’s physical footprint and adding more workforce programs to align with projected labor market needs.
- Collin College to build campus in Wylie In June, the Collin College board of trustees announced plans to build a new campus in Wylie that is expected to open in 2020. The new campus will be located adjacent to Wylie City Hall on Country Club Road. College leaders plan to break ground on the three-building, 415,000-square-foot Wylie campus within three years.
Top issues for 2017
- Intent to call a bond election In September, the Collin College board of trustees approved a resolution for the intent to call a bond election in May 2017 to assist the college in implementing its master plan. Because the college plans to expand, the college’s chief financial officer Kenneth Lynn said it would require financing to accomplish further expansion. The earliest that trustees could call for a bond election would be February.
- Campus carry law takes effect Aug. 1 Senate Bill 11, which permits concealed carrying of handguns on college campuses, goes into effect Aug. 1 for community colleges. Universities in Texas implemented SB 11 in August 2016. This spring, open forums are planned for those who plan to bring a concealed handgun on campus.
A question for Neil Matkin, Collin College president
What is in store for Collin College in 2017?
"For 2017, the board of trustees has indicated to bring forth a bond election. If it passes, it will fuel the opportunity to realize the master plan."
