Collin College Honors Dr. J. Robert Collins with Farmersville Campus Building Naming

Collin College celebrated longtime Board of Trustees member and founding leader Dr. J. Robert “Bob” Collins on Oct. 13 with the dedication of Dr. J. Robert Collins Hall at the Farmersville Campus, recognizing his 41 years of service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the college.

Collin College leaders, Board of Trustees members, elected officials, family members, and community supporters gathered to honor Dr. Collins’ legacy through remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Among those in attendance were Congressman Keith Self, Texas State Representatives Jeff Leach and Matt Shaheen, County Judge Chris Hill, Farmersville Mayor Craig Overstreet, and numerous other local elected officials from across Collin County.

“Dr. Collins has been instrumental in shaping Collin College into the institution it is today,” said Collin College District President Dr. Neil Matkin. “For more than four decades, his leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to student success have helped expand educational opportunities across Collin County. Naming this building in his honor is a fitting tribute to his remarkable legacy. It ensures that future generations of students will recognize the impact he has made on our college and community.”

Dr. Collins began his service on April 6, 1985, the day Collin College was established, as a founding member of the Board of Trustees. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Collins championed affordable, accessible education, workforce development, strategic growth, and community partnerships, helping expand educational opportunities for generations of students.

During the ceremony, speakers shared personal reflections on Dr. Collins’ mentorship, dedication, and forward-thinking approach to leadership. Texas State Rep. Jeff Leach looked back on Dr. Collins’ influence throughout the community and the importance of honoring those who helped shape Collin County.

“We follow in the footsteps of great, great men and women like you, and Collin County’s best days are ahead, not because of us, but because of great people like you,” Leach said.

Beyond his contributions to the college, Dr. Collins has been recognized as a respected community leader and mentor whose commitment to public service has influenced generations of elected officials, educators, and community members.

During the ceremony, U.S. Rep. Keith Self presented Dr. Collins with a Congressional Commendation and a challenge coin in recognition of his decades of leadership, public service, and contributions to Collin College and the Collin County community.

The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting celebrating the building’s new name and the enduring legacy of a leader whose vision helped establish the foundation for Collin College’s continued success.

Through the dedication of Dr. J. Robert Collins Hall, Collin College honors more than four decades of service. It ensures that Dr. Collins’ contributions will remain part of the institution’s history for generations to come.

Collin College serves more than 62,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 200 degrees and certificates, 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, a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Clinical Operations Management, and a new Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in Software Development. The only public college based in Collin County, Collin College is a partner to business, government, and industry, providing customized training and workforce development. For more information, visit www.collin.edu. 

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